Charles Shaughnessy was born and raised in London, England, and came from a show business family. His father was the principal writer and script editor on "Upstairs, Downstairs" and his mother was an actress. He began acting in school plays while in grade school and after graduating from Eton College, was accepted at Cambridge University to study law. "Despite a lifelong love of the theater, I thought it was about time someone in my family did something sensible," he once mentioned.
While at Cambridge he joined the famous "Footlights Revue" comedy group. Upon graduation, Shaughnessy returned to his first love, acting, and enrolled in drama school in London. After a year touring in repertory, he was cast in the Agatha Christie television series "Partners in Crime." He then won the lead role in the BBC drama series "Jury".
Romance brought the actor to America where he moved to Studio City and married his wife Susan. They have two children and reside in Santa Monica.