In 2012 , Abbott co-starred opposite Melanie Lynskey in the comedy-drama film '' Hello I Must Be Going '' . The film premiered at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival , and was released theatrically in the United States on September 7 , 2012 . Critic Roger Ebert praised the film and Abbott 's performance . Abbott gained public recognition for his role as the sweet , docile boyfriend of Marnie ( Allison Williams ) , Charlie Dattolo in the HBO comedy-drama series '' Girls '' . Created by Lena Dunham , the series premiered on April 15 , 2012 . Abbott decided to quit the series after season two 's finale which left the fans of the series in shock . Abbott stated that the reason why he left was because of the fact that he could n't relate to the character . Before leaving '' Girls '' , Abbott starred in a series of short films opposite model-actress Sheila Márquez for Free People and guest-starred in an episode of the comedy-drama series '' Enlightened '' opposite Luke Wilson
2012 Sundance Film Festival
2012 Sundance Film Festival
Christopher Abbott