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Prince Charming
By Angela Lee
Despite being dubbed “Baby James” by his female co-stars, One Tree Hill star James Lafferty, is all grown up and has nicely turned out into a fine young gentleman. Smart, sweet, athletic, grounded, and handsome – James is definitely a modern day Prince Charming. Portrait takes a look at the charm of James Lafferty.
Baby James is all
grown up
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He may have started the show as resident jerk Nathan Scott, but James Lafferty is anything but. In fact James Lafferty is one of the sweetest and down to earth guys that you’ll ever meet, and we have the words of his co-stars to back this up!
“We didn’t expect James Lafferty to be the right guy for Nate because he’s the nicest guy you’ll ever meet in real life. Then – boom! – he turns it on and becomes this raging [jerk],” explains Chad Michael Murray who lays Nathan’s brother Lucas.
Unlike his alter ego, James is quite modest and private in real life
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“James is just the sweetest thing ever. He play such a jerk on the show, but in real life, it’s like, ‘Oh buddy, let’s cuddle.’ You’re just so nice,” gushes Hilarie Burton who plays Peyton.
“He is practically unaffected by the fame. He is very much the same guy that I first met a couple of years ago, and that says so much about the kind of quality person that he is,” says Lee Norris who plays Marvin ‘Mouth’ McFadden.
“He is just the sweetest kid and he’s handled all this so well, especially living on his own for the first time. He hasn’t let any of this get to him at all. I think that’s a testament to his family. He’s a real kid,” says Moira Kelly who plays Karen Roe.
James Martin Lafferty was born on July 25, 1985 in Helmet, California, to Jeff and Angie Lafferty who own a construction business. “I was able to have a really great childhood growing up, because it was a small town. I had the same friends all the way through high school,” reflects James.
James and younger brother Stuart
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James’ younger brother Stuart is also an actor, and even starred in an episode of One Tree Hill back in season 2, playing Nathan’s cousin. James and Stuart have become such close friends to One Tree Hill creator Mark Schwahn that Mark had written Stuart’s character specifically in the hopes of developing a spin off from One Tree Hill revolving around Stuart’s character, an aspiring NASCAR driver. Unfortunately, the network executives vetoed the idea and that was the end of that. While the Lafferty brothers both act, the similarities end there. “James and I are very different actually. I was always the more outgoing one; but I was less stubborn which balanced things out when we were together,” explains Stuart.
Back in the old days - Season 1 Cast Promo
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Unlike his alter-ego on One Tree Hill, James gets along really well with his family, so it must be difficult to step into the dysfunctional family life that his character Nathan is embroiled in. “I think no matter what character you play, there’s always something in there you can relate to on some level,” says James. “Even though I didn’t have any experiences with my family like Nathan did, I’m able to draw on his competitive drive and his drive to be the best and make the best for himself.”
Quiet and Strong - James Lafferty
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Making the best for himself and others is a similarity that is clearly evident in James through his involvement in a numerous amount of charities. “There’s a lot of non-profit organizations in Wilmington, just like in every other city that don’t get a lot of help. They do great work for the community, like the Family Services’ Big Buddy Program, Children’s Museum of Wilmington and Wilmington Family YMCA,” says James. “Look around at the people that are doing things that are selfless and see what you can do to help them.” In recent years, James has been involved with the Pink Project and the Think Pink Fundraiser – a photography book benefiting RAINN and LA Breast Cancer Association, as well as Lamar Odom’s Music Jam, along with local charity games in Wilmington. “The highlight of filming…has definitely been the charity opportunities we’ve been presented with. Charity basketball games, football games and all the things we’ve been able to give back have been so much fun,” reflects James.
One Tree Hill - Season 5 Cast
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It isn’t just charities James gives to. If you’re ever lucky enough to go on a date with James, you’re in for a treat because James is a true gentleman when it comes to romance. “I don’t get a whole lot out of the romance thing but I realise girls do. So I’ll go out of my way to make them feel romanced,” says James. Awww. And if that didn’t already makes you swoon, then James genuinely rooting for Nathan and Haley will. “Fans absolutely love the whole relationship. That makes me so proud, so I say if the fans want it to work out that badly, I would love to see them get what they want,” says James. And as much as fans love him, he loves the fans as well. “There’s no one on our cast that isn’t willing to go out there and meet the fans or sign autographs.
Baller on screen and off
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Our show has such a good bond, and line of communication with fans. I think that’s really been a strong point in our show, so I don’t think we should stop that at all,” insists James.
Although very private when it comes to his personal life, James will reveal what attracts him to a girl. “I look for a girl who can challenge me. I tend to be an ‘opposites attract’ person because I think I can learn from somebody who is different than I am and who has different perspectives on things. I think if you have that in a relationship, you’ll get the most out of it.”
James and Bethany as Nathan and Haley
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Speaking of challenging, James is quite the intellectual and likes to challenge his mind. His favourite books are “A Brave New World” and “Anthem”. Before landing the role of Nathan Scott, James was all set to attend college at Long Beach State, majoring in International Affairs. (Impressive!) “He’s so laid-back and really interesting. He’s extremely intelligent but a lot of the times you’d never know because he’s so quiet, which I think is awesome. He never feels like he has to prove himself to anybody, and I really appreciate that about him,” says Bethany Joy Galleotti, who plays Nathan’s wife Haley. But don’t worry; James won’t be leaving the show anytime soon to pursue academic endeavours. However, if he were given the chance to play pro-basketball, he may just change his tune and give up acting. But before all you James fans out there freak out, he’s quick to jump in and modestly say “That’s a total dream. I’m not that good!”
James in baller mode
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However, I think team mates of this 6”2” star’ former high school Bulldogs team at Helmet High would be quick to disagree. They did after all award James the MVP (Most Valuable Player) award during James’ season. For the meantime James is happy enough to show his signature 15 foot mid range jump shot on TV and at charity games. Perhaps he’ll show it to the ABA Wilmington Sea Dawgs basketball team who he is a partner of.
For the meantime James is content with his life in Wilmington and One Tree Hill, as long as he gets to play basketball and act, and take his dog Nino – a shepherd/Husky mix – on his boat in his spare time, this multi-talented modern day prince charming is a happy man. “I don’t think you can be successful if you’re not happy. I’m definitely a happy person,” reflects James.
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