Who Is Craig Charles? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Craig Charles, born on July 11, 1964, is a celebrated British actor, comedian, and television presenter. With a solid background in entertainment, he gained fame predominantly through his role as Dave Lister on the iconic sci-fi sitcom Red Dwarf. As of 2025, Craig is 60 years old and remains a prominent figure in British television.
Having continued to innovate and entertain, Craig's career spans several decades and includes various roles across film, television, and radio.
Occupation | Soap Opera Actor |
---|---|
Date of Birth | July 11, 1964 |
Age | 60 Years |
Birth Place | Liverpool, England |
Horoscope | Cancer |
Country | England |
Popularity
Craig Charles's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Craig Charles boasts a charismatic presence, standing at approximately 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) tall. His weight has varied over the years, but as of 2025, he is estimated to weigh around 160 pounds (72 kg). His athletic build reflects his active lifestyle and dedication to maintaining his health.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Craig Charles has always been open about his relationships and family life. He has been married twice and has a total of three children. As of 2025, Craig is happily in a relationship with his boyfriend, although he prefers to keep the details of his personal life private. Known for valuing family above all, he enjoys a close bond with his loved ones.
In 1993, Charles worked with Russell Bell on the Craig Charles Almanac of Total Knowledge, writing about his 'streetwise' sense of humour on a range of topics, from the world's most embarrassing stories to how to explain the mysteries of the universe.
In 1997, Charles and Bell wrote Charles' Red Dwarf character's book The Log, in which Lister decides to leave a log detailing mankind's greatest achievements.
In 1998, Charles published No Other Blue, a collection of his poetry, with illustrations by Philippa Drakeford, on diverse personal subjects including prison, his mother's final illness, love and politics at home and abroad. More recently, he has written a series of nursery rhymes titled Scary Fairy and the Tales of the Dark Wood.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Craig Charles has amassed a significant net worth estimated at $2 million. His earnings stem from a diverse career, including his iconic television roles, radio hosting, and various acting ventures. He continues to engage in projects that contribute to his financial success while also nurturing his passion for entertainment.
Career, Business and Investments
Craig Charles began his career in the late 1980s and garnered widespread recognition as Dave Lister in Red Dwarf. His versatility has allowed him to explore different genres, including comedy and drama.
In addition to television, Craig has hosted radio shows, including his work on BBC Radio 6 Music, where he shares his love for music and engages with audiences across the nation. Over the years, he has made strategic investments in entertainment and media projects that align with his passion for storytelling and creativity.
Charles began his career as a contemporary and urban performance poet on the British cabaret circuit. His performances were considered original, with Charles described as having a natural ironic wit which appealed to talent scouts.
In 1981, Charles climbed on stage at a Teardrop Explodes concert and recited a humorous, but derogatory, poem about the band's singer, Julian Cope.
Charles was invited to open subsequent gigs for the group, and went on to perform as a support act in pubs and clubs for the following three years, and at events such as the Larks in the Park music festival at Sefton Park (1982). He performed poetry reading poems by Vladimir Mayakovsky, W. H. Auden and E. E.
Cummings, at Liverpool's Everyman Theatre (1983), with such poets as Roger McGough and Adrian Henri.
Social Network
Craig Charles maintains a noteworthy presence on social media platforms, leveraging them to connect with fans and share glimpses of his life and career. He is active on Instagram and Twitter, where he posts updates about his ongoing projects, personal interests, and behind-the-scenes moments from his shows. His engaging posts keep his audience connected and informed.
Charles' first television acting role was the Liverpudlian slob Dave Lister in science fiction comedy series Red Dwarf starting in 1988. He was introduced to the show by Saturday Live and Red Dwarf producer Paul Jackson, who wanted his opinion on whether the black character Cat was a racist stereotype.
Charles, who like all of the eventual main cast had no acting experience, was eventually offered an audition after begging Jackson.
Education
While specifics about Craig's education are limited, it's known that he attended several schools and began honing his performing arts skills at a young age. His passion for acting and entertainment became evident during his formative years, leading him to pursue a career in the industry.
He grew up on the Cantril Farm housing estate with his older brother, Dean (died 2014), and two other brothers, Jimmy and Emile. He attended West Derby Comprehensive School followed by Childwall Hall College of Further Education, studying A-levels in History, Government & Politics, English Literature and General Studies.
He won a national competition run by The Guardian newspaper for a poem he wrote when he was 12 years old. Upon leaving school, Charles spent time working in a studio at Central Hall on Renshaw Street in Liverpool.