James Buckley is best known for playing the outrageous and hilarious Jay Cartwright on The Inbetweeners. While the E4 sitcom was a massive success that launched his acting career, Buckley’s journey to becoming a millionaire didn’t come from his acting roles alone. Instead, he found an unexpected path to financial success, turning his popular character into a lucrative opportunity. Let’s explore the creative way Buckley leveraged his fame from The Inbetweeners to build his fortune.
The Rise to Fame: Jay Cartwright and The Inbetweeners
James Buckley became a household name in 2008 when he starred as Jay Cartwright in The Inbetweeners, a coming-of-age sitcom on E4 that followed four awkward teenagers navigating school, girls, and growing pains. Jay’s character, known for his bold lies and crude humor, was an instant hit with viewers.
The show’s success was undeniable, making Buckley and his co-stars Simon Bird, Blake Harrison, and Joe Thomas widely recognized figures in British comedy. But while Buckley continued to take on roles in other projects like 2:22 A Ghost Story and Rock & Chips, he knew that his portrayal of Jay remained his most iconic role.
Turning Fame Into Fortune: Buckley’s Cameo Success
Instead of distancing himself from Jay Cartwright, Buckley embraced the character that made him famous. He found a unique way to capitalize on this fame—by joining Cameo, a U.S.-based platform that allows celebrities to create personalized video messages for fans.
During the COVID-19 lockdown, Buckley turned to Cameo as an extra source of income, not realizing it would become his primary source of revenue. The actor quickly became one of the most popular celebrities on the platform, especially for fans of The Inbetweeners who wanted messages from “Jay” himself.
In an interview with Spencer Matthews on the Big Fish podcast, Buckley explained how Cameo transformed his financial situation. “It was a godsend financially,” he said, emphasizing that his goal was never to take advantage of fans but to make people happy. He set a reasonable price of £40 per video, making it accessible for fans to split the cost and enjoy a personalized experience.
Buckley photographed with former The Inbetweeners co-star Joe Thomas (Dave Benett/Getty Images)
“Cameo Millionaire”: Buckley’s Unusual Path to Wealth
When Matthews asked Buckley if he truly became a “Cameo millionaire,” Buckley’s response was clear: “Yeah, yeah, I am.” This unexpected success highlights how Buckley’s decision to embrace his character on Cameo paid off in a big way. The majority of his videos feature Jay Cartwright’s signature catchphrases, such as the infamous “bus w**kers,” which fans love to hear.
Buckley’s videos on Cameo are not only popular but also bring joy to fans, who often request them as pranks or birthday surprises for friends. “Two mates can go in for 20 quid each, and I call their friend a bus w**ker,” Buckley explained. “It makes people happy, and that’s what I’m in the business of doing.” This simple, yet impactful approach turned into a steady and substantial income stream.
Staying True to His Roots: Buckley’s Love for The Inbetweeners
Despite the financial success he’s found through Cameo, Buckley hasn’t forgotten where it all started. While his co-star Simon Bird has expressed disinterest in reuniting for more episodes of The Inbetweeners, Buckley is enthusiastic about the show and its lasting impact.
“I don’t mind when people quote the show to me in public,” Buckley told MailOnline. “It just makes people happy, and I enjoy stopping to chat about it.” Buckley’s willingness to engage with fans and celebrate the series’ legacy is part of what makes him so popular on Cameo.
The actor’s openness to reconnect with The Inbetweeners fanbase has also helped maintain his relevance and likeability. “It’s a two-way thing,” Buckley said. “I enjoy it as much as they do.” This mutual appreciation has kept fans loyal and eager to see more from the actor, whether it’s in character as Jay or as himself.
The Broader Impact of Cameo on Celebrity Earnings
Buckley’s Cameo success story is a prime example of how celebrities can leverage digital platforms to monetize their fame in unconventional ways. The platform offers a direct line of communication between stars and their fans, allowing for personalized interactions that were previously unavailable.
Celebrities like Buckley can maintain their public personas while simultaneously exploring new ways to earn income. It’s a model that not only provides financial stability but also keeps them connected with their audiences in an authentic and engaging manner.
Conclusion: How Buckley Turned a Character into a Fortune
James Buckley’s journey from The Inbetweeners to millionaire status is a testament to the power of creativity and adaptability. By embracing Jay Cartwright, the character that made him famous, Buckley found a way to make a living while staying true to his roots. His Cameo success is a reminder that sometimes, the most unexpected paths can lead to the biggest rewards.
Instead of trying to break away from his role in The Inbetweeners, Buckley turned it into a career-defining opportunity that continues to make fans smile. Whether through his Cameo videos or his love for the sitcom, Buckley’s story proves that it really does pay to be remembered for one role—especially when you’re able to use it in such a creative and lucrative way.
