Chad Michael Murray, born on August 24, 1981, in Buffalo, New York, is an American actor, writer, and former fashion model who rose to fame as a teen heartthrob in the early 2000s.
Growing up in a single-parent household led by his father, Rex Murray, an air traffic controller, Chad faced challenges early on when his mother left the family at age 10.
His upbringing, marked by financial struggles and a tight-knit family dynamic, shaped his resilience and work ethic.
A football enthusiast and literature lover in his youth, Murray attended Clarence High School, where a severe injury requiring the resection of part of his small intestine redirected his path from sports to acting.
After winning a modeling scholarship in Orlando, Florida, he moved to Los Angeles, launching a career that would make him a household name.
Siblings
Chad grew up with a large family, including five siblings: a younger sister, three younger full brothers, and a younger half-brother from his father’s second marriage to Debra, whom Rex married in 2006.
He also has two step-siblings, a step-sister and a step-brother, from Debra’s previous relationship.
Among his siblings, Shannon Victoria Murray is an actress and voice artist, married to Steve Kim, while Brandon Murray is a sports coach at STA Sports Performance with a psychology degree from the University of Buffalo, married to Katlin Maureen.
Tyler is the half-brother from his father’s second marriage. Information about his other brothers, including one named Nick, is less documented.
Career
Murray’s career began with a modeling stint for Tommy Hilfiger, which paved the way for acting opportunities in Los Angeles.
His television debut came in 2000 with a guest role on Undressed, followed by a recurring role as Tristin DuGray on Gilmore Girls (2000–2001), where he played a charming but arrogant classmate.
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He gained further exposure as Charlie Todd on Dawson’s Creek (2001–2002) before landing his breakout role as Lucas Scott on One Tree Hill (2003–2009, 2012), a teen drama that cemented his status as a heartthrob.
His film career flourished with roles in Freaky Friday (2003) as Jake, serenading Jamie Lee Curtis with a Britney Spears cover, and as Austin Ames in A Cinderella Story (2004) opposite Hilary Duff.
He also starred in the horror film House of Wax (2005) and the critically acclaimed Fruitvale Station (2013) as Officer Ingram.
Murray’s television work expanded with roles in Agent Carter (2015–2016) as Jack Thompson, Sun Records (2017), and Sullivan’s Crossing (2023–present).
Beyond acting, he authored the graphic novel Everlast (2011) and co-wrote the novel American Drifter (2017) with Heather Graham, showcasing his creative versatility.
His recent projects include Mother of the Bride (2024) and Freakier Friday (2025), reflecting a career that balances mainstream appeal with meaningful storytelling.
Accolades
Murray received multiple Teen Choice Award nominations for his role as Lucas Scott on One Tree Hill, winning Choice TV Actor: Drama in 2004 and Choice TV: Male Breakout Star in 2004.
His performance in A Cinderella Story earned him a Teen Choice Award nomination for Choice Movie Actor: Comedy in 2005.
In 2006, he was nominated for a Prism Award for Best Performance in a Drama Multi-Episode Storyline for One Tree Hill, highlighting his ability to portray complex emotional narratives.
His work in Other People’s Children (2015) contributed to the film winning Best of Festival at the Columbia Gorge International Film Festival.