Which actor played presidential aide Charlie Young?

Dulé Hill played presidential aide Charlie Young on The West Wing.

Charlie is introduced in the third episode, “A Proportional Response,” after applying for a part-time messenger job at the White House. Instead, personnel officer Deborah De LaGuardia recommends him to Josh Lyman, who hires him as President Jed Bartlet’s personal aide. Charlie remains closely connected to Bartlet throughout the series and later becomes a deputy special assistant to the chief of staff.

The character’s backstory gives the role unusual emotional weight. Charlie’s mother, a Washington, D.C., police officer, was killed in the line of duty after Charlie persuaded her to switch shifts. He also helps care for his younger sister, Deanna. His relationship with Bartlet’s daughter Zoey becomes a major storyline, especially after the couple faces racist abuse and a violent attack.

A common mix-up is confusing Hill with Bradley Whitford, who played Josh Lyman, or Rob Lowe, who played Sam Seaborn. Hill later became widely known for starring as Burton “Gus” Guster on Psych.