James May is a well-known British journalist and television presenter who has made a name for himself through his work on shows such as “Top Gear” and “The Grand Tour”. With a net worth of $40 million, May has built a successful career in the entertainment industry, showcasing his talents not only as a presenter but also as a writer and author.
Early Life of James May
Born James Daniel May on January 16, 1963, in Bristol, England, May grew up with his family in the area. He attended various schools, including Newport’s Caerleon Endowed Junior School and Rotherham’s Oakwood Comprehensive School, before studying music at Lancaster University’s Pendle College. After graduation, May took a job as a records officer at a hospital in Chelsea before starting his career in the media industry.
Writing Career of James May
May’s career in writing began in the early 1980s when he worked as a sub-editor for “The Engineer” and “Autocar” magazine. He was fired from “Autocar” in 1992 after putting a hidden message in the “Road Test Yearbook” supplement, but he continued to write for many other publications, including “Top Gear” magazine and “Car Magazine”. May has published more than 15 books, including collections of his articles and books based on his television projects.
Television Career of James May
May’s career in television began in 1998 when he presented the documentary “Driven”. He then became a co-presenter on the original run of “Top Gear” in 1999 before joining the revived version of the show in season two. He has presented many other TV series, including “James May’s Top Toys”, “Oz and James’s Big Wine Adventure”, and “James May’s Toy Stories”. May is also a presenter on the Amazon series “The Grand Tour”. He has been nominated for several awards for his work on TV, winning an International Motor Film Award for Best Journalism Film for “Motown Funk” in 2019.
Personal Life of James May
May has been in a relationship with art critic Sarah Frater since 2000. He is a luxury car collector and a licensed pilot. In 2020, May became half-owner of The Royal Oak pub in Swallowcliffe Wiltshire. He owns several properties, including a “superhome” currently under construction.
Conclusion
James May’s net worth of $40 million is a testament to his success as a British journalist and television presenter. With his extensive writing career and many television projects, May has become a household name and a respected figure in the entertainment industry. His personal life and interests have also garnered attention, making him a well-rounded and fascinating public figure.