Charles, friend of the stars, dies

Many local people will know Charles from the time when he ran a ‘Galleria of Antiques’ in Battle High Street opposite the Abbey in the late 1980s.

He later converted the premises into a ‘Hall of Fame’ displaying artefacts such as Sir Noel Coward’s smoking jacket and cigarette holder, along with many photographs signed by famous stars of stage and screen, copies of which were later displayed in Yesterday’s World. Charles also ran a Galleria in Norman Road, Hastings, for many years.

He was born in South Africa and educated in Johannesburg.

Before becoming South Africa’s Tap Dancing Champion, Charles studied fashion at the Kirsten Academy and became assistant designer to the couturier Ivor Kirsten.

He studied drama and won a bursary to attend the Guildhall School of Speech and Drama, leaving for London shortly before he turned 18 in 1957.

Within three days of his arrival, he landed a six-month contract to appear at the London Palladium, and then returned to Johannesburg for a three-month tour on the bill with George Formby, Anne Ziegler, Webster Booth and Eve Boswell.

Returning to London he appeared extensively on television, partnering international stars including Eartha Kitt, Jayne Mansfield, Diana Dors and Dolores Gray, who became a life-long friend.

After an ankle fracture he abandoned his dancing career and returned to haute couture, opening a small boutique in London’s Lexington Street before becoming employed as a designer and cutter in several establishments in the rag-trade in Gt. Titchfield Street.

Ralph Levy, who directed the original pilot of ‘I Love Lucy’ in American, asked Charles to become his personal assistant for ‘Harry’s Girls’.

Charles went on to become a personal assistant to noted ballet dancer Sir Anton Dolin and director Jose Quintero.

Charles was great friends with Princess Margaret and often accompanied Margaret to her home on Mystique, where he would meet up with another good friend, Oliver Messel, English artist, famed stage designer and architect.