50 Facts About James May

Early Life and Education

James May's journey began in Bristol, England. His early years and education laid the foundation for his diverse career.

1. Early Life: Born on January 16, 1963, in Bristol, James May was one of four children. His father managed an aluminum factory, and his mother, Kathleen, was a homemaker.
2. Education: May attended Caerleon Endowed Junior School in Newport. His teenage years were spent in South Yorkshire, where he attended Oakwood Comprehensive School in Rotherham.
3. Choirboy: During his school years, May was a choirboy at Whiston Parish Church.
4. University: He studied music at Pendle College, Lancaster University, where he learned to play the flute and piano.

Early Career and Journalism

Before becoming a household name, May had a varied career in journalism and other fields.

5. Career Beginnings: After graduating, May briefly worked at a hospital in Chelsea as a records officer and had a short stint in the civil service.
6. Journalism Career: In the early 1980s, May worked as a sub-editor for The Engineer and later Autocar magazine.
7. Prank Incident: May was dismissed from Autocar in 1992 for hiding a cheeky message in the magazine's "Road Test Yearbook".
8. Writing Career: He has written for several publications, including a regular column England Made Me in Car Magazine, articles for Top Gear magazine, and a weekly column in The Daily Telegraph.

Books and Publications

James May's writing extends beyond journalism, with several books to his name.

9. Books: He has written several books, including May on Motors (2006), a collection of his published articles, and co-authored Oz and James's Big Wine Adventure (2006).
10. Afterword to Long Lane with Turnings: In September 2006, May wrote the afterword to Long Lane with Turnings, the final book by motoring writer L. J. K. Setright.
11. Tribute to Raymond Baxter: In the same month, he co-presented a tribute to Raymond Baxter.
12. Notes From The Hard Shoulder and James May's 20th Century: May published Notes From The Hard Shoulder and James May's 20th Century, a book to accompany the television series of the same name, in 2007.

Television Career

May is best known for his work on television, particularly in automotive shows.

13. Top Gear: May is best known for his role as a co-presenter on the popular TV show "Top Gear" from 2003 until 2015, earning the nickname "Captain Slow".
14. The Grand Tour: After leaving "Top Gear," May co-presented "The Grand Tour" for Amazon Prime Video from 2016 to 2024.
15. Director of W. Chump & Sons: May served as a director of the production company W. Chump & Sons, which has since ceased operating.
16. Travel and Science Programs: He has presented other programs on themes including travel, science & technology, toys, wine culture, and the plight of manliness in modern times.

Personal Life and Interests

Beyond his professional life, May has a rich personal life and varied interests.

17. Personal Life: May is in a long-term relationship with Sarah Frater, whom he met in 2000.
18. Height: He stands at 6 feet (1.83 meters) tall.
19. Interests: May has a keen interest in technology and engineering, evident in his various projects and appearances on shows related to science and technology.
20. Aviation Enthusiast: He holds a pilot's license and has a fascination with aviation. He has co-presented a documentary series about the history of aviation titled "James May’s Toy Stories: The Great Flight".

Unique Traits and Hobbies

May's unique personality and hobbies make him a fascinating figure.

21. Wine Culture: May has a passion for fine wines and has even hosted his own television series called “James May’s Man Lab,” where he explores various subject matters, including the art of wine tasting.
22. Musical Background: May has a degree in music and often plays the piano or keyboard on "Top Gear." He has also uploaded short clips of him playing the flute on his ‘unemployment tube’ channel.
23. Musical Moments on Top Gear: His musical skills have created amusing moments on "Top Gear," showcasing his versatility beyond presenting.
24. Setting World Records: May has set world records with super toys, demonstrating his dedication to unique projects.
25. Reassembling Things: He is very good at reassembling things, which is evident in his show "James May’s The Reassembler".
26. Love for Old Toys: May loves old toys and has been involved in various LEGO-themed projects, including co-hosting a television series called “James May’s Toy Stories”.
27. Fashion Sense: He is known for his unique fashion sense, often sporting colorful shirts and tailored suits. His sartorial choices have become iconic and further cemented his status as a style icon.
28. Motorcycle Enthusiast: May has a deep interest in motorcycles and has been seen riding various motorcycles on television shows, further fueling his passion for all things two-wheeled.
29. Science Interests: He has a deep interest in science and has appeared on documentaries related to the subject, showcasing his inquisitive nature and thirst for knowledge.
30. Classic Car Owner: May is a proud owner of a 1984 Porsche 911 Carrera, which holds a special place in his heart. He has been known to take it for a spin during various television appearances.

Quirks and Fun Facts

James May's quirks and fun facts add to his charm and relatability.

31. Cooking Skills: May has a love for cooking and has been seen showcasing his culinary skills on TV. From whipping up delicious dishes to experimenting with unusual ingredients, James May proves that he is not only a talented presenter but also a competent chef.
32. Fiat Panda Owner: Although he is often associated with high-performance cars, May has used a Fiat Panda as his everyday vehicle, showcasing his preference for more understated cars.
33. Stolen Jaguar: In an interesting anecdote, May once "stole" a Jaguar from Jaguar by borrowing it for six months to do a series of long drive stories. He forgot to return it and was surprised when they came back for it three years later with 68,000 miles on the clock.
34. Nail Clippers Phobia: May keeps a pair of nail clippers on his key ring because he is phobic about having chip bits on his nails.
35. Cash Machine Invention: He once invented a new type of cash machine with a gamble function, which allowed users to request twenty pounds and then double or quits. Although he sent the idea to several banks, nobody was interested.
36. Jesus of Nazareth Incident: In a humorous incident, May once signed into a government building as Jesus of Nazareth and never signed out. He still has the little identification tag and is often teased about it during fire drills.
37. Wires Phobia: May has a phobia about wires down the back of computers and televisions, which gives him a slight pain in the back of his neck when he sees them tangled up.
38. Mid and Rear Engine Cars: May only owns mid and rear-engine cars, which is a departure from the typical front-engine cars often associated with high-performance vehicles.
39. Sarah’s Fiat Panda: The Fiat Panda he owns is actually Sarah’s, his partner, and not his own.

Legacy and Influence

James May's legacy extends beyond his television career, influencing many fans and aspiring presenters.

40. Unique Personality: May’s unique personality, extensive knowledge of cars, and humorous approach to presenting have captured the hearts of millions of fans around the world.
41. Dry Wit and Deadpan Sense of Humor: He is known for his dry wit and deadpan sense of humor, which has earned him a dedicated fanbase who appreciate his unique comedic style.
42. Iconic Fashion Sense: His iconic fashion sense, often featuring colorful shirts and tailored suits, has become a hallmark of his style and further cemented his status as a style icon.
43. Passion for Fine Wines: May’s passion for fine wines is evident in his television series and books, showcasing his expertise in wine culture and tasting.
44. Aviation Enthusiast: His fascination with aviation extends beyond flying; he has co-presented documentaries and series related to the history of aviation.
45. Love for LEGO: May’s love for LEGO is evident in his involvement in various LEGO-themed projects, including co-hosting a television series called “James May’s Toy Stories”.
46. Competent Chef: Beyond his presenting skills, May has demonstrated his culinary abilities on TV, showcasing his competence in cooking and experimenting with unusual ingredients.
47. Classic Car Enthusiast: His love for classic cars is evident in his ownership of a 1984 Porsche 911 Carrera and his enthusiasm for taking it for spins during television appearances.
48. Motorcycle Passion: May’s passion for motorcycles is evident in his riding experiences on television shows, further fueling his interest in all things two-wheeled.
49. Science and Technology Interests: His inquisitive nature and thirst for knowledge have made him a captivating presenter, especially when diving into the realms of scientific discoveries and theories.
50. Legacy in Entertainment: James May’s legacy in entertainment extends beyond his television shows; he has inspired a generation of presenters and enthusiasts with his unique blend of knowledge, humor, and enthusiasm for various subjects.

James May: A Multifaceted Icon

James May's life and career are a testament to his diverse talents and interests. From his early days as a choirboy to becoming a beloved TV presenter, May has consistently captivated audiences. His work on "Top Gear" and "The Grand Tour" showcased his deep knowledge of cars and his unique sense of humor. Beyond television, May's passions for aviation, fine wines, and classic cars reveal a man with a rich tapestry of hobbies. His quirky personality, love for old toys, and culinary skills add even more layers to his fascinating character. Whether he's setting world records with super toys or writing insightful columns, James May remains a multifaceted icon. His legacy in entertainment and beyond continues to inspire and entertain, proving that he's much more than just "Captain Slow."