Born:
September 22, 1971
in
Windsor, Berkshire
Best Known For:
The single The One and Only.
Early-life:
Chesney Lee Hawkes was born on September 22, 1971, in Windsor, Berkshire. His father is Len 'Chip' Hawkes, former guitarist with The Tremeloes, his mother is ex-actress and TV hostess Carol Dilworth. His brother Jodie is the drummer in Hawkes's band, while sister Keely is a singer with group Transister. He left school with two GCSEs, but always knew he wanted to be a professional musician. His father became his manager in 1988.
Career:
In early 1991, Hawkes landed the lead role in the movie Buddy's Song, alongside Roger Daltrey and Michael Elphick. A track from the movie, The One and Only, which Hawkes performed, spent five weeks at number one, became the 20th best-selling single of the decade, and turned its singer into a major teen star. Unfortunately, his follow-up releases weren't as popular. Since then he's lived in Los Angeles and written songs for such artists as A1, Caprice and Tricky, and had a small role in movie Prince Valiant.
Quote:
"I used to be afraid of flying when I was a kid. Even up to when I was 19 or 20. I had to overcome it when I had to travel round the world as a pop star."
Trivia:
Hawkes supports West Ham United.