The character of Charlie Young was originally to appear in the pilot, with a draft dated February 6, 1998, describing him as a "fresh-faced" 19-year-old who is taking a year off from Georgetown University to work as the President's personal aide.

[2] Aged 21 when he enters the White House, the character that made it into the show is slightly older than the early pilot draft called for, and has a somewhat modified history.

Actor Dulé Hill said he decided to audition for the role due to the involvement of Martin Sheen (who portrayed President Bartlet) and show creator Aaron Sorkin, whose work he admired.

[3] In preparing for the role, Hill met with his character's real-life counterpart, Kris Engskov, then personal aide to President Bill Clinton.

[12] Because of this, he receives death threats from white supremacist groups,[13] and is later the target of an assassination attempt while leaving an event in Rosslyn, Virginia.

He develops a renewed interest in Zoey when she returns in season four with a new boyfriend and, even after receiving a Dear John email, refuses to stop pursuing her, stating that he is still in love with her.

[16] Charlie briefly dates Meeshel Anders, played by Gabrielle Union, during season five before learning that she will be working in the White House press room.

"[17] Although initially quiet and subservient toward the President and his staff,[10] as Charlie settles into his job he becomes more open with his colleagues and develops a strong rapport and close protective bond with Bartlet.

And he did such an effective job reminding of us Charlie's backstory (his mother was a cop shot in the line of duty) just by flashing a haunted look or reacting with understated but powerful emotion as he becomes a crucial part of the Bartlet family."

[23] For his performance in the third season, Hill received a nomination for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series.

[24] In addition, Hill received six consecutive nominations alongside his co-stars for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series at the Screen Actors Guild Awards, winning in 2001 and 2002.