James May is a renowned British television personality, journalist, and writer popularly known for co-presenting the hit BBC show ‘Top Gear.’ Born on January 16, 1963, in Bristol, England, May developed an early interest in mechanics, which led him to study music at Lancashire Polytechnic, specializing in the flute. However, after two years of study, May opted to drop out to pursue a career in journalism.

May's career in journalism started in 1986 when he joined ‘The Engineer’ magazine. He worked for the publication for several years before joining the British media company Autocar as a writer. May spent over a decade with Autocar, establishing himself as one of the most respected writers in the automotive industry. In 1999, May was approached by the BBC to join the cast of the newly revamped ‘Top Gear’ show.

May’s tenure with ‘Top Gear’ turned out to be a massive success, and he quickly became a fan favorite. His laid back approach, witty humor, and deep knowledge of cars made him a hit with audiences worldwide. Apart from ‘Top Gear,’ May has also presented several other shows, including ‘James May's Cars of the People’ and ‘The Grand Tour.’ He has also published numerous automotive books, including ‘May on Motors’ and ‘Driven to Distraction.’

May’s expertise in the automotive industry, coupled with his easy-going personality, has made him a household name in the UK and worldwide. He continues to be a prominent media personality and an inspiration to budding automotive writers and enthusiasts worldwide.