While many TV viewers will recall Charles Nelson Reilly and his zany humor from numerous appearances as a panelist on game-shows. most particularly "The Match Game". more than a few may not be aware of his distinguished stage career as both actor and director. The Bronx-born, Connecticut-raised performer got his start in summer theater in 1950. Honing his craft in numerous productions and under the tutelage of Herbert Berghof and Uta Hagen, Reilly was more than prepared when he made his NYC in a 1956 revival of the musical "Best Foot Forward". In 1960, he was featured in the Jerry Herman revue
After his father suffered a nervous breakdown, moved with family to Hartford, Connecticut; sent to live with grandparents; lived in 2 1/2 room apartment with six other people and no heat or hot water
1944
Attended a circus where a fire broke out that eventually killed 167 members of the audience; Reilly was unharmed
After college, moved to NYC to pursue acting career
1950
Stage debut in summer stock production of "Broken Dishes" in Tiverton, Rhode Island
