- In 1999 Charles was nominated for a SAG award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a TV Movie or Miniseries for Blind Faith.
- Before marrying actress Debbie Morgan, Charles dated fellow actress Angela Bassett.
- Charles, tv directorial debut was the HBO movie 'First time Felon'.
- Charles had a two scene cameo in the movie Menace II Society.
- In 1991, Charles, founded Roc Productions to develop and produce film and TV projects.
- Charles film debut was in 1986, movie 'No Mercy'.
- Charles served a prison sentence for possession of deadly weapons.
- After seven and half years in prison Charles was paroled in 1976.
- Charles, founded, acted and directed theater workshops while in prison.
- While in prison Charles, was stabbed in the neck by a fellow inmate with an icepick.
- Charles performed stand-up comedy with his then partner Reg E. Cathy in New York.
- One of Charles hobbies is boxing.
- Charles spent two years in reform school.
- Charles, sister's name is Barbara.
- Charles was accecpted into Yale School of Drama in 1978.
- Charles was nominated for a Tony Award for his portrayal in Ma Rainey's Black Bottom.
- Charles first stage debut was in 1985.
- Charles was nominated for a Tony Award in 1990, for his role in the movie Piano Lesson.
- Charles owns a farm in Ellicott City, Maryland.
- Charles's astrological sign is Aquarius.
- Charles was cast as a detective in Halloween H20, but because of cast reductions and script changes the role was cut.
- Charles did a two year college course while in prison.
- Charles is 5' 10" tall.
- His nickname is Roc.
- He was married to fellow actress Debbie Morgan since 1989, until their divorce in 1994.
- He served seven and a half years in prison for stabbing a man during a street fight.
