Charles Esten is a versatile and talented American artist who has achieved success as an actor, singer, and comedian. He was born on September 9, 1965 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and grew up in Alexandria, Virginia. He graduated from the College of William and Mary with a degree in economics, and began his career in theater, playing the lead role in the musical Buddy in London.
Charles Esten is best known for his portrayal of Deacon Claybourne, a country singer and songwriter, on the hit TV series Nashville, which ran from 2012 to 2018. His performance earned him critical acclaim and recognition, as well as the opportunity to showcase his musical talents. He released several singles and albums as part of the Nashville cast, and also embarked on his own solo career, breaking a Guinness World Record for releasing a new original single every week for 54 consecutive weeks.
Esten is also a skilled improviser and comedian, who appeared regularly on the show Whose Line Is It Anyway? from 1999 to 2005, and made guest appearances from 2017 to 2020. He demonstrated his ability to create songs and jokes on the spot, and often collaborated with other comedians such as Ryan Stiles, Colin Mochrie, and Wayne Brady.
Esten has also starred in other TV shows and movies, such as The Office, ER, Big Love, Swing Vote, The Postman, and Outer Banks. He is married to Patty Hanson, his high school sweetheart, and they have three children: Taylor, Chase, and Addie. Esten and his family are active supporters of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, as his daughter Addie was diagnosed with leukemia when she was two years old.
Esten is a passionate and dedicated artist who continues to entertain and inspire audiences with his diverse and impressive talents. He is currently working on new music and projects, and often performs live shows for his fans.
His debut album, Love Ain't Pretty, is due release in Q1 2024.