Date of Birth

25 July 1985, Hemet, California, USA

Birth Name

James Martin Lafferty

Nickname

Baby James Jamie J

Height

6' 2" (1.88 m)

Mini Biography

James Lafferty was born and raised in Hemet, California. James attended Hemet High School and played basketball for the Bulldogs, even earning the MVP award. He has been steadily working since the age of 6 when his mother encouraged him and his brother, Stuart Lafferty, to act as a hobby. At age ten, he received his first speaking part and, then later, a role on the short lived television series "Emeril" (2001) as Emeril Lagasse's son. James also made guest appearances as "Once and Again" (1999) (as Tad) and "Boston Public" (2000). He also had a role in the ESPN movie A Season on the Brink (2002) (TV), a basketball movie about the Indiana Hoosiers, where he was able to demonstrate his basketball skills. He graduated in 2003 from Hemet High and was enrolled at Cal State Long Beach before he received the role of "Nathan" on the WB Network's new series "One Tree Hill" (2003), filmed in Wilmington, North Carolina. Once in University, James plans on majoring in international studies.

Mini Biography

Born on July 25th, 1985 in Hemet California, James Martin Lafferty was already destined to be a star. James was born and raised in Hemet, California until he was 16 years old, which was about when he was signed to do the CW teen drama series, One Tree Hill. His parents, Angie and Jeff Lafferty who owns a local business in Hemet, have already been encouraging him and his brother, Stuart Lafferty to act as a hobby.

James attended Hemet High School and played basketball for the high school's team, Bulldogs. According to his high school coach, he could already tell that James had the passion for basketball. James Lafferty participated in many of the high school basketball matches, eventually earning him the MVP award.

At age ten, he received his first acting role in his high school's play. That was when James got his first taste as an actor. Not too long later, he managed to secure a role on the short lived television series, Emeril. Being in that show allowed him to be noticed by more people.

James then managed to get a few guest appearances as Tad on Once and Again and also Boston Public. Later, he also had a role in the ESPN movie, Season on the Brink, a basketball movie about the Indiana Hoosiers where he was able to prove his talent in basketball.

At 18 years old, James eventually graduated from his high school. During then, he already had a couple of screen test. James auditioned for the teen movie about how a couple of students plan to get perfect SAT scores, The Perfect Score which starres Chris Evans and Bryan Greenberg. James auditioned for Bryan's role but didn't get it because he was too young.

It proves that it only takes time as not too long later, James auditioned for One Tree Hill. James auditioned for the role of Lucas Scott, played by Chad Michael Murray but didn't get it because he wasn't what directors saw as Lucas. Directors at One Tree Hill saw him as Nathan and eventually gave the part of the high school basketball star to him.

Critics claim that James' acting has been pretty impressive because of his ability to change his character in the show. The show started of with Nathan being this mean basketball player but fans eventually got to see the more sensitive side of the character.

As of now, James hopes to be still working on One Tree Hill for as long as he can. He also has high hopes of attending university where he can hopefully major in international studies. For this 23 year old boy, we're pretty sure we can expect more of him in the future.

Trade Mark

15-foot, mid-range jump shot

Trivia

Older brother of Stuart Lafferty.

His favorite musicians are: Eminem, Gemini, Steve Miller Band, Geto Boys and Kanye West.

His favorite TV shows are "South Park" (1997), "The Sopranos" (1999) and "The Daily Show" (1996).

Favorite movies are: Fight Club (1999) and Beautiful Girls (1996).

Favorite book is "Brave New World" by Aldous Huxley as told to TV Guide magazine in 2004.

Favorite basketball player is Michael Jordan.

Loves the Yukon and Mustang Cobra cars

He once had a girlfriend back in his hometown of Hemet, California, who was a senior in high school there.

Was born to Angie and Jeff Lafferty, who own a local construction business in Hemet California.

Has a dog, Nino (a husky/shepherd mix).

His favorite actors are: Tom Hanks, and Edward Norton.

His favorite basketball team is the Los Angeles Lakers.

He has a black belt in Tae Kwon Doe.

His hobbies are: Snowboarding, Skiing, Snorkeling, Horseback Riding, playing basketball, football, video games, and going to the beach.

Received the nickname "Baby James" by his co-workers, Hilarie Burton, Chad Michael Murray, Sophia Bush and Bethany Joy Lenz.

Is good friends with Bethany Joy Lenz, Lee Norris, Tyler Hilton, and Sophia Bush.

Personal Quotes

Favorite holiday: "Fourth of July. I always have the most fun on the Fourth of July. You don't have to exchange any gifts. You just go to the beach and watch fireworks. It's always fun."

"I don't get a whole lot out of the romance thing, but I realize girls do. So I'll go out of my way to make them feel romanced."

Where Are They Now

(September 2004) Currently living in Wilmington, North Carolina where "One Tree Hill" (2003) is shot.

(July 2007) In North Carolina filming Season 5 of One Tree Hill

~ Updated: 2008-08-14 ~