Charles Nelson Reilly

Charles Nelson Reilly is one of those performers I deeply respect for refusing to be just one thing. He originated roles in landmark Broadway shows, won a Tony for How to Succeed, and then became a household face through Match Game, all while directing and teaching drama. That blend of theatrical pedigree and warm, self-deprecating television comedy is rare, and he made it look easy. He turned camp and wit into genuine craft. Though he passed in 2007, his airy, unmistakable presence endures as a kind of classic. To me he remains the eternal scene-stealer, beloved precisely because he was unafraid.

Name (English)

Charles Nelson Reilly

Name (Japanese)

チャールズ・ネルソン・ライリー

Reading

ちゃーるず・ねるそん・らいりー

Born

January 13, 1931 – May 25, 2007

Zodiac / Chinese zodiac

Capricorn / Goat

Origin

South Bronx, New York, United States

Occupation

comedian / film director / theatre director / teacher / stage actor

Awards & achievements

• 1962 Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical
• 2001 Grammy Hall of Fame

• Official sitehttp://www.charlesnelsonreilly.com/
• Xhttps://x.com/CNReilly
• Wikipedia (English)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles%20Nelson%20Reilly
• Wikidatahttps://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1065627

Tags

• New York
• comedian
• film director
• theatre director

Last updated

2026-06-17

Facts are limited to publicly available information up to 2024; non-public or unconfirmed items are omitted. English text is machine-assisted (facts translated by Sonnet, "My Take" written by Opus 4.8). The Japanese page is the source of record.