He is now on our screens as Henry Sharrow in the new Sky1 drama Jamestown but Max Beesley seems to have been around forever. He really is on of the amazing men of British TV. The first episode of the period drama, set in 17th Century America, sees Beesley’s character announce himself with the rape of his newly-arrived wife-to-be. That scene has drawn criticism but the violence and testosterone are justified in the context of the plot. Jamestown was a settlement ruled by men with seemingly no place for the fairer sex.
While building his reputation in some of our best-loved drama series Beesley also gained a name as a playboy, with a string of high-profile girlfriends including Spice Girl Mel B. He was once quoted complaining that “falling in love with Mel B nearly ruined my career”. Many directors had half an eye on that notoriety when looking to cast him. Acting came a distant second to the full-time job of attempting to control the craziness surrounding the ex-Spice Girl. In fact their three-year relationship almost put paid to his acting.
After the split Beesley went girl-crazy and his list of ex-girlfriends is impressive. Danni Minogue, Melanie Sykes and Jodie Marsh all ended up as notches on his bedpost.
A re-focus on his acting led to his breakthrough role as Dr Rob Lake in “Bodies” in 2004. This medical drama, created by Line of Duty writer Jed Mercurio, drew critical acclaim for its dark, even depressing, storylines.
Beesley appeared in 16 episodes, which was some vindication for him after picking up a “Worst Supporting Actor” award for his role in “Glitter”, a terrible 2001 film that also starred the talent vacuum Mariah Carey.
Next came his best-known role, that of Charlie Edwards in the BBC drama “Hotel Babylon” which followed the lives of staff at a five-star hotel. This led on to more regular work, including Survivors (BBC), Mad Dogs (Sky1) and more recently Ordinary Lies (BBC).
During a blind date with another woman Beesley met his future wife Jennifer, a dancer from Minnesota who was invited along by his date as extra company. She was bowled over by his “English charm”, a strange thought when you consider his roots in Manchester. He still cheers on Manchester United and has narrated an end-of-season DVD for the Old Trafford club.
This was a far cry from his days as a chorister at Manchester Cathedral, followed by time at Chethams School of Music, where he studied percussion. Known as “one of Robbie Williams’ best mates”, Beesley has actually played on stage with him, and has performed as a percussionist and pianist with Take That, Jamiroquai and Paul Weller. He also toured with British Jazz Funk band Incognito, before leaving to concentrate on his acting.
Beesley is a fine actor, with a strong list of TV credits. His list of female conquests is just as impressive but now that his acting is coming first he may end his career best known for his skills in front of the camera instead of his personal life.
by Ian Hine
The post The Amazing Men of British TV: Max Beesley appeared first on Felix Magazine.
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