Childhood and Education Journey of Charles Dance in Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Charles Dance. A timeline of key moments.

Walter Charles Dance, known professionally as Charles Dance, is a prominent English actor celebrated for his portrayals of imposing, authoritarian characters and villains. His acting journey began on stage with the prestigious Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC), leading to roles in both film and television productions. His significant contributions to drama were recognized with an OBE (Order of the British Empire) award presented by Queen Elizabeth II in 2006.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1903: Birth of Mary Dance

In 1903, Mary Dance, Charles Dance's half-sister, was born.

1911: Birth of Eleanor Marion Perks

Eleanor Marion (née Perks), Charles Dance's mother, was born in 1911.

1936: Birth of Michael

In 1936, Michael, Charles Dance's half-brother, was born.

October 1946: Walter Charles Dance Born

In October 1946, Walter Charles Dance was born in Redditch, Worcestershire, to Eleanor Marion (née Perks) and Walter Dance.

2016: Discovery of Belgian Ancestry

In 2016, while filming an episode of "Who Do You Think You Are?", Charles Dance discovered his mother had Belgian ancestry.

2016: Supported Remaining in the EU

In the run-up to the 2016 EU referendum, Charles Dance supported the UK remaining in the European Union.

2018: Residence in Kentish Town

As of 2018, Charles Dance resides in Kentish Town, London.

2020: Criticism of NHS Pay and Boris Johnson

In a 2020 interview with the Financial Times, Charles Dance criticized the pay of NHS workers and labelled Boris Johnson a "bumbling buffoon".

October 2023: Signed Artists for Palestine Letter

In October 2023, after the Gaza war began, Charles Dance was one of over two thousand to sign an "Artists for Palestine" letter calling for a ceasefire and accusing western governments of "not only tolerating war crimes but aiding and abetting them."

January 2024: Contributed to Video Supporting South Africa's ICJ Motion

In January 2024, Charles Dance contributed to a video published by the Palestine Festival of Literature in support of South Africa's legal motion accusing Israel of genocide at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

September 2025: Signed Film Workers for Palestine Pledge

In September 2025, Charles Dance signed an open pledge with Film Workers for Palestine pledging not to work with Israeli film institutions "that are implicated in genocide and apartheid against the Palestinian people."