Christopher was born and raised in New York City as one of seven children (five boys, two girls). He studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, and the Stella Adler Acting Conservatory in New York. He has been married to Lupe Gidley since 1992 and the two share four children: son Riley (b. 1990) and daughters Hannah (b. 1993), Rosie (b. 1996) and Ava (b. 2001).