When One Tree Hill premiered on The CW in 2003, it was an instant hit. Now, nearly 20 years later, the show has gained even more fans with it being available to stream on services like Hulu.
Need a quick review? The show takes place at Tree Hill High School in North Carolina. We're introduced to Lucas Scott (played by Chad Michael Murray) after he joins the school's basketball team and is forced to play alongside his estranged half-brother, Nathan Scott (played by James Lafferty). The first few seasons of the show revolved around their rivalry, often dragging other members of their circle of friends into the drama.
Starring Sophia Bush, Bethany Joy Lenz, and Hilarie Burton, the first four seasons follow the main characters as they navigate the struggles of high school. The next season jumps forward in time, and the subsequent five seasons follow the characters as they figure out adulthood.
Here's where the stars of One Tree Hill are now:
Chad Michael Murray (Lucas Scott)
Chad Michael Murray as Lucas Scott on One Tree Hill | IMDB
On the show, Chad Michael Murray played star basketball player turned novelist Lucas Scott. In real life, Murray was a teenage heartthrob who got his start in acting on shows like Gilmore Girls and Dawson's Creek. While he was on One Tree Hill, Murray also appeared in several films including Freaky Friday with Lindsay Lohan, ACinderella Story with Hilary Duff, and House of Wax with Paris Hilton.
These days, Murray is still acting in both films and on television. He returned to The CW witha recurring role on Riverdale in 2019 and has starred in several Hallmark movies including Love In Winterland and Write Before Christmas.
Chad Michael Murray with his wife Sarah Roemer and their two kids | Instagram
In terms of his personal life, Murray married his Chosen co-star Sarah Roemer in 2015. Together they have two children, whom the actor states are being raised religious. He explained in a recent interview,
We pray at every meal. That’s one of the foundations of teaching a good moral compass in our children. Having the fear of God is vital because to be honest what do you have to lose if you have no fear of that. If you have no fear of God it would be chaos here. We read the Bible, I start the day reading a chapter. We teach the kids about Jesus and who Jesus was and the story and we do church on Sundays.
Like many former teen heartthrobs, Murray is also on Cameo!
James Lafferty (Nathan Scott)
James Lafferty as Nathan Scott on One Tree Hill | IMDB
Actor James Lafferty played bad boy and basketball star, Nathan Scott. Since the end of One Tree Hill, Lafferty has had recurring roles on several other television shows including Crisis, Underground, and Netflix's The Haunting of Hill House.
James Lafferty strikes a pose for the gram | Instagram
Right now, Lafferty stars in the Disney+ show The Right Stuff based on Tom Wolfe's book of the same title. He's also the creator of the new comedy show Everyone Is Doing Great alongside another One Tree Hill alumni, Stephen Colletti. The show follows two former teen heartthrobs as they try to navigate life after their fame has faded.
The actor recently got engaged to Australian actress Alexandra Park.
Hilarie Burton (Peyton Sawyer)
Hilarie Burton as Peyton Sawyer on One Tree Hill | IMDB
Hilarie Burton's role as the emo cheerleader on One Tree Hill was quite memorable. Peyton Sawyer was sexy, smart, and creative. After leaving the show at the end of its sixth season, Burton had recurring roles in several popular shows including White Collar, Grey's Anatomy, and Hostages.
She recently reconnected with some of her former co-stars in the 2018 film The Christmas Contract. Last year Burton appeared in another holiday movie, Dear Christmas, starring Melissa Joan Hart and Jason Priestley.
Burton married actor Jeffrey Dean Morgan, who starred on The CW's Supernatural. He currently plays Negan on The Walking Dead, and Burton is expected to make an appearance on the show as his wife Lucille this year. Together, the couple also hosts Friday Night in with the Morgans, a talk show about how to get through the current global pandemic. They have two kids.
Bethany Joy Lenz (Haley James Scott)
Bethany Joy Lenz as Haley James Scott on One Tree Hill | IMDB
Actress Bethany Joy Lenz played Lucas' best friend and Nathan's girlfriend, Haley James Scott. Valedictorian turned singer, Haley grows up to perform on stage and ultimately becomes a teacher. After One Tree Hill, Lenz had recurring roles on Dexter, Colony, Grey's Anatomy, and Pearson. In 2020, Lenz starred in three Hallmark movies and a thriller called Blindfire.
Bethany Joy Lenz smoking a rare cigarette in Europe | Instagram
Like her character on the show, Lenz is also musically talented. She has been active in the theater both on stage and behind the scenes and wrote The Notebook Musical. Additionally, over the years she has released numerous albums and EPs. In 2020, Lenz released her first Christmas solo album titled "Snow."
Lenz married her former bandmate, Michael Galeotti, in 2005. Unfortunately, their relationship didn't last and they divorced in 2012. They have a daughter together.
Sophia Bush (Brooke Davis)
Sophia Bush as Brooke Davis on One Tree Hill | IMDB
Sophia Bush portrayed the popular cheerleader, Brooke Davis. She ultimately went on to work in fashion, starting her own clothing line. While starring on One Tree Hill, Bush also took on roles in several films including John Tucker Must Die, Stay Alive, and The Hitcher.
Since leaving the show, Bush appeared in several popular shows and ultimately found her place in the Law & Order universe. Her character, Erin Lindsay, is the star of Chicago P.D. while also appearing in Chicago Justice, Chicago Med, Chicago Fire, and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. Most recently, Bush has made appearances in several shows including This Is Us and Love, Victor.
Sophia Bush shows her support for Georgia on social media | Instagram
Much of her personal life revolves around activism. This has inspired her to create the podcast "Work In Progress" and start the organization "I Am A Voter." After Bush's 5-month marriage to former co-star Chad Michael Murray in 2005, she dated several of her other One Tree Hill costars. These included James Lafferty and Austin Nichols who joined the show in its later years.
According to a recent interview with Chad Michael Murray, One Tree Hill might be heading for a reboot! The actor told Page Six that the cast seems up for a reunion saying:
That show has affected so many people in the most positive way. I’ve seen it for years and years now. When I see that positive impact I can’t help but be in awe and feel so humbled. I don’t know if it will ever come to fruition. I have to believe at some point there will be some kind of reunion or a second edition for the new generation.
Here's hoping!
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