Charles Esten - Singer, Songwriter, Comedian, Actor
Age: 60
Country: United States Occupations:
Singer, Songwriter, Comedian, Actor
Charles "Chip" Esten is an American actor, singer, and songwriter known for his versatile career in entertainment.
### 🎭 Career Highlights
* Television Acting: He is perhaps best recognized for his starring roles as the country singer Deacon Claybourne on the drama series _Nashville_ (from 2012 to 2018) and as the antagonist Ward Cameron on the Netflix series _Outer Banks_. His earlier television credits include recurring roles on shows like Big Love, The Office, and ER.
* Improv Comedy: Esten is also a frequent and popular performer in improv comedy, appearing as a recurring cast member and frequent song improvisor on both the original British version and the later ABC version of _Whose Line Is It Anyway?_
* Music and Songwriting: Music has always been a key part of his career. Before his television roles, he starred as Buddy Holly in the hit West End musical "Buddy." The role of Deacon Claybourne later revitalized his own country music career. He is a 2018 Guinness World Records title holder for the "Most consecutive weeks to release an original digital single by a music act," having released 54 original songs once a week for 54 straight weeks in his #EverySingleFriday campaign. His independent debut album, _Love Ain't Pretty_, was released in 2024. He has made nearly 170 appearances at the Grand Ole Opry.
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### 📍 Personal Details
* Birth Name: Charles Esten Puskar III
* Born: September 9, 1965, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
* Education: He graduated with a degree in economics from The College of William and Mary.
* Family: He is married to Patty Hanson, and they have three children.