Villanueva has an autoimmune skin disease known as alopecia universalis, a variation of alopecia areata. This prevents the growth of hair on the scalp and/or elsewhere on the body, but otherwise is not physically painful, dangerous, or life-threatening. Villanueva is a spokesman for the NAAF, and received the February 2006 Community Assist Award from the NBA for his work with the organization. A first-generation Dominican-American, Villanueva is fluent in Spanish, as it is the language he speaks with his family. Villanueva has three brothers all named Roberto, aka Rob, after their Dad's name: Rob Antonio, Rob Elia, Rob Carlos. Announced in September 2015, Charlie is working with two of the three Rob's on a documentary, called "What is Alopecia", based on the autoimmune disease Alopecia Areata, in order to continue his advocacy efforts to educate, create awareness and support the Alopecia community. Villanueva also has two children: CJ & Ayliah.
Villanueva originally gave a verbal commitment to play for the University of Illinois, but after Bill Self left the Illini for the University of Kansas, Villanueva withdrew his commitment. He considered following Self to the Jayhawks, but instead opted to play for the University of Connecticut. In his freshman year at UConn, Villanueva earned Big East All-Rookie Team honors and was a key reserve member of the 2004 NCAA National Championship team. As a sophomore at UConn, he averaged 13.6 points and 8.3 rebounds, leading the team in scoring and receiving team MVP and second-team All-Big East honors. Villanueva declared for the 2005 NBA draft following his sophomore season, thus forgoing his final two years of college eligibility.
Professional career
Toronto Raptors (2005–2006)
Villanueva was selected by the Toronto Raptors with the seventh overall pick in the 2005 NBA draft. Despite being panned by critics as soon as his name was called in the draft, Villanueva responded with a solid rookie season. He averaged 13.0 points and 6.4 rebounds in 81 games. He finished second among rookies in points and rebounds, and third in minutes and blocked shots. He also tallied 12 double-doubles and set the Raptors' rookie records for points and rebounds in a game. He also appeared in the Rookie Challenge and was named to the All-NBA Rookie first team.
On June 30, 2006, Villanueva was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks in exchange for T. J. Ford. In March 2009, Villanueva was reprimanded by Bucks coach Scott Skiles for posting a message on his Twitter account during halftime of the Bucks–Celtics game. Despite the mishap, Villanueva's 2008–09 season turned out to be a career-best season for him as he averaged 16.2 points and 6.7 rebounds per game.
On July 8, 2009, Villanueva signed a five-year, $40 million contract with the Detroit Pistons. On January 2, 2013, Villanueva was fined $25,000 by the NBA for delivering a flagrant foul to Sacramento Kings guard Isaiah Thomas the previous night. Villanueva had been ejected from the game for elbowing Thomas as Thomas drove to the basket. The NBA league office added the fine after reviewing the play.
Dallas Mavericks (2014–2016)
On September 23, 2014, Villanueva signed with the Dallas Mavericks. On February 9, 2015, he scored a season-high 26 points in a loss to the Los Angeles Clippers. On August 6, 2015, Villanueva re-signed with the Mavericks to a one-year deal.
