Charles Kimbrough was born on May 23, 1936, in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Charles Kimbrough has had a very strong stage career. He became interested in the theater through his aunt who was the co-author of a book on theater. He earned his master's degree in directing from the Yale Drama School and spent three seasons at the Williamstown Theater Festival. He first appeared on Broadway in "Cop-Out."

Charles did many other Broadway plays including:
"The Water Engine,"
"Company," (nomination: Tony Awards for Best Featured Actor)
"Sunday in the Park with George," (nomination: Drama Desk Award)
"Candide,"
"Same Time Next Year."

Also, he starred in "Love Letters" (with Beth Howland) at the Old Globe Theater in California and "Later Life" in the Playwrights Horizons in New York.

Charles talks about being cast for Murphy in pages 38-40 of the Murphy Brown book. Basically he says that he was between plays trying to get a part on a new play and got this script. When he read it, he loved it, so he flew to California to try out (he tried out with Faith Ford) and even though he tried very hard (because he really wanted the part) he didn't think he got it. But his agent called him and told him he got the job.

And its a good thing he did... Because can you imagine Jim Dial played by another actor?? (After ten years of episodes it makes it very difficult.)

Charles was nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for Murphy Brown in 1990. He did not win, but Alex Rocco of The Famous Teddy 2 won. Also nominated were Kelsey Grammar and Woody Harleson, both from Cheers. It was the only time that Charles was nominated for an Emmy.

For Charles complete filmography, click here. His most recent work was a voice in the Disney version of The Hunchback of Notre Dame.

A few more things: Charles is married (though nowhere does it say to whom) and has one son. The cast of Murphy Brown often call him Charlie.

A little article about Charles Kimbrough I found. (There's also an article on Pat Corley's character's death and Newt Gingrich appearing on the show.)

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