A Journey Through Life and Career
James May, a 62-year-old television presenter, has become a familiar face to many through his work on shows like Top Gear and The Grand Tour. His career spans over two decades, starting with the BBC in 2003 and continuing with Amazon until 2024. Born in Bristol, he initially worked in the Civil Service before transitioning into journalism. His early career was marked by some unconventional choices, including being fired from Autocar magazine for leaving a hidden message in the headlines.
May’s journey into the world of television wasn’t straightforward. He admits that as a young man, he lacked vision and ambition. It wasn’t until his late 30s that he began to understand the world around him. After graduating, he took on various jobs, from working in a car dealership to managing records in the NHS and even working on the London Underground. He recalls being fired from most of these positions, describing himself as “hopeless” during that time.
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Despite his early struggles, May had dreams of becoming a fighter pilot or a rock star. However, he never saw himself as a footballer because he wasn’t particularly athletic. He felt that school placed too much emphasis on sports, which made him feel out of place. In contrast, his upbringing in South Yorkshire encouraged musical talents, leading him to learn the flute at the age of 11 after another student took the trumpet.
This early exposure to music sparked a passion that led him to study it at university. His musical abilities opened doors that he hadn’t anticipated, setting the stage for a career that would eventually take him far beyond the classroom.
Close Encounters with Death and Adventure
One of the most harrowing moments in May’s life occurred when he crashed his aeroplane. He was attempting to land in a gusting crosswind when the plane flipped over. The situation could have been fatal if there had been a fire. This experience prompted him to take flying lessons, which he eventually completed, earning his private pilot’s licence.
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May’s love for adventure extends beyond the skies. He owns a Ferrari, a boat, and an aeroplane, though he admits to feeling embarrassed when driving the Ferrari. He often takes the aeroplane to different airfields to explore local cafes, adding a unique twist to his travel experiences.
Art, Health, and Personal Reflections
In addition to his love for travel and adventure, May is also an art collector. His collection includes works from the 20th century, as well as pieces from Medieval, African, Asian, Middle Eastern, and ancient Chinese cultures. He describes his collecting habits as more about personal enjoyment than financial investment, stating that it would be the last thing he would sell if necessary.
As he ages, May has noticed changes in his physical appearance, particularly around his face and gut. While he still expects to see someone youthful in the mirror, he occasionally sees old photos of himself and is struck by how aged he looks. To combat this, he has made an effort to exercise in recent years, cycling 10 miles a day. However, he had to take a break this year after breaking his wrist in a fall.
Emotional Moments and Personal Losses
May’s emotional side is evident in the way he talks about his cat, Fluff, who passed away suddenly. The loss was deeply painful for him, as they were very close. He also finds himself moved by certain pieces of classical music and poetry, especially works by Bach and Debussy. His youth was marked by a period of confusion, which he credits with helping him sort out his thoughts later in life.
Business Ventures and Retirement
Despite his success in television, May has not found much luck in business. He has tried several ventures, including an unsuccessful website and a pub, which never generated significant profits. He also created a gin brand for his pubs, but it hasn’t brought in substantial income. He admits to being an accidental and reluctant businessperson, advising others to steer clear of such pursuits.
Retirement, which he had long envisioned, hasn’t gone as planned. He intended to take a break in 2025, but instead, he’s been busier than ever, speaking at history festivals, charity events, and preparing for a live show across Australia, New Zealand, and the UK. He hasn’t had a single day off in months, highlighting how his career continues to thrive.
Impostor Syndrome and Public Recognition
Despite his fame, May struggles with impostor syndrome, often questioning whether he deserves the recognition he receives. He never dreamed of becoming famous and didn’t fully understand what it meant. However, he acknowledges the importance of the people who support him, emphasizing that their kindness is what keeps him going.
James Gin is available at Waitrose and online at jamesgin.com. His new tour, Explorers – The Age of Discovery, begins on 20 September.
