Max George
{{short description|English singer}}
{{for|the Australian rules footballer|Max George (footballer)}}
{{Use British English|date=April 2025}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2025}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = Max George
| image = Max George 2012.jpg
| caption = George in 2012
| birth_name = Maximillian Albert George
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1988|9|6|df=y}}
| birth_place = Swinton, Greater Manchester, England
| genre = {{hlist|Pop|synth-pop}}
| occupation = {{hlist|Singer|actor}}
| years_active = 2006–present
| partner = Michelle Keegan (2010–2011)
Maisie Smith (2022–present)
| label = {{hlist|Geffen|Island|Mercury|Virgin EMI}}
| associated_acts = {{hlist|Avenue|The Wanted}}
}}
Maximillian Albert George{{cite interview |last=George |first=Max |interviewer=Jerry Nunn |title=The Wanted: British band hopes to make splash in the U.S. |url=http://www.windycitymediagroup.com/lgbt/The-Wanted-British-band-hopes-to-make-splash-in-the-US/35793.html |access-date=19 June 2013 |work=Windy City Times |date=25 January 2012}} (born 6 September 1988) is an English singer, best known as the lead singer of the boy band The Wanted.
George started his career as a footballer, playing for Preston North End. After an injury ended his football career, he decided to pursue a music career. George made his singing debut with the band Avenue. After the group disbanded in 2009, George joined the newly formed band, The Wanted. In 2014, following The Wanted's success in the United States, he landed his first acting role in the sixth season of the American television series Glee in the role of Clint, the leader of "Vocal Adrenaline".{{cite news|last=Evans|first=Denise|url=http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/whats-on/film-news/watch-max-george-stars-glee-8578093|title=Watch: Max George stars in Glee|work=Manchester Evening News|agency=Trinity Mirror|publisher=manchestereveningnews.co.uk|date=4 February 2015|access-date=4 February 2015|location=United Kingdom}}
In 2013, George starred in the E! channel reality series The Wanted Life.{{cite web|last=Garibaldi|first=Christina|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1708314/the-wanted-life-show-max-george/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150206183242/http://www.mtv.com/news/1708314/the-wanted-life-show-max-george/|url-status=dead|archive-date=6 February 2015|title='The Wanted Life' Is 'Not for My Mom's Eyes,' Max George Shares|publisher=www.mtv.com|date=31 May 2013}}
Early life
George was born on 6 September 1988 in Swinton, Greater Manchester, and studied at Bolton School.{{cite news|url=http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/10640992.The_Wanted_closer_to_breaking_America/| publisher=theboltonnews.co.uk|title=The Wanted closer to breaking America|date=29 August 2013|access-date=16 September 2014}} He was raised in Manchester.{{cite news |date=26 October 2010 |title=The Wanted hit Scotland and release their debut album |url=http://entertainment.stv.tv/music/205092-the-wanted-hit-scotland-and-release-their-debut-album/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101029040951/http://entertainment.stv.tv/music/205092-the-wanted-hit-scotland-and-release-their-debut-album/ |archive-date=2010-10-29 |access-date=3 September 2011 |publisher=STV}} Before music, he was a footballer with Preston North End and was on the verge of signing a two-year deal with them. He has been a Manchester City F.C. supporter since a young age.{{cite web |date=28 August 2008 |title=Louis' X-Factor boys make return |url=http://metro.co.uk/2008/08/28/louis-x-factor-boys-make-return-435251/ |access-date=3 September 2011 |work=Metro}}
Music career
= Avenue and ''The X Factor'' =
{{Main|Avenue (group)}}
In 2005 George joined the four-piece boy band Avenue made up of himself, Jonathan Lloyd, Scott Clarke, Ross Candy and Jamie Tinkler. After applying to The X Factor in 2006, the band auditioned for the third series of the competition singing an a cappella version of the Will Young song, "Leave Right Now".{{cite web |date=10 September 2006 |title=Avenue's audition including George to The X Factor in 2006 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lkriAjJePbk |via=YouTube}} They were mentored by Louis Walsh after completing the bootcamp and judges' house portion. Making it to the top 12 contestants, the band then signed a management contract with the series. After it was discovered they were already under contract with another management firm, they were disqualified from the show.{{cite web |last=Samson |first=Pete |date=7 October 2006 |title=Exclusive: Avenue axed from X Factor |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/tm_headline=exclusive--avenue-axed-from-x-factor&method=full&objectid=17888038&siteid=94762-name_page.html |access-date=8 December 2008 |work=Daily Mirror}}{{cite web |date=26 September 2006 |title=Avenue boy band kicked off Simon Cowell's British 'The X Factor' show |url=http://www.realitytvworld.com/news/avenue-boy-band-kicked-off-simon-cowell-british-the-x-factor-show-1009953.php |access-date=8 December 2008 |publisher=Reality TW World}}{{cite web |title=Louis Walsh disqualifying Avenue from The X Factor competition |url=https://www.youtube.com/v/J_pEcwe9vN8 |via=YouTube}} Following the disqualification, they were signed to the Crown Music Management recording label and were awarded an album deal with Island Records.
With Andy Brown joining as a member of Avenue replacing Jamie Tinkler, the band went on to have some success beyond their X Factor appearances. In 2008, Avenue released their debut single, "Last Goodbye", which reached number 50 on the UK Singles Chart. Their plans to go on tour were cancelled. They had a follow-up release with "Can You Feel It?." The group disbanded in 2009.{{cite web|last=Balls|first=David|url=http://m.digitalspy.co.uk/music/s103/the-x-factor/news/a151704/boyband-avenue-announce-split.html#~oPUXL5kSRgpOUA|publisher=digitalspy.co.uk|title=Boyband Avenue announce split|access-date=3 April 2009|date=15 September 2014|archive-date=9 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141109161552/http://m.digitalspy.co.uk/music/s103/the-x-factor/news/a151704/boyband-avenue-announce-split.html#~oPUXL5kSRgpOUA|url-status=dead}} In 2008, while still a member of Avenue, George appeared naked on cover of British gay magazine AXM{{'s}} "Naked Issue" in support of cancer research.
= The Wanted =
{{Main|The Wanted}}
In 2009, a mass audition was held by Jayne Collins to form a boy band, after successfully launching Parade and The Saturdays. George auditioned and was selected as one of five members, along with Nathan Sykes, Siva Kaneswaran, Tom Parker and Jay McGuiness out of the thousands of others who auditioned. The band was formed and together they worked on their debut album before finding a perfect name for their band, The Wanted. Their debut single "All Time Low" was released on 25 July 2010, debuted at number one on the UK Singles Chart. Their second single, "Heart Vacancy" was released on 17 October 2010. The song hit number two on the UK Singles Chart, and at number 18 in Ireland. Their third single, "Lose My Mind" was released on 26 December 2010. The song peaked number 19 on the UK Singles Chart, and peaked at number 30 in Ireland. In 2011, the single was released in Germany and in 2012, in the United States.{{cite web|last=Rovi|first=Andrew Leahey|url=http://www.billboard.com/artist/419401/wanted/biography?mobile_redirection=false| publisher=billboard.com|title=The Wanted|date=23 September 2014}} In 2013, in support of a crossover appeal to the American music market, the group starred in their own reality series on E!.{{cite web|last=Garibaldi|first=Christina|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1708314/the-wanted-life-show-max-george/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150206183242/http://www.mtv.com/news/1708314/the-wanted-life-show-max-george/|url-status=dead|archive-date=6 February 2015|title='The Wanted Life' Is 'Not for My Mom's Eyes,' Max George Shares|publisher=www.mtv.com|date=6 February 2015}} The series, The Wanted Life only aired for one season.
The band announced their decision to break in January 2014.{{cite web|last=Wyatt|first=Daisy|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/the-wanted-split-up-boy-band-announce-break-9078311.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220512/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/the-wanted-split-up-boy-band-announce-break-9078311.html |archive-date=12 May 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live| publisher=independent.co.uk|title=The Wanted split up: Boy band announce break|access-date=22 January 2014|date=25 September 2014}} Max, as a member of the band has sold over 12 million records worldwide.
= Solo artist =
In January 2014, George revealed in an interview that he was signed as a solo artist by Scooter Braun.{{cite web|last=Citizen|first=The|url=http://www.gloucestercitizen.co.uk/Nathan-Sykes-bandmate-Max-George-sparked-Wanted-s/story-20501879-detail/story.html|publisher=gloucestercitizen.co.uk|title=Nathan Sykes and bandmate Max George sparked The Wanted's split for solo careers|access-date=26 January 2014|date=21 September 2014|archive-date=30 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140130050220/http://www.gloucestercitizen.co.uk/Nathan-Sykes-bandmate-Max-George-sparked-Wanted-s/story-20501879-detail/story.html|url-status=dead}} On 3 July 2018 he released his first solo single "Barcelona". The song has more than 4.5 million streams on Spotify. On 24 May 2019 he released his second single "Better On Me".{{Cite web |url=https://www.entertainment-focus.com/music-section/music-interviews/interview-max-george-opens-up-about-new-single-better-on-me-and-his-plans-for-solo-music/ |title=Interview: Max George opens up about new single Better On Me and his plans for solo music |date=24 May 2019 |website=Entertainment Focus |language=en-US |access-date=26 January 2020}}
Other ventures
= Modelling =
In June 2013, George was named as the new face and spokesmodel for Buffalo denim's fall line. He starred in the campaign opposite Sports illustrated swimsuit model, Hannah Davis. In November 2013, he did an underwear campaign for Buffalo again.{{cite web|url=http://www.proudprisoners.com/2013/11/max-george-models-underwear-for-buffalo.html?m=1|publisher=proudprisoners.com|title=Max George Models Underwear for Buffalo David Bitton @MaxTheWanted|access-date=15 November 2013|date=29 September 2014}}{{Dead link|date=July 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
= Acting career =
George is signed with Creative Artists Agency since 2013.{{cite web|last=Shenton|first=Zoe|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/max-george-wanted-split-singer-3098198| publisher=mirror.co.uk|title= Max George on The Wanted split: I wasn't dishonest, everything I said the boys already knew|access-date=31 January 2014|date=21 September 2014}} In June 2014, George revealed his decision to enroll in elocution classes, to help improve his pursuit of an acting career.{{cite web |last=Sheehan |first=Katie |date=27 June 2014 |title=The Wanted's Max George Taking Speech Lessons |work=ARTISTdirect |url=http://www.artistdirect.com/entertainment-news/article/the-wanted-s-max-george-taking-speech-lessons/11050173 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140629220927/http://www.artistdirect.com/entertainment-news/article/the-wanted-s-max-george-taking-speech-lessons/11050173 |archive-date=2014-06-29 |publisher=Artist Direct}}{{cite web|url=http://www.express.co.uk/news/showbiz/481993/Max-George-in-elocution-classes-to-improve-chances-of-acting-jobs| publisher=express.co.uk|title=Max George in elocution classes to improve chances of acting jobs|access-date=12 June 2014|date=16 September 2014}} In September 2014, it was confirmed that he had joined the cast of Glee in the role of Clint, a bully and the lead vocalist of Vocal Adrenaline, after Mark Salling shared a photo of him on Twitter hanging out with Max on the set of the final season of the US comedy drama.{{cite web|last=Grubbs|first=Jefferson|url=http://www.bustle.com/articles/58874-glee-newbie-clint-is-played-by-max-george-from-the-wanted-so-hes-basically-perfect-to|title='Glee' Newbie Clint Is Played By Max George From The Wanted, So He's Basically Perfect To Lead Vocal|publisher=www.bustle.com|date=16 January 2015}}{{cite web|last=H|first=Emily|url=http://primetime.unrealitytv.co.uk/glee-star-confirms-wanteds-max-george-will-final-season/| publisher=unrealitytv.co.uk|title=Glee Spoilers: The Wanted's Max George CONFIRMED for final season!|access-date=20 September 2014|date=21 September 2014}}{{cite web|last=Heath|first=Olivia|url=http://m.reveal.co.uk/showbiz-celeb-gossip/news/a597772/the-wanteds-max-george-hangs-out-with-mark-salling-on-glee-set.html|publisher=reveal.co.uk|title=The Wanted's Max George hangs out with Mark Salling on Glee set|access-date=14 September 2014|date=19 September 2014|archive-date=22 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150122200602/http://m.reveal.co.uk/showbiz-celeb-gossip/news/a597772/the-wanteds-max-george-hangs-out-with-mark-salling-on-glee-set.html|url-status=dead}} He made his first on screen appearance on 9 January 2015. In April 2024, George was cast as Parson Nathaniel in Jeff Wayne's Musical Version of The War of the Worlds for the 2025 The Spirit of Man tour.{{cite web|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/going-out/tickets/max-george-maisie-smith-war-of-worlds-newsupdate/|title=Strictly star couple Max George and Maisie Smith cast in The War of the Worlds UK tour|website=radiotimes.com|accessdate=15 April 2024}}
=Reality television=
On 2 February 2015, it was announced that George had joined the cast of Bear Grylls' reality televise survival series, Bear Grylls: Mission Survive.{{cite news |last=Campbell |first=Tina |date=2 February 2015 |title=From Max George to Emilia Fox: Bear Grylls Mission Survive celebrity lineup confirmed |work=Metroaagency=DMG Media |url=http://metro.co.uk/2015/02/02/from-max-george-to-emilia-fox-bear-grylls-mission-survive-celebrity-lineup-confirmed-5045507/ |access-date=2 February 2015}}
On 1 September 2020, it was announced that George would be taking part in the eighteenth series of Strictly Come Dancing.{{Cite web |date=1 September 2020 |title=Caroline Quentin, Jason Bell and Max George announced as first three Strictly Come Dancing contestants |url=https://www.heart.co.uk/showbiz/tv-movies/strictly-come-dancing/caroline-quentin-jason-bell-max-george-confirmed/ |access-date=2023-04-23 |website=Heart}} He was partnered with Australian dancer Dianne Buswell. They were eliminated on week 4 of the competition, finishing in ninth place.
In 2022, he competed in the ITV series The Games. In 2023, he took part in Scared of the Dark on Channel 4.
= Radio =
On 7 July 2021, it was announced that George would be joining Hits Radio, presenting Friday Night Hits, every Friday from 7-10pm across the Hits Radio Network. His first show was on 9 July 2021.
Personal life
George was in a relationship with actress Michelle Keegan from December 2010.{{cite web |date=12 September 2010 |title=Max George From The Wanted For Axm Magazine 'Naked Issue' 2008 |url=http://www.wowwow.me/2010/09/archive-max-george-from-wanted-for-axm.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101116150625/http://www.wowwow.me/2010/09/archive-max-george-from-wanted-for-axm.html |archive-date=16 November 2010 |access-date=25 June 2014 |work=Wowwow.me}} The couple became engaged in June 2011, but ended their relationship the following year.{{Cite news|url=https://www.ok.co.uk/celebrity-news/michelle-keegan-ex-fiance-max-14356017.amp|title=Michelle Keegan's ex-fiancé Max George exclusively speaks out about former partner after she moved on with Mark Wright|work=OK! Magazine|access-date=1 September 2020}} In October 2013, George confirmed in an interview that he was dating Danish swimwear model Nina Agdal.{{cite web |last=Warwick |first=Charlotte |date=30 October 2013 |title=Max George opens up about model girlfriend Nina Agdal: "She lights up the place" |url=http://www.sugarscape.com/main-topics/lads/975874/max-george-opens-about-model-girlfriend-nina-agdal-she-lights-place |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103074830/http://www.sugarscape.com/main-topics/lads/975874/max-george-opens-about-model-girlfriend-nina-agdal-she-lights-place |archive-date=2013-11-03 |access-date=2014-05-25 |work=Sugarscape}} They split in February 2014. He dated beauty queen Amy Willerton briefly in 2014.{{cite web |last=Bourne |first=Dianne |date=8 June 2014 |title=The Wanted heart-throb Max George and Amy Willerton cosy up at Neighbourhood – and run into Dizzee Rascal |url=http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/manchester-showbiz-max-george-wanted-7234729 |access-date=2014-06-09 |work=Manchester Evening News}} In October 2014, he confirmed being in a relationship with Miss Oklahoma contestant Carrie Baker.{{cite web|last=Eames|first=Tom|url=http://m.digitalspy.co.uk/showbiz/news/a603951/the-wanteds-max-george-dating-miss-oklahoma-contestant.html#~oU5cnNMEFqbtOs|title=The Wanted's Max George dating Miss Oklahoma contestant|work=Digital Spy|access-date=16 October 2014|date=29 October 2014|archive-date=9 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141109160616/http://m.digitalspy.co.uk/showbiz/news/a603951/the-wanteds-max-george-dating-miss-oklahoma-contestant.html#~oU5cnNMEFqbtOs|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|last=Hind|first=Katie|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/max-george-moves-hollywood-good-4584912| publisher=mirror.co.uk|title=Max George moves to Hollywood for GOOD to be with new girlfriend Carrie Baker|work=Daily Mirror|access-date=7 November 2014|date=7 November 2014}}
In 2018, he began dating Stacey Giggs, but they split in August 2022 after he was embroiled in cheating rumours with co-star Maisie Smith.{{cite web|url=https://www.ok.co.uk/celebrity-news/stacey-giggs-max-george-split-27742771|title= Max George's ex Stacey Giggs says she's shifted 'a lead weight from around neck' in wake of split|work=Ok! Magazine |date= 15 August 2022|access-date=22 August 2024}}
In September 2022, it was revealed that he was dating EastEnders actress Maisie Smith.{{cite news|url=https://www.ok.co.uk/celebrity-news/maisie-smith-max-george-boyfriend-28073422.amp|title= Maisie Smith refers to Max George as her 'boyfriend' as she shares sweet tribute|work=OK! Magazine |access-date=13 October 2022}} In December 2024, George was unexpectedly rushed into hospital, after he felt unwell. On 18 December he underwent heart-block surgery, and was fitted with a pacemaker.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cn4xl549v5go|title=The Wanted singer needs urgent heart-block surgery|work=BBC News|first=Ian|last=Youngs|date=16 December 2024|access-date=17 December 2024}}{{Cite web |date=2025-01-12 |title=Max George: The Wanted singer 'wrote will from hospital' |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ckgrnd38ryeo |access-date=2025-01-12 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB}}
Filmography
| class="wikitable"
! Year ! Title ! Role ! Notes |
| rowspan=2|2013
| rowspan=2|Himself | Episode: "#DeepFriedSats" |
| The Wanted Life
| 7 episodes |
| rowspan=2|2015
| Glee | Clint | Recurring role; 6 episodes |
| Bear Grylls: Mission Survive
| Himself | 2 episodes |
| rowspan=3|2020
| Me, Myself and Di | Lifeguard | Film |
| Kill/Stream
| Gav | Completed |
| Strictly Come Dancing
| rowspan="5" |Himself | Contestant; series 18 |
| 2022
| rowspan="4" | Contestant |
| 2023 |
| rowspan="2" |2023 |
| Richard Osman's House of Games |
Discography
{{for|the discography with his band|The Wanted discography}}
= Singles =
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" |
| scope="col"| Year
! scope="col"| Title |
|---|
| 2018
| "Barcelona" |
| rowspan=2|2019
| "Better On Me" |
| "Til I Met You" |
| rowspan=4|2020
| "That's Not Me" |
| "Hate You" |
| "Paint By Numbers" |
| "Give Yourself To Me" |
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- {{IMDb name|4013729}}
- {{Facebook|therealmaxgeorge}}
- [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a5L3a4d92Yc Max George performs 'Hey Mickey' in Glee]
- [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDeQP14hxe0 Max George performs 'We built this city' in Glee]
{{The Wanted}}
{{authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:George, Max}}
Category:21st-century English male singers
Category:21st-century English male actors
Category:21st-century English singers
Category:Men's association football players not categorized by position
Category:English men's footballers
Category:English male television actors
Category:English male songwriters
Category:Musicians from Greater Manchester
Category:People educated at Bolton School
Category:People from Swinton, Greater Manchester