Jeremy clarkson, born April 11, 1960, in Doncaster, England, is a British television presenter, journalist, author, and entrepreneur best known for his work on the motoring show Top Gear and its successor The Grand Tour. Over the years, Clarkson has become one of the most recognizable faces in British television, with a career that has evolved from motoring journalism to farming and even pub ownership. His straightforward, often controversial commentary has made him both beloved and polarizing. Clarkson is also a businessman, owning a farm, a brewery, and a pub, all of which have contributed to his ever-expanding influence beyond the screen.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Jeremy Clarkson was raised in Doncaster, where he developed a love for cars and motorsport at an early age. His parents, both of whom were involved in local business, instilled in him the value of hard work and self-reliance. Clarkson attended Repton School, a prestigious boarding school, where he first encountered the world of journalism. After leaving school, he worked briefly in marketing before pursuing his passion for writing and journalism.
Clarkson’s career in television began in the early 1980s when he joined BBC’s Top Gear as a co-presenter in 1988. However, it was not until the show was revived in 2002, with Clarkson at the helm, that his career truly skyrocketed. The new format of Top Gear—focusing on car reviews, challenges, and over-the-top stunts—was a massive hit with viewers, making Clarkson a household name.
Jeremy Clarkson Top Gear and The Grand Tour
Clarkson’s stint on Top Gear is where he gained the most fame. His witty, often irreverent style of presenting made him beloved by audiences, though it also earned him criticism for his occasionally controversial remarks. Under Clarkson’s leadership, Top Gear became one of the most popular TV shows in the world, attracting millions of viewers in over 200 countries. Clarkson, alongside co-presenters Richard Hammond and James May, formed an iconic trio whose dynamic was a key ingredient in the show’s success.
However, in 2015, after a public altercation with a producer, Clarkson’s time on Top Gear came to an end. Despite his departure, his legacy on the show remains strong, and he is often credited with shaping the modern landscape of motoring television.
In 2016, Clarkson, Hammond, and May reunited for Amazon Prime’s The Grand Tour, which allowed them to continue their high-octane adventures and car reviews in a more global and unrestrained setting. The Grand Tour introduced a new format but retained the same wild energy and chemistry that made the trio famous. The series has been a major success and continues to bring in large audiences, further cementing Clarkson’s place in television history.
Jeremy Clarkson Farm and New Ventures
In 2019, Clarkson embarked on a new venture: farming. After purchasing Diddly Squat Farm in the Cotswolds, Clarkson decided to document his struggles with agriculture in a new television series titled Clarkson’s Farm. The show, which premiered on Amazon Prime Video in 2021, showcases his journey into the world of farming, a completely new and uncharted territory for him.
With the help of his staff, including farm manager Kaleb Cooper, Clarkson faces numerous challenges, from crop failures to animal husbandry, all while maintaining his signature wit and charm. The show was widely praised for its humor, authenticity, and Clarkson’s relatable learning curve. Clarkson’s Farm quickly became one of Amazon’s most successful shows, and a second season is already in the works.
In addition to farming, Clarkson has ventured into the hospitality industry with his Cotswold pub, The Farmer’s Dog. The pub, which he bought in 2024, serves as both a restaurant and an extension of his farm-based business. With a menu that features locally sourced produce, including meat from his farm, The Farmer’s Dog offers a unique experience for visitors. Clarkson has also launched Hawkstone Lager, a beer made from barley grown on Diddly Squat Farm, adding to his growing list of business ventures.
Jeremy Clarkson Personal Life and Relationships
Clarkson’s personal life has often been a subject of public interest, particularly his relationships and family life. He has been married twice. His first marriage was to Alexandra James in 1989, which ended in divorce after just one year. In 1993, he married Frances Cain, with whom he has three children: Emily, Finlo, and Katya. However, after more than two decades of marriage, Clarkson and Cain separated in 2014.
Since 2017, Clarkson has been in a relationship with Lisa Hogan, an Irish-born actress and former model who also appears on Clarkson’s Farm. The couple shares a life in the Cotswolds, where they manage the farm and pub together. Lisa Hogan has become a central figure in Clarkson’s Farm, helping Jeremy navigate the world of farming and occasionally appearing in the show.
Health and Recent Challenges
In late 2024, Clarkson underwent heart surgery after experiencing a health scare. He has been candid about his condition, stating that the surgery was a wake-up call, urging him to change his lifestyle and approach to health. While Clarkson’s health has been a concern, he continues to work on his various projects, including Clarkson’s Farm and his business ventures, with a renewed focus on maintaining a healthier lifestyle.
Clarkson has also openly discussed the stress and challenges of managing his pub and farming operations, with staff walkouts and operational difficulties being part of his ongoing struggles. Despite these challenges, he has maintained a sense of humor and resilience, which his fans admire.
Jeremy Clarkson Net Worth and Legacy
As of 2025, Jeremy Clarkson’s estimated net worth is £55–£60 million ($70–$80M). His wealth has been amassed through his television career, writing, business ventures, and successful investments in farming and brewing. He continues to receive royalties from Top Gear, The Grand Tour, and his many books, along with profits from his pub, brewery, and farming operations.
Clarkson’s legacy is marked by his contributions to the television industry, particularly in motoring and entertainment, and his ability to reinvent himself through various business ventures. His candid and often controversial persona has made him a staple in British media, and his iconic status in the world of motoring television remains firmly intact.
Conclusion
Jeremy Clarkson is a man of many talents and ventures. From his early days as a motoring journalist to becoming a household name on Top Gear and The Grand Tour, Clarkson has continually reinvented himself, most recently through farming and hospitality. His journey is a testament to his adaptability and relentless pursuit of new challenges, even later in his career.
As he continues to entertain, inform, and occasionally provoke, Clarkson’s legacy will likely continue to grow, both through his media presence and his expanding business empire. With Clarkson’s Farm drawing more attention than ever and his ventures into the pub and brewing industries, Clarkson proves that age is no barrier to innovation and success.