Charles "Chip" Esten was born on September 9. He was raised in Alexandria Virginia. Chip graduated from the College of William and Mary located in Williamsburg, Virginia with a Masters in Economics. During his junior year he met his soon to be wife, Patty. Chip made his theatrical debut in London when he played Buddy Holly in the hit West End musical Buddy. It was around this same time that he first appeared on the British version of Whose Line is it Anyway in 1992 and 1994. He also appeared as Buddy Holly in a U.S. touring version.

His first film debut was in the Kevin Costner directed movie The Postman. He was also in Late Last Night and Thirteen Days. He was recently in the HBO movie 61* directed by Billy Crystal. He has also guest starred in serveral TV shows, such as Star Trek the Next Generation and Voyager. He also has a semi-regular role on the ABC soap opera All My Children.

Chip continues to appear in the guest chair on the American version of Whose Line is it Anyway where he is known for his incredable singing an dancing skills along with his quick wit. He now lives in Los Angeles with his wife and kids. He has two daughters, Taylor and Addie, and a son, Chase.