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Who is Craig Charles?
Hey there! If you’re a fan of British television, you’ve probably heard of Craig Charles. Born on July 11, 1964, in Liverpool, United Kingdom, Craig Joseph Charles is a multi-talented English actor, comedian, DJ, and television and radio presenter. He’s best known for his iconic roles as Dave Lister in the science fiction sitcom Red Dwarf and Lloyd Mullaney in the soap opera Coronation Street. But there’s so much more to Craig than just these roles. Let’s dive into his life, career, and net worth.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Craig Joseph Charles |
| Occupation | Actor, Comedian, DJ, Television Presenter |
| Date of Birth | July 11, 1964 |
| Birth Place | Liverpool, United Kingdom |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Net Worth | $2.5 million |
| Source of Income | Acting, Comedy, DJing, Television Presenting |
| Height | 5’7" (170 cm) |
| Weight | 165 lbs (75 kg) |
| Ethnicity | Mixed (Afro-Caribbean and Irish) |
| Parents | Jackie Charles, Joseph Wilfred Charles |
| Siblings | Emile Charles, Dean Charles |
| Spouse | Jackie Fleming (m. 1999), Cathy Tyson (m. 1984–1989) |
| Children | Jack Tyson Charles, Nellie-Rose Charles, Anna-Jo Charles |
| Education | West Derby Comprehensive School |
Early Life and Family
Craig was born into a working-class family in Liverpool. His father, Joseph Wilfred Charles, was a merchant seaman, and his mother, Jackie Charles, was a housewife. He grew up alongside his siblings, Emile Charles and Dean Charles. From a young age, Craig had a knack for entertaining people, and it wasn’t long before he decided to pursue a career in the entertainment industry.
Education
Craig attended West Derby Comprehensive School in Liverpool. Although he was more interested in performing arts than academics, his school years were crucial in shaping his future career. He was actively involved in drama and music, which laid the foundation for his versatile career.
Career Highlights
Craig’s breakthrough role came in 1988 when he was cast as Dave Lister in the BBC science fiction sitcom Red Dwarf. The show became a cult classic, and Craig’s portrayal of the slobbish yet lovable Lister earned him a dedicated fan base.
Coronation Street
In 2005, Craig joined the cast of the long-running ITV soap opera Coronation Street as Lloyd Mullaney. His character quickly became a fan favorite, and Craig remained on the show until 2015.
Comedy and DJing
Before his acting career took off, Craig was a successful stand-up comedian. He performed at various comedy clubs and even appeared on TV shows like Saturday Live. In addition to his comedy career, Craig is also a renowned DJ. He hosts the popular Craig Charles Funk and Soul Show on BBC Radio 6 Music, where he spins a mix of funk, soul, and jazz tunes.
Television Presenting
Craig has also made a name for himself as a television presenter. He hosted the UK version of Robot Wars from 1998 to 2004 and the Japanese game show Takeshi’s Castle from 2002 to 2004.
Marriages and Children
Craig has been married twice. His first marriage was to actress Cathy Tyson in 1984, but they divorced in 1989. He later married Jackie Fleming in 1999. Craig has three children: Jack Tyson Charles, Nellie-Rose Charles, and Anna-Jo Charles.
Hobbies and Interests
When he’s not working, Craig loves spending time with his family. He’s also an avid music lover and enjoys collecting vinyl records. His passion for music is evident in his DJing career and his radio show.
Net Worth
As of 2023, Craig Charles has an estimated net worth of $2.5 million. His wealth primarily comes from his successful acting career, television presenting gigs, and DJing. Craig’s versatility and talent have allowed him to maintain a steady income stream over the years.
Philanthropy
Craig is also known for his charitable work. He has supported various causes, including cancer research and children’s charities. His philanthropic efforts reflect his compassionate nature and his desire to give back to the community.
Fun Facts
- Craig is a huge fan of Liverpool FC and often attends their matches.
- He once participated in the reality TV show I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! in 2014.
- Craig has written several poems and even published a poetry book titled Scary Fairy and the Tales of the Dark Wood.
Wrap-Up
Craig Charles is a true Renaissance man. From acting and comedy to DJing and television presenting, he has excelled in every field he has ventured into. His journey from a working-class kid in Liverpool to a beloved entertainer is truly inspiring. With a net worth of $2.5 million and a career spanning over three decades, Craig continues to entertain and inspire audiences worldwide.
