Jackson Brundage holds an estimated net worth of $600,000 to $1.5 million, accumulated primarily through his career as a prominent child actor in television during the late 2000s and early 2010s. Best recognized globally for his multi-season regular role as James "Jamie" Lucas Scott on The CW hit drama series One Tree Hill, Brundage transitioned out of the entertainment industry as a teenager. This profile breaks down how he built his early fortune, his key television credits, and what his financial and professional standing looks like today.
Early Life and Acting Beginnings
Born on January 21, 2001, in Los Angeles, California, Jackson Timothy Brundage grew up in a household with three siblings. Showing an early aptitude for performance, he secured minor television appearances before landing the career-defining role that would put him on the Hollywood map. Before his major breakout, child actors in Los Angeles typically navigate dozens of auditions, but Brundage landed a substantial recurring part with very few prior credits, demonstrating a natural camera presence and high memorization capacity at an exceptionally young age.
The Breakout Role on One Tree Hill
Brundage joined the cast of One Tree Hill during its fifth season in 2008, portraying Jamie Scott, the bright and endearing son of Nathan Scott (James Lafferty) and Haley James Scott (Bethany Joy Lenz). He appeared across 99 episodes through the series conclusion in 2012.
Working on a long-running network drama provided consistent employment during his formative childhood years (ages seven through eleven). Because One Tree Hill filmed primarily in Wilmington, North Carolina, Brundage spent a significant portion of his childhood splitting time between the East Coast set and California. Behind the scenes, his professionalism on set was frequently highlighted by cast mates, though normal childhood milestones—such as losing his baby teeth—required production adjustments, including the temporary use of dental appliances so character continuity remained uninterrupted.
Expanding Television Credits and Voice Work
Following the wrap of One Tree Hill, Brundage didn't immediately leave television. He secured additional major roles that contributed to his overall earnings:
- See Dad Run (2012–2015): Brundage starred as Joe Hobbs, the son of Nick Hobbs (Scott Baio), in this Nick at Nite live-action sitcom. He appeared in multiple seasons, cementing his status as a recognizable face on children's and family cable television networks.
- Harvey Beaks (2015): He provided the original voice for the title character Foo in the animated Nickelodeon series Harvey Beaks before later being replaced during production transitions.
- Guest Appearances: Earlier in his career, he made single-episode guest appearances on high-profile prime-time dramas including NCIS (playing Tommy Smith in the 2010 episode "Borderland") and Las Vegas (2008), alongside a role in the indie film Lime Salted Love (2006).
You can review his complete television timeline and credits profile on IMDb.
Transition Out of Acting
Brundage officially retired from professional acting in 2015 at age 14, choosing to step away from the entertainment industry to pursue a typical adolescent and young adult lifestyle. Unlike many child stars who attempt continuous adult comebacks, he shifted his focus away from Hollywood entirely. During his high school years, he engaged in standard extracurricular activities, including playing football—a fun contrast for fans who associated his childhood with the basketball-centric lore of One Tree Hill.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Jackson Brundage's salary on One Tree Hill?
Exact episodic salaries for minor child actors on cable and network television during the late 2000s are generally kept confidential. However, appearing as a main cast member for 99 episodes across multiple seasons secured a steady residual and upfront income stream, forming the foundation of his reported net worth.
Is Jackson Brundage still acting?
No. He stepped away from the industry following the conclusion of his work on Nickelodeon's See Dad Run and Harvey Beaks in 2015. He has not pursued active television or film roles since.
Why did Jackson Brundage leave One Tree Hill?
He did not leave prematurely; he remained with the production until the series naturally concluded its final ninth season in 2012.
Where is Jackson Brundage now?
He lives a private life outside of the public eye, having transitioned away from media spotlight and celebrity culture following his retirement from acting.