The True Story of Charlie Wilson (2007)
A playboy congressman, an outcast CIA operative, and a socialite steer over $300 million of the United States Government’s money — in an era when Reagan couldn’t raise $19 million for the Contras — to fund a covert war intended to turn Afghanistan into “Russia’s Vietnam.” Is this a joke? Is this some improbable work of fiction? Who are these wildly eccentric figures? How did they pull it off? In this special presentation from THE HISTORY CHANNEL® discover the intricate details of this incredible, fascinating and completely true series of events. Learn how Texas Congressman Charlie Wilson allied with CIA agent Gust Avrakotos and Houston philanthropist Joanne Herring to secretly bankroll the Afghan Mujahideen’s resistance to the Soviet Union. Retrace the behind-the-scenes machinations that led to the CIA’s largest and most successful campaign ever. And understand the wide-ranging and long-lasting implications of this little-known episode.
Director: David Keane
![]() |
Frank V. Gaide as Charlie Wilson |
![]() |
Joanne Herring as Self |
![]() |
Michelle McClory as Carrol Shannon |
![]() |
Melanie Morgan as Joanne Herring |
![]() |
Rene Napoli as Drug Dealer |
![]() |
Aaron Sorkin as Self |
![]() |
Shawn Valentino as Soldier |
![]() |
Charlie Wilson as Self |
![]() |
William Lloyd as Narrator |
| Editing | Justin Inda | Editor |
| Writing | Terrence Henry | Writer |
| Writing | Aaron Bowden | Writer |
| Sound | Michael Richard Plowman | Music |
| Production | Aaron Bowden | Producer |
| Production | Justin Inda | Post Producer |
| Directing | David Keane | Director |
| Production | Ryan Spyker | Producer |
| Production | David Keane | Executive Producer |
| Camera | Mark Morris | Director of Photography |
| Camera | Robert Kositchek | Director of Photography |