Max Beesley

Quick Facts

Summary

Max Beesley is a British actor and musician born on 16 April 1971. He toured with Robbie Williams from 2003 to 2006 as a pianist and percussionist. A Guildhall-trained musician, he’s worked with Jamiroquai, Take That, and Stevie Wonder, and starred in Hotel Babylon, Empire, Jamestown, and Hijack.

Biography

Personal Life

Maxton Gig Beesley Jr. was born on 16 April 1971 in Burnage, Manchester, England. He studied percussion and piano at Chetham's School of Music and later at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London. His father, Maxton Beesley Sr., is a jazz drummer and actor, and his mother performed as a jazz singer under the name Chris Marlowe. Max also trained in acting in New York and has built dual careers in music and television. He is married to Jennifer Noelle and has two children.

The Robbie Williams Band

Max Beesley performed with the Robbie Williams Live Band between 2003 and 2006. His role included piano, percussion, and occasional drums. He played at Robbie's Knebworth concerts in summer 2003, at Hyde Park for Live 8 in 2005, and during the BBC Electric Proms. At the opening show of Robbie's Close Encounters tour in Perth, Australia (30 November 2006), Max joined as percussionist for the second half of the concert. He also played drums during Rudebox at Robbie's second Brisbane show.

Though primarily known for his acting career, Beesley's musical contributions were grounded in formal training and session experience. His presence in the band added depth to the rhythm section and supported Robbie's large-scale productions during a peak touring period.

Other Projects and Appearances

Outside of his work with Robbie Williams, Max Beesley has performed with Jamiroquai, Take That, the Paul Weller Movement, George Benson, Earth, Wind & Fire, and Stevie Wonder. He is also a vibraphone player and has worked as a session musician across pop, soul, and jazz genres.

As an actor, Beesley is best known for his role as Charlie Edwards in the BBC drama Hotel Babylon. His other UK credits include Bodies, Mad Dogs, and Ordinary Lies. Internationally, he has appeared in Suits, Empire, Homeland, The Outsider, and Jamestown. In 2023, he starred in Apple TV's Hijack alongside Idris Elba, and in 2024, he played Henry Collins in Guy Ritchie's Netflix series The Gentlemen.

Beesley continues to work across music, television, and film, balancing performance, composition, and production.

Credits & Contributions (1)