Charles Esten

Charles Esten Puskar III, also known professionally as Charles Esten, and (when appearing as himself on improvisation shows, comedy or hosting) as Chip Esten, is an American actor, musician, singer-songwriter, and improv comedian.

Esten played the role of country singer Deacon Claybourne on the drama Nashville from 2012 to 2018, which subsequently kickstarted his own musical career. He also played Ward Cameron on the teen drama series Outer Banks. He appeared in the improvisation show Whose Line Is It Anyway? as a series regular between 1999–2005 and returned with guest appearances from 2017–2020.