Charles Shaughnessy, born and raised in London, England, came from a show-business family. His father was the principal writer and script editor on "Upstairs, Downstairs" and his mother was an actress. He started acting in school plays while in grade school and, after graduating from Eton College, was accepted at Cambridge University to study law. "Despite a lifelong love of the theater, I thought it was about time someone in my family did something sensible," he said.

While at Cambridge he joined the famous "Footlights Revue" comedy group. Upon graduation, Shaughnessy returned to his first love, acting, and enrolled in drama school in London. After a year touring in repertory, he was cast in the Agatha Christie television series "Partners in Crime." He then won the lead role in the BBC drama series "Jury."