Nicholas James Biography: Wife, Age, Net Worth, Height, Parents, Tika Sumpter, Movies & TV Shows

Nicholas James, full name is Nicholas James Muscarella, is an American actor and model recognized for his compelling performances in television and film.

Best known for his recurring role as Officer Justin Lewis on Tyler Perry’s prime-time soap opera The Haves and the Have Nots (2016–2021), he has also appeared in films like Prom Night (2008) and guest-starred on shows such as NCIS and NCIS: New Orleans.

Profile

• Full Name: Nicholas James Muscarella
• Stage Name: Nicholas James
• Born: December 1, 1982
• Age: 42 years old
• Birthplace: Greenville, Pennsylvania, USA
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Actor, Model
• Height: 5 feet 11 inches (1.80 m)
• Parents: Mr. Gregory Muscarella and Mrs. Vicki Muscarella
• Siblings: Michael Muscarella
• Spouse: Tika Sumpter (M. 2022)
• Children: Ella-Loren
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $1 million to $5 million USD

Early Life and Education

Nicholas James Muscarella was born on December 1, 1982, in Greenville, Pennsylvania, to Mr. Gregory Muscarella and Mrs. Vicki Muscarella.

Of Italian/Sicilian and Slovak descent, he grew up in a supportive family alongside his older brother, Michael Muscarella.

His childhood was spent in Greenville, where he attended Reynolds Junior-Senior High School.

After high school, he enrolled at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, studying management and marketing, but left before completing his degree to pursue acting.

With just $200, he moved to Los Angeles, working as a bottle service provider at a bar to support himself while chasing his Hollywood dreams.

Career

Nicholas James began his acting career with his film debut in Eating Out 2: Sloppy Seconds (2006) as Surfer Guy, credited as Nicholas James.

He adopted his stage name by dropping “Muscarella,” citing its Italian sound as confusing given his appearance.

Early roles included Prom Night (2008) as Denny Harper (credited as Nick James) and Fired Up! (2009) as Chester.

His television debut came in 2010 with The Client List, followed by guest roles on NCIS (2011, as Navy Seaman Derek Balfour), Jane by Design (2012), Hollywood Heights (2012), The Client List (2013), Revenge (2014), and NCIS: New Orleans (2014, as Navy Lieutenant Lewis Collier).

His breakout role was Officer Justin Lewis on The Haves and the Have Nots (2016–2021), appearing in 93 episodes as a series regular, sometimes credited as Nicholas J. Muscarella.

He also starred in short films like Snack Off (2011), Chinese Takeout (2011), Genre This (2012), Self Esteem (2017), and Chaser (2017).

As a model, he appeared in commercials for Walmart (2014) and Grupo Modelo (2016).

James trained under renowned acting coach Vincent Chase in Los Angeles, alongside Shia LaBeouf, and studied improv at the Upright Citizens Brigade, reflecting his early interest in sketch comedy.

In 2024, he produced the podcast Adventures of Curiosity Cove.

His career continues to evolve with a focus on diverse roles and creative projects.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @nicholasjames
• Twitter Handle: @nicholasjames

Personal Life

Nicholas James, 42 years old, has been married to actress Tika Sumpter since May 14, 2022, following their engagement on Christmas Day 2016.

They met on the set of The Haves and the Have Nots and have a daughter, Ella-Loren, born October 8, 2016.

Despite some media speculation, Sumpter confirmed James as the father on their engagement day.

He has two stepchildren from Sumpter’s previous marriage to Hosea Chanchez.

James resides in Los Angeles, where he enjoys extreme sports like skydiving and surfing, as well as standup paddleboarding, snorkeling, hiking, animals, and exotic teas.

Filmography

Films:

• Eating Out 2: Sloppy Seconds (2006) – Surfer Guy
• Prom Night (2008) – Denny Harper (as Nick James)
• Fired Up! (2009) – Chester
• Snack Off (2011, Short) – Donny
• Chinese Takeout (2011, Short) – Buck Crow (as Nick James)
• Genre This (2012, Short) – Joe Spudds
• Self Esteem (2017, Short) – Torb Burchley
• Chaser (2017, Short) – Shane

Television:

• The Client List (2010, TV Movie) – Role not specified
• NCIS (2011) – Navy Seaman Derek Balfour (Season 8, Episode 20)
• Napoleon Bon Appétit (2011) – Tex (Season 2, Episode 5)
• Jane by Design (2012) – Adam 2 (Season 1, Episode 8)
• Hollywood Heights (2012) – Guest Star (Season 1, Episode 12)
• The Client List (2013) – Hot Wedding Guest (Season 2, Episode 12)
• Revenge (2014) – Mark Keller (Season 4, Episode 1)
• NCIS: New Orleans (2014) – Navy Lieutenant Lewis Collier (Season 1, Episode 2)
• The Haves and the Have Nots (2016–2021) – Officer Justin Lewis (93 episodes, sometimes as Nicholas J. Muscarella)

Net Worth

Nicholas James, an American actor and model, has an estimated net worth of $1 million to $5 million USD.

His income is derived from his acting roles, notably The Haves and the Have Nots, film appearances, and modeling for brands like Walmart and Grupo Modelo.