The CW Source: Happy Birthday, James Lafferty!

One Tree Hill’s James Martin Lafferty celebrates his 23rd birthday today! Happy birthday, James!

As the cast’s youngest member (until little Jackson Brundage came along) James was nicknamed “Baby James” by his co-stars. He was just 17 when they shot the One Tree Hill pilot.

You might already know that Chad Michael Murray was originally slated to play Nathan Scott. But because the actor had been abandoned by his mother when he was a child, he felt he could relate to Lucas’s character better. And honestly, could we ever imagine anyone but James playing Nathan?

He was the guy we loved to hate in the first season. Remember how cruel he was to Lucas when he was trying out for The Ravens? But the brothers came together toward the end of season one when they discovered they had a common enemy -- Daddy Dan. And at the end of the first season Nathan did something that changed his life: he married Haley. And his life would never be the same.

Sure, they’ve had their ups and downs (can someone say Chris Keller, sex tapes and a nanny from hell?) but Naley has stood the test of time. And now they have an adorable son who is such a great addition to the cast. We can’t wait to see what is in store for Nathan. We’re hoping that he can get back into basketball and all of his dreams come true!

One of the reasons that James is so awesome as Nathan is that he is not just an actor, he’s also an athlete, and most importantly a basketball player. He actually plays the sport in his spare time. In fact he played in the celeb competition of the 2008 NBA All-Star Game right alongside Terrell Owens and Master P. Their team won 51 to 50 -- a nail-biter for sure!

James’ love of the game doesn’t stop there. He’s quite the giver. This year marked the Fifth Annual James Lafferty One Tree Hill Charity Basketball Game. He hosts the game every year in Wilmington to thank his fans for all of their support (anyone can buy a ticket!) and to raise money for different charities. This year the proceeds went to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Winnie’s Garden and the Wilmington Family YMCA.

Many of the other OTH cast members join in the fun at the charity event and this year the second half was slightly delayed because Jackson Brundage was bustin’ a move, center court. Jackson was so into it that James had to come scoop him up and deposit him on the sidelines! The two share some serious chemistry, on and off screen. We’re hoping that Naley won’t stop at just one kiddo. We can’t wait to see what season six holds for their family.

Send James a happy birthday shout out here!

Comments

happy birthday!
you're so fineee man=)

Posted by: je | August 31, 2008 8:42 PM

Happy Birthay, James :D
I'm youre biggest fan number one from Norway!

Posted by: LinnBLG | August 21, 2008 12:52 PM

HaPpY bIrThDaY gOrGeOuS... xOxOxO kEeP uP tHe gOoD jOb!!!

Posted by: SeXyLiPz | August 14, 2008 4:05 PM

Happy B-day James sending you love from Croatia.

Posted by: maja-croatia | August 2, 2008 12:51 AM

if feeling could take a face then my feeling would just look like u. beautiful and charming...
LOVE U JAMES BEST WISHES FROM BOTTOM OF MY HEART.

Posted by: samantha | August 1, 2008 3:31 AM

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HONEY

Posted by: samantha | August 1, 2008 3:07 AM

happy brithday JAMES

Posted by: alexandra | July 31, 2008 8:42 PM

happy belated birthday, love of my life.

Posted by: renee | July 30, 2008 4:25 PM

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAMES! LOVE YOU! GOOD LUCK WITH SLAMBALL!

Posted by: Vicky | July 28, 2008 3:59 PM

Happy B-day Baby James!

Posted by: Bambi | July 28, 2008 11:39 AM

Happy Birthday James hope you have a good one love ya

Posted by: serena | July 28, 2008 10:43 AM

hey james(nathan) have a good birthday tell chad i said what up and sophia i love her!!!!

Posted by: george | July 28, 2008 4:08 AM

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAMES!!!
UR GREAT!!

Posted by: Anonymous | July 28, 2008 2:49 AM

Happy Belatedd Birthdayy Jamess!!

you're amazing & i love you <3

Posted by: Jillian | July 27, 2008 10:15 PM

happy birthday james lafferty!! i hope you have a good one!! love ya!!

Posted by: cheryl | July 26, 2008 11:29 PM

Happy Birthday James! Sorry about the belated-ness, but you're still AMAZING!! Hope your birthday was wonderful :)

Posted by: Christina | July 26, 2008 8:50 PM

Happy Happy Birthday James! <3
(It's a day late, I know. Forgive me?)

Posted by: JLaff23 | July 26, 2008 4:50 PM

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAMES!!! I LOVE YOU :)

Posted by: cutie pie | July 26, 2008 3:26 PM

Happy Birthday, James! It is a pleasure to watch you portray Nathan Scott - no one else can fill those powerful acting shoes!

Your incredible talents, phenomenal basketball skills, perfect on-screen chemistry and handsome good looks make you a favorite among many adoring fans (including myself).

Best wishes for a great year! :-)

Posted by: A Twenty-Something Fan | July 26, 2008 1:21 PM

Happy belated birthday James!! Good luck in Season 6 with the cast especially with Jackson!!! I think it is cool how you two get along both on & off the screen!!

Posted by: Anita | July 26, 2008 1:06 PM

happy birthday!! desde España

Posted by: Txaro | July 26, 2008 12:53 PM

Happy Birthday, JLa.

Yeah, to the point right?

Posted by: denise | July 26, 2008 11:08 AM

I love you James! have an awesome BIRTHDAY!!!

Posted by: RICE | July 26, 2008 10:16 AM

Happy Birthday James Hope u have a good one

Posted by: Anonymous | July 26, 2008 10:07 AM

Happy Birthday Gorgeous!

Posted by: Carmela Ferro | July 26, 2008 9:23 AM

Happy Birthday. I wish you weren't sleeping with Whoria. Makes you look really bad

Posted by: lola | July 26, 2008 8:48 AM

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAMES!

DA FLORENCE

Posted by: martina | July 26, 2008 8:44 AM

Happy Birthday!! :)

Posted by: barbara | July 26, 2008 8:12 AM

Happy Birthday, James! You are a sensational actor and I have enjoyed watching you develop your talents these past five years.

There is no one else that can fill your acting shoes - you ARE Nathan Scott. Your on-screen abilities have evolved the character into a charming man that many fans (including myself) adore!

Best wishes for a great year to an incredibly handsome, successful and thoughtful man! :-)

Posted by: A Twenty-Something Fan | July 25, 2008 11:48 PM

!Happy Birthday James! :)

Posted by: Lesley | July 25, 2008 11:16 PM

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAMES!!!
Hope you have a good one!!!

Posted by: Eleinee | July 25, 2008 11:13 PM

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAMES, I LOVE YOU

HUGS AND KISSES

FROM MEXICO

Posted by: Sarah | July 25, 2008 11:05 PM

Happy Bday!

Posted by: kat2392 | July 25, 2008 9:13 PM