Oliver James

Oliver was born in Ottershaw, Surrey. His father is involved in car racing, and James had originally wanted to pursue a career as a professional race car driver. He played the drums in a band while in secondary school, where he also participated in racing and motorcrossing.

Oliver graduated from the Guildford School of Acting in Surrey, where he majored in drama, and subsequently appeared in stage productions and commercials. At the age of nineteen, he adapted his middle name as his professional surname, in order to avoid confusion with actor Oliver Hudson.

Oliver's first screen appearance was a supporting role in the 2002 made-for-television short film,School's Out; he next appeared in a 2003 episode of the BBC series, The Afternoon Play, and joined a boy band produced by Simon Fuller. He left the band as soon as he was cast opposite actress Amanda Bynes in the American romantic comedy,What a Girl Wants; for his role in the film, he learned to play the guitar and co-wrote and sang the songs Long Time Coming and Greatest Story Ever Told, which were on the film's soundtrack.

Oliver's next role was opposite Hilary Duff in the teen film Raise Your Voice, which was released in October of 2004 and grossed $10 million domestically.

He currently lives in Los Angeles, California, having moved there in 2003, to pursue an acting career.