Lazy bio

All You Need To Know About Charles Dance

Born Walter Charles Dance on October 10, 1946, in Redditch, Worcestershire. His engineer father died when Dance was four, after which he and his mother moved to Devon. She struggled to make ends meet, working in a café to support them both.

After leaving school he enrolled at art college, but claims his heart wasn't in it. He took odd jobs to make ends meet, and spent his spare time doing amateur dramatics, prompting him to take acting lessons.

He spent five years with the Royal Shakespeare Company and made his TV debut in mini-series Edward the King in 1975, following it up with appearances in Tales Of The Unexpected and Fatal Spring.

His first film was 1981 Bond movie For Your Eyes Only, but his big break came in 1984 when he was cast in The Jewel In The Crown.

He went on to star in White Mischief, Alien3, The Last Action Hero, Gosford Park, Ali G InDaHouse and First Born.

He also produced, directed, and wrote the screenplay for the acclaimed film Ladies in Lavender. He was awarded an OBE in 2006. More recent projects include Your Highness, and HBO's Game Of Thrones

Met Joanna Haythorn while at art school. They married in 1970, had two children, and divorced in 2004. He was linked to actress Sophia Myles and had a daughter with sculptress Eleanor Boorman, but they broke off their engagement in 2012.

His real first name Walter - he dropped it as he didn't like having the initials WC.

Top quote: "If someone calls you suave and debonair you only get offered parts in a suit and a collar and tie. It just so happens I wear them reasonably well."

http://blogs.coventrytelegraph.net/passtheremote/2013/05/all-you-need-to-know-about-cha.html