Born in London, Ontario, Canada, Charles and his brother Al left home to pursue a career in the fledgling motion picture industry. In Hollywood, California, they made enough money working in films to purchase a property at 6724 Hollywood Boulevard and set up their own Christie Film Company to make comedy movies.

Charles was primarily the business administrator, while brother Al made films. Before long, the Christie brothers were two of Hollywood's most powerful movie moguls. By 1922, the brothers were so successful that they built the Christie Hotel, Hollywood's first luxury hotel featuring such extravagances as private baths. However, the Stock Market Crash of 1929 and the ensuing Great Depression devastated business and in January of 1933, the Christie brothers companies went into receivership, the studio assets being acquired by another large film making company.

While his brother remained with the new owners, producing comedy films, Charles went into the selling of real estate.

Charles Christie died in Hollywood. He is interred in the Hollywood Forever Cemetery, Hollywood, California. He has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 1719 Vine Street.