The True Story of Charlie Wilson

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.

Full Cast of The True Story of Charlie Wilson

Rene Napoli as Drug Dealer

Rene Napoli

Drug Dealer
Aaron Sorkin as Self

Aaron Sorkin

Self

Frank V. Gaide

Charlie Wilson

Joanne Herring

Self

Michelle McClory

Carrol Shannon

Melanie Morgan

Joanne Herring

Shawn Valentino

Soldier

Charlie Wilson

Self

Crew of The True Story of Charlie Wilson

Full backstage crew list →