After Dinner SpeakersCharley Boorman is the epitome of the modern-day adventurer.
His charismatic “let’s just do it” approach to challenges has won him over to a massive TV and literary audience.
Boorman has certainly carved an impressive and successful career for himself, but what most people like about him is his ‘one of the boys’ attitude.
Cheeky, energetic and entertaining – he’s always fun to be around.
The son of film director John Boorman, Charley’s first appearance on the silver screen was in the film Deliverance. Further roles followed in films including:
- Excalibur
- The Emerald Forest
- The Serpent’s Kiss
- The Bunker
Motorcycle Adventurer
In 1997 he met actor and fellow motorcycle enthusiast Ewan McGregor who was to become his co-adventurer.
In 2004, Ewan and Charley took part in Long Way Round. Riding motorcycles from London to New York via Europe and Asia, the journey became an iconic television series.
It was shown worldwide and became a best seller. At this time Charley also became involved with UNICEF as an ambassador and has visited many of their projects during his travels, the majority of which have been integrated into his TV programs.
Race to Dakar
In 2006 Charley competed in the famous Dakar Rally which was filmed and then became the Race to Dakar TV series.
Injuring both his arms during the event meant that he didn’t cross the finish line, however, the show continued with Charley becoming team manager on the ground, and getting his teammate Simon Pavey to the end.
Long Way Down
2007 saw the 2nd journey with Ewan McGregor which was televised, called Long Way Down. This time, the motorcycle adventurers rode from John O’Groats in Scotland to Cape Town, SA.
By Any Means
In 2008 Charley Boorman took a solo adventure all around the world – By Any Means. It began in his home town in Wicklow and ended in Sydney, Australia.
He set out with the intention of making the journey “by any means” of local transport available – a mish-mash of boats, bikes, elephants – you name it, Charley used it!
In 2009 and the second part of By Any Means took place – but this time having a stronger focus on one of Charley’s loves – motorbikes. Departing from Sydney mid-May, he arrived on Rainbow Bridge in Tokyo in August having travelled the Pacific Rim.
An open invitation was issued to any biker who wanted to join him for the first leg up the coast of NSW and over 1500 riders took part!
Long Way Up
In 2020, Charley and Ewan returned to our screens with their lastest adventure – Long Way Up. Broadcast on Apple TV+, the motorcycle-riding duo travelled across South and Central America on prototype electric Harley-Davidsons.
If you want raw enthusiasm and entertainment, Charley Boorman is your man.
