Sons of Anarchy's Real-Life Jax Teller Inspiration Is Absolutely Heartbreaking (2024)

The fact that so much love, care, and attention to detail went into the creation and subsequent production of Sons of Anarchy is one of the biggest reasons why the show is still being talked about today. From the very beginning, creator Kurt Sutter had wanted the show to hold a certain authenticity in its depiction of the world and culture of motorcycle clubs. He has made no secret in the past of all the sources of inspiration he lifted from to tell the story. These range from the tragedies of Shakespeare to the infamy of the Hells Angels (a few real-life members were even cast in various roles). There is one story, however, regarding the creation of a particular character, one that many may not have heard before.

While Charlie Hunnam as Jax Teller was arguably one of the most perfect pieces of casting in television history, the inspiration behind his performance is just as, if not more tragic, than all of Jax's journey and eventual fate. As it turns out, while Sons of Anarchy is a fictional show with a character who is an entirely fictional creation and not based on the real-life story of any one individual, Hunnam's performance as Jax was inspired by a real-life biker. While the story behind it all is not exactly a happy one, there is perhaps a bit of comfort to be found in the way Hunnam used it to shape his unforgettable performance as one of the greatest TV characters of all time.

The Influences Behind The Character of Jax Teller

Many Sons of Anarchy fans are sure to be aware of just how much of Kurt Sutter's writing has been influenced by the works of William Shakespeare. In fact, Sutter has gone on record to note that he sees the show as a modern-day spin on the classic tragedy, Hamlet. It's not hard to see just how much of Jax's journey throughout the course of the series mirrors that of Hamlet's titular character. In the same way in which Hamlet's uncle Claudius killed his brother to become the king of Denmark, so too did Jax's stepfather Clay Morrow kill his brother to become the next president of SAMCRO. How Hamlet also loses his mind and his life in his quest for vengeance could also be compared to how Jax's character becomes less and less easy to root for as he further gives in to the darkness after killing Clay and taking over as president.

While Sutter sees Jax as a modern Hamlet, the actor who played him, Charlie Hunnam, sees him in a somewhat different light. As it turns out, one of the major inspirations that Hunnam has credited for his performance as Jax just happened to have been a real-life biker. In preparation for the show, and in an attempt to become closer to and familiarize himself more with motorcycle culture, Hunnam received the opportunity to meet with a couple of biker gangs and clubs. It was in one of these meetings in Oakland that Hunnam met a young man who had quite an interesting and storied life, having been associated with his father's motor club all through his childhood. Sadly, however, much like Jax, the story of this young man's life doesn't have a happy ending.

How Charlie Hunnam Met The 'Real' Jax Teller

In an interview with the Huffington Post, Hunnam discussed the method of preparation he undertook to prepare for his role as Jax. The same way Sutter had taken former Hells Angel member David Labrava (who also played a major role in the show as loyal SAMCRO assassin Happy Lowman) as a creative consultant, Hunnam had also acquainted himself with a few similar figures within the motorbiking world. During the initial rehearsal period, through his interactions with a particular Oakland club, he met the young man who would come to define his performance as Jax throughout the show's seven-season-long run. While he never mentioned him by name, he had quite a bit to say about the time they spent together.

"Through this show, I’ve spent an enormous amount of time in that world of bikers and clubs and the rallies and sh*t like that. But probably the most exciting and profitable period of time that I spent was in the initial rehearsal period when I knew nothing about this world. And I went up to Oakland and hung out with a very well known club that have a presence in Oakland. And got to ride with them and hang out with them. Actually I didn’t really ride with them but I got to hang out with them and we spent a lot of time together. And this one kid in particular that I met was amazing. It was like kind of a dream come true for me in a lot of ways when I went up there. Because he was Jax Teller. His dad was in the club and had been in the club his whole life. And he was 22. He’d had 22 birthday parties in the Oakland clubhouse of this motorcycle club. He was the heir apparent, like the history and future of that club and just an amazing guy.

"I was really drawn to him before I even knew that. He just had an amazing presence about him. When we talk about him, people often say they don’t make guys like that anymore. He was like an old school outlaw, cowboy, f*cking badass gunslinger. But modern day, you know? A 22 year old fearless kid. They used to say he put his gun in his belt before he put his shoes on, like he was just a straight f*cking outlaw."

While Hunnam had nothing but praise to offer the young biker, what followed next in his story was something that would give his performance in the show a whole new meaning.

What Happened To Jax Teller's Real-Life Inspiration?

Unfortunately, Hunnam's relationship with the young biker didn't last very long. In the interview, Hunnam also discussed the tragic fate that took him not long after their first meeting. The young man untimely passed away before the first season even began shooting, and Hunnam's performance essentially became something of a tribute to immortalize his spirit. Hunnam also noted the influence that he had on the character's overall aesthetic, from his behavior and mannerisms to even his choices in fashion.

Hunnam never mentioned the young man by name, nor did he discuss any of the details behind the cause of his untimely death. The fact that he wasn't willing to do so, only further proves how much respect and admiration he had for him, and not just for how their interactions helped him prepare for the role. While the actor's performance as Jax was far from the first time an actor had applied a real-life inspiration to a character, the way in which Hunnam created the aesthetic of Jax was something admirably meaningful. Despite the tragedy of the young biker's life, perhaps there is some comfort to be found in the fact that he had such an influence on one of TV's most iconic characters, and in a way, his spirit gets to live on all thanks to Hunnam.

Sons of Anarchy

TV-MA

Action

Drama

Where to Watch

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A biker struggles to balance being a father and being involved in an outlaw motorcycle club.

Release Date

September 3, 2008

Cast

Charlie Hunnam , Katey Sagal , Kim Coates , Mark Boone Junior , Tommy Flanagan , Ron Perlman , Johnny Lewis

Main Genre

Crime

Seasons

7

Creator

Kurt Sutter

Number of Episodes

92

Network

FX

Streaming Service(s)

Hulu