James Lafferty Biography: Age, Height, Net Worth, Wife, Parents, Siblings, Movies & TV Shows

James Martin Lafferty, known professionally as James Lafferty, is an American actor, director, producer, and writer best recognized for his starring role as Nathan Scott across all nine seasons of the CW’s One Tree Hill, a teen drama that ran from 2003 to 2012 and drew massive fandom for its small-town basketball rivalries and heartfelt arcs.

He broke into acting at age 12 with a voice role in the animated Annabelle’s Wish before landing guest spots on Boston Public, Emeril, and Once and Again, building toward his breakout as the brooding athlete who evolved from antagonist to family anchor.

Lafferty directed multiple One Tree Hill episodes, showcasing behind-the-scenes command, then pivoted to films like the Blumhouse horror Oculus in 2013 and the Nelms Brothers trilogy—Lost on Purpose, Waffle Street with Danny Glover, and Small Town Crime featuring John Hawkes.

Profile

• Full Name: James Martin Lafferty
• Stage Name: James Lafferty
• Born: July 25, 1985
• Age: 40 years old
• Birthplace: Hemet, California, United States
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Actor, Director, Producer, Writer
• Height: 1.88m
• Parents: Jeff Lafferty, Angie Lafferty
• Siblings: Stuart Lafferty
• Spouse: Alexandra Park (m. 2022)
• Children: None
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $5 million

Early Life and Education

James Martin Lafferty was born on 25 July 1985 in Hemet, California, to Jeff Lafferty and Angie Lafferty, sharing close bonds with brother Stuart Lafferty who later joined him in acting. He grew up immersed in Southern California’s creative scene, kicking off professional work at 12 without pursuing higher formal education as roles demanded focus.

Family support fueled his early auditions amid a typical suburban upbringing. His background reflects standard American ethnicity, with no public religious details.

Career

James Lafferty debuted at 12 voicing Buster Holder in the 1997 TV film Annabelle’s Wish, followed by guest roles on Once and Again, Get Real, and Boston Public that sharpened his teen actor chops. He played chef Emeril Lagasse’s son on the short-lived Emeril in 2001, then starred as Steve Alford in ESPN’s A Season on the Brink, capturing Indiana Hoosiers basketball drama.

Indie film Boys on the Run came next in 2003, but One Tree Hill redefined everything as Nathan Scott from 2003-2012, spanning 182 episodes where he matured from cocky rival to devoted husband and father. Lafferty directed several episodes mid-run, honing production skills, and earned Teen Choice nominations for breakout star, chemistry with Chad Michael Murray, and scene stealer.

Early pilots tested his lead potential before OTH locked in stardom across its WB-to-CW shift.

Lafferty tackled horror as Michael in Oculus for Blumhouse in 2013, praised as a top scare fest, then starred in three Nelms Brothers films: Lost on Purpose with C. Thomas Howell, Waffle Street alongside Danny Glover in 2015, and Small Town Crime in 2017 with Octavia Spencer and Robert Forster, showcasing dramatic range from comedy to crime.

TV recurred him as Mr. Nash on NBC’s Crisis in 2014 and Kyle Risdin on Underground in 2016, blending thriller and historical drama. He voiced interest in darker fare post-OTH, landing S. Darko in 2009 while directing The Royals for E!.

Everyone Is Doing Great emerged in 2021 as co-creator, writer, director, and star Jeremy Davis with Stephen Colletti, exploring post-fame struggles in a raw indie series.

James Lafferty portrays astronaut Scott Carpenter in Disney+’s The Right Stuff limited series in 2020, capturing Mercury program intensity, and guests as Connor Murphy on All American in 2022 while directing its fourth season.

He balances acting with production on personal projects that reflect One Tree Hill’s ensemble spirit. His credits span 20-plus years, from voiceovers to prestige streaming, with directing credits on hit dramas affirming growth beyond teen idol roots. Fan conventions and OTH reunions sustain cultural relevance.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @jameslafferty
• Facebook Handle: Unknown
• Twitter Handle: Unknown

Personal Life

James Lafferty married actress Alexandra Park in 2022 after years together, embracing a private family life with no children disclosed. He prioritizes low-key bonds over public spotlights.

Filmography

• One Tree Hill (2003-2012)
• Oculus (2013)
• Waffle Street (2015)
• The Haunting of Hill House (2018)
• The Right Stuff (2020)
• Everyone Is Doing Great (2021)

Net Worth

James Lafferty has an estimated net worth of $5 million. One Tree Hill’s nine-season run delivers ongoing residuals, boosted by directing fees, films like Oculus and Waffle Street, plus streaming roles in The Right Stuff and Everyone Is Doing Great that he co-created.