Charles Gunning was born in Waxahachie, Texas. As a child growing up in Dallas, he always aspired to be an artist.

He was an active participant in the music and art scenes while residing in Austin, Texas, where he lived for 20 years. Charles has lived in Los Angeles, California, since 1991. Charles studied Television and Film at The University of Texas at Austin and at the Conservatory of The American Film Institute in Hollywood.