Chad Michael Murray

August 24, 2025

Fast Facts
Background
Career Timeline
Why We Love
Surprising Facts
FAQs

Chad Michael Murray, born on August 24, 1981, is an acclaimed and globally popular actor, writer, and fashion model. He gained his prominence in 2003 after playing Lucas Scott in “One Tree Hill,” the W.B./C.W. drama series. He also had a recurring role in “Gilmore Girls” in 2000, where he played Tristan DuGray. In addition to this, he was featured in the fifth season of “Dawson’s Creek,” the W.B. series, as Charlie Todd in 2001. He played supporting roles in commercially successful feature films including “Freaky Friday” in 2003, “A Cinderella Story” in 2004, “House of Wax” in 2005, and “Fruitvale Station” in 2013. He was also featured in “Agent Carter,” the Marvel/A.B.C. series, and had a recurring role on “Riverdale” in 2019, playing Edgar Evernever. He has received several Teen Choice Awards as well as nominations since he started his career playing teenage roles and making a niche for himself. He is an extraordinary entertainer and we are excited to celebrate him today.

Fast Facts

Full Name:

Chad Michael Murray

Birth date:

August 24, 1981

Age:

Height:

6' 0"

Relationship Status:

Married

Net Worth:

$4 million

Background

Chad Michael Murray is an astute actor, writer, and former fashion model who has become a household name in the Hollywood industry. He created a niche for himself by playing teenage roles while still doing adult roles. He was born on August 24, 1981, in Buffalo, New York. He was born to Rex Murray, his father, who worked as an air traffic controller. Not much is known about his mother, who left the family when he was 10 years old. He was raised together with his three brothers, one sister, one half-brother, one step-brother, and one-step sister. He is of Scottish, German, English, Swiss-German, and Polish descent. He went to Clarence High School and while he was in school, he developed a knack for literature. He was also involved in sports and was particularly interested in football.

Murray later received a scholarship to be part of a modeling convention that was happening in Orlando, Florida. He met an agent at the convention, who convinced him to move to Los Angeles for one week and he eventually found a manager and relocated to Hollywood in 1999. He began commercial modeling for mega brands such as Tommy Hilfiger, Gucci, and Sketchers, making his modeling career wildly successful. He then decided to shift into acting and got cast as Tristin DuGray, a rich kid, on “Gilmore Girls.” His character was among the main characters of the first season and subsequently became a recurring role afterward. He also made appearances in many television series in guest-starring roles. These series included, “Undressed” and “Diagnosis: Murder.”

He gained prominence in 2003 after playing Lucas Scott in “One Tree Hill,” the W.B./C.W. drama series. In addition to this, he was featured in the fifth season of “Dawson’s Creek,” as Charlie Todd in 2001. He played supporting roles in commercially successful feature films including “Freaky Friday” in 2003, “A Cinderella Story” in 2004, “House of Wax” in 2005, and “Fruitvale Station” in 2013. He has received several Teen Choice Awards as well as nominations since he started his career.

Career timeline

1999

Commercial Modeling for Big Brands

He starts commercial modeling for mega-brands like Sketchers, Gucci, and Tommy Hilfiger.

2000

He is Cast in “Gilmore Girls”

He is cast in a recurring role in the television series “Gilmore Girls” as Tristin DuGray.

2001

Features in “Dawson’s Creek”

He features in the fifth season of “Dawson’s Creek” as Charlie Todd.

2003

Stars in “One Tree Hill”

He stars in “One Tree Hill”, the W.B./C.W. drama series, playing Lucas Scott.

2011

He Publishes His First Book

He publishes his first book, “Everlast.”

Why We Love Chad Michael Murray

He is a storyteller
Murray is not just a prolific actor and a fashion model, but also an outstanding author. His creativity is intriguing and his ability to tell a story is captivating and fascinating. He released his first novel in 2011, titled “Everlast”. Later on, in 2017, he co-authored with Heather Graham and published his romantic thriller known as, “American Drifter: An Exhilarating Tale of Love and Murder.”
He is a family man
Since his first relationship, he has always wanted to settle down. He finally did with Sarah Roemer. They met on the set of “Chosen” and began a relationship together. They then got married a year later and shortly after, they were expecting their first child.
He is pro-mental health
Growing up, he was a reserved person because of his emotional and mental breakdown. This prompted him to raise awareness of mental wellness. He also attributed the drug problem in America to kids who have not been allowed a chance at life.

5 Surprising Facts

His favorite accessory is a hemp necklace
His favorite fashion accessory is a hemp necklace that he was given by his father.
He is a Buffalo Bills fan
Buffalo being his hometown, he is a massive fan of the Buffalo Bills team.
He was attacked at 18
He was attacked at Burger King when he was 18 years old and broke his nose in the incident.
His name means ‘warrior’
His first name, Chad, means to be ‘warlike;’ a ‘warrior.’
He delivered newspapers
His first paying job was delivering newspapers at 10 years old.

Chad Michael Murray FAQs

Why did Chad Michael Murray leave “Dawson’s Creek?”

According to a leaked video, Chad left because the C.W. wouldn’t pay him what he felt he deserved as one of the leading actors. Contract negotiations led to Chad’s departure from “One Tree Hill.”

How did Chad Michael Murray get discovered?

In 2000, he went on an audition for a W.B. pilot, “Day One,” and though the show never went into production, W.B. executives thought Murray had potential and signed him to a development deal. He was cast as another rich kid, Tristan DuGrey, in the first season of “Gilmore Girls,” a new sitcom.