Chesney Hawkes, a call synonymous with the early ’90s pop scene, captured hearts global together with his chart-topping hit “The One and Only.” Beyond this iconic track, Hawkes’s profession spans performing, songwriting, and severa tv appearances. As of 2025, he keeps to make headlines, reflecting a adventure marked through resilience, evolution, and a long-lasting ardour for tune.
Early Life and Breakthrough
Born Chesney Lee Hawkes on September 22, 1971, in Windsor, Berkshire, England, he was brought to the amusement world early on. His father, Len ‘Chip’ Hawkes, changed into a member of the Sixties band The Tremeloes, and his mother, Carol Dilworth, changed into a distinguished actress. This familial backdrop set the level for Chesney’s creative pursuits.
At 19, Hawkes’s profession took a tremendous soar while he starred as Buddy Clark in the 1991 film “Buddy’s Song.” The film now no longer most effectively showcased his performing competencies however additionally served as a platform for his musical talents. The soundtrack featured “The One and Only,” a tune written through Nik Kershaw, which have become an immediate hit, dominating the United Kingdom Singles Chart for 5 weeks and creating a high-quality effect in the United States.
Musical Journey: Beyond the One Hit
While “The One and Only” remains his most identified tune, Hawkes’s musical repertoire is extensive. Following the fulfillment of his debut, he launched singles like “I’m a Man Not a Boy” and “What’s Wrong with This Picture?” which, despite the fact that now no longer replicating his preliminary fulfillment, showcased his versatility as an artist.
In the following years, Hawkes persisted to provide tunes, participating with diverse artists and exploring extraordinary genres. His willpower to his craft changed into evident, even supposing business fulfillment changed into sporadic.
Acting and Television Appearances
Beyond tune, Hawkes ventured into tv and theater. He participated in truth shows such as “The Games” in 2005, in which he secured a bronze medal, and “Hit Me Baby One More Time.” His theatrical endeavors encompass roles in musicals like “Can’t Smile Without You,” primarily based totally on Barry Manilow’s tune, and “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.”
In 2025, Hawkes made headlines together with his participation in “Celebrity Big Brother.” His front changed into mainly memorable; because the first contestant to go into the house, he humorously discovered his consolation with nudity, declaring he’s a “little bit of a nudist” and would not think of stripping off. This candidness set the tone for his time at the show, in which he aimed to examine himself and his fellow housemates.
Personal Life and Challenges
Hawkes’s non-public existence has seen its proportion of ups and downs. He married Kristina in 1997, and collectively they have got 3 children: sons Casey and Indiana, and daughter Jesse. Their own circle of relatives spent numerous years in Los Angeles earlier than returning to the United Kingdom, settling in Surrey.
Reflecting on his early reputation, Hawkes recounted the extreme interest and private struggles he confronted, along with demanding situations with substance abuse after being dropped through report labels.
He emphasised the significance of conversation and time aside in his marriage, noting that his father’s recommendation approximately resonates extra now as a parent, who specialize in own circle of relatives over celebrity.
In recent years, Hawkes confronted non-public grief with the absence of his adolescent friend, Vic Irvine, to lung cancer. This profound revel in encouraged his tune, mainly to the introduction of songs that delve deep into topics of loss and resilience. Hawkes expressed that his tune “Loud,” written approximately loss, took on new meaning following Irvine’s passing, and he obtained many messages from humans sharing their stories, which he observed were helpful.
Recent Musical Endeavors
After a hiatus from releasing new tunes, Hawkes lowered back together with his album “Living Arrows” in early 2025. The album features tracks like “Get A Hold of Yourself,” which obtained tremendous airplay on Radio 2, and “Loud,” a poignant tune reflecting on grief and loss. Hawkes collaborated with producer Jake Gosling in this project, aiming to give a matured sound that resonates with longtime lovers and new listeners.
The album’s introduction changed into deeply non-public, with songs stimulated through his stories and relationships. Notably, his son Indiana contributed to the album, gambling guitar on numerous tracks, symbolizing a familial bond via tune.
Financial Standing
Over the years, Hawkes’s economic adventure has had visible fluctuations. As of 2025, his net worth is predicted at $10 million. This wealth is attributed to his enduring tune royalties, tv appearances, and stay performances. Despite dealing with economically demanding situations in the past, Hawkes’s resilience and adaptability have ensured his persisted presence in the amusement industry.
Legacy and Influence
Chesney Hawkes’s effect on the tune industry, mainly in the UK, is undeniable. “The One and Only” remains an anthem for many, symbolizing the colourful pop scene of the early ’90s. Beyond this hit, his willpower to his craft, willingness to evolve, and openness approximately non-public demanding situations have endeared him to lovers throughout generations.
His current endeavors, each in tune and tv, exhibit an artist who, regardless of the ebbs and flows of repute, stays dedicated to his ardour and keeps to connect to audiences in significant ways.
What changed after Chesney Hawkes largest hit?
Chesney Hawkes’s largest hit by the way is “The One and Only.”
About the Song:
Released: March 1991
Written through: Nik Kershaw
From the soundtrack of: Buddy’s Song (additionally starred Chesney)
Chart Performance:
UK Singles Chart: #1 for 5 weeks
US Billboard Hot 100: Peaked at #10
Also charted nicely throughout Europe and stays a nostalgic anthem.
Why it is so iconic:
Catchy lyrics with an empowering message about individuality.
Chesney’s younger power and appeal captured the spirit of the early 90s.
The tune has become a cultural touchstone, utilized in TV, films, and soccer chants.
It’s nonetheless regularly performed at unfashionable parties, carrying events, and on radio stations.
Final Thoughts
Chesney Hawkes’s tale is extra than only a story of 90s pop stardom. It’s a testimony to staying grounded, evolving creatively, and going through life’s highs and lows with grace. His latest projects, along with the heartfelt Living Arrows, display that he stays now no longer handiest applicable however deeply impactful in brand new track and leisure landscape.
FAQs
Where does Chesney Hawkes stay now?
After spending numerous years residing in Los Angeles, Chesney and his own circle of relatives returned to the UK. They are presently primarily based totally in Surrey. He has spoken overtly about the selection to return, mentioning a choice to reconnect together along with his roots and deliver his kids an extra grounded upbringing.
What does Chesney Hawkes do except track?
In addition to track, Chesney has worked in theater, television, and truth TV. He’s additionally a motivational speaker and participates in charity initiatives, especially the ones associated with intellectual fitness and bereavement, stimulated through private losses and experiences. His openness in interviews has made him a relatable parent for managing life’s challenges.
Who are Chesney Hawkes’s own circle of relatives members?
Chesney is married to Kristina Hawkes. They have 3 kids: sons Casey and Indiana, and daughter Jesse. His father, Len “Chip” Hawkes, turned into a part of the mythical 60s band The Tremeloes, and his mother, Carol Dilworth, turned into a successful actress. Music and overall performance virtually run in the own circle of relatives, with Chesney’s son Indiana additionally displaying sturdy musical talent.
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