Charles was born 17 November 1881 at Wentworth, Ontario, Canada, the son of George Beach, who worked as a broker, and Emma Ida Dezeally. After he gained maturity, he worked in a cigar factory, and other menial jobs until he decided to emigrate to the United States, where he found work as an actor and a model. Although he had aspirations in becoming an actor, Charles achieved great success as a model. Perhaps his most fortunate job opportunity occurred in 1901 when he visited the studio of the illustrator J. C. Leyendecker. Charles was hired as a model immediately, and soon, a personal relationship developed between Charles and J. C. After J. C. started using Charles as a model, J. C. focused his creative work on the male form and his career as an illustrator really took off. In addition to modeling, Charles also became J. C.'s business manager and secretary, enabling J. C. to concentrate solely on his art. The added benefit of this was a substantial increase in yearly income for the business. Norman Rockwell described Charles as "tall, powerfully built, and extraordinarily handsome -- looked like an athlete from one of the Ivy League colleges." Rockwell also recalled that Charles: "was always beautifully dressed. His manners were polished and impeccable." Initially, Charles rented an apartment not far from J. C.'s studio, although they spent most of their time together. By 1916, after the death of J. C.'s father, Charles finally moved into the Leyendecker household. They were to live together for the remainder of their lives. J.C. and Charles built a new home in New Rochelle, where they became well-known for hosting spectacular, glamorous, parties. Often, they'd use these parties to aid in networking for J. C.'s business. The 1920s was the pinnacle of J.C.'s career as an illustrator. With the help of Charles, J. C. greatly expanded his business and the couple lived a lavish lifestyle. During the 1930s, however, demand for J. C.'s work slowly declined and by the 1940s, his career had significantly diminished. He and Charles continued living at their New Rochelle home until their deaths. J. C. passed away 25 July 1951 at New Rochelle, New York, with Charles by his side. Charles passed away 21 June 1954 at New Rochelle, New York at the age of 72.