Widely recognized for his iconic portrayal of Jay Cartwright in the E4 sitcom The Inbetweeners (20082010), James Buckley further cemented his place in popular culture by reprising the role in the critically and commercially successful films The Inbetweeners Movie (2011) and The Inbetweeners 2 (2014). For his standout performance, Buckley earned a nomination for Best TV Comedy Actor at the British Comedy Awards in 2010 and a BAFTA for Male Performance in a Comedy Programme in 2011. Buckley had already established a professional acting career, making his stage debut in the West End production of Whistle Down the Wind (Aldwych Theatre, 1998), followed by a role as Gavroche in Les Misérables (Palace Theatre, 1999). His television career began with the BBC sitcom Orrible in 2001, subsequently appearing in series such as Teachers (2004), The Bill (2005, 2006, 2008), Holby City (2006), Skins (2007), and Sold (2007).
Continuing his robust presence across platforms, Buckley returned to the stage as Ben in 2:22 A Ghost Story in 2024. Also in 2024, he featured prominently as Ashley Taylor in the Channel 5 drama Finders Keepers and showcased his quick wit, winning Celebrity Catchphrase. Throughout his career, Buckley has remained a sought-after talent for guest appearances on various television shows and celebrity specials, underlining his enduring appeal and adaptability in the entertainment industry.