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Charles got into show business at an early age, honing his skills as a magician and ventriloquist. He joined the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus in 1938, performing at Madison Square Garden in New York City , and stayed with them for ten seasons
He subsequently worked for 16 different circuses throughout his career, traveling from coast to coast. Charles had the distinction of being the first ventriloquist to appear on television in its infancy, a "new" medium at the time
Charley managed many circus sideshow and performed his Punch and Judy in them.
He was later associated with the "International Cavalcade of Stars" troupe. In honor of his dedication, The Harold Ronk and Charlie Roark Tent #128 of The Circus Fans Association of America, was named for him.
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