Charles Phoenix was born on December 21, 1962, in Upland, California. He grew up in a typical American household with his father, who worked as a used car salesman, and his mother, who stayed at home to raise Charles and his siblings. From a young age, Charles showed a keen interest in history and humor, which would later shape his career as a historian and humorist.
After graduating from high school, Charles enrolled at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in 1992. He pursued a degree in fashion design, which would later lead to his work as a fashion designer in the industry. However, Charles's true passion lay in history and vintage culture, which he discovered during his time at the institute.
After completing his degree, Charles began working as a fashion designer in the mid-1990s. While he found success in the industry, he felt a calling towards something greater. He began collecting vintage films and photographs, which inspired him to create his Retro Slide Show presentations.
In addition to his Retro Slide Shows, Charles also became known for his test kitchen experiments. He gained fame for his eccentric food concoctions, which pushed the boundaries of traditional cooking. His Cherpumple dessert dish, a three-layer cake with cherry, pumpkin, and apple pie fillings, was both praised and criticized for its bold flavors.
Charles has made numerous public appearances throughout his career, showcasing his Retro Slide Shows and test kitchen experiments. He has been a guest judge on the popular cooking competition series Cake Wars, where his unique perspective and humor have delighted audiences. Charles also made a memorable appearance on Conan O'Brien's Conan in 2013, where he showcased his latest test kitchen results to a national audience.
Despite his busy career, Charles remains close to his family and values the time spent with loved ones. He credits his parents for instilling in him a love of history and humor, which have guided him throughout his life. Charles's passion for vintage culture and comedy continues to drive his work, as he seeks to inspire others with his unique blend of entertainment and education.