Chad Michael Murray reflected on his struggle with fame, admitting he felt a strong desire to step away from the limelight after gaining immense recognition for his role as Lucas Scott on One Tree Hill.
The 43-year-old actor revealed in a recent interview with Interview magazine that there was a point when he considered quitting acting entirely. “There was a moment where I was done.
I just couldn’t do it anymore,” he confessed, describing the challenges he faced in his early career. Murray shared that his decision to step back wasn’t driven by the demands of his fans but rather by the personal difficulties he faced during his formative years.
Chad Michael Murray on prioritizing family over fame in his journey to peace
Between the ages of 18 and 25, he explained, the mistakes he made weighed heavily on him as he navigated adulthood. “We all make mistakes, even as grown-ups, but it’s even harder when you’re too young to fully grasp your circumstances,” he said.
Living a normal life became nearly impossible for Murray under the constant scrutiny of public attention. “It was tough having so many eyes on me. Even a simple grocery store visit felt overwhelming,” he admitted. “Sometimes, even if people weren’t being critical, my own thoughts would turn negative. Eventually, I decided this wasn’t the life I wanted.”
His comments seemed to allude to his highly publicized divorce from One Tree Hill co-star Sophia Bush, whom he married in 2005 at the age of 23. The marriage ended after just five months.
Murray later found lasting happiness with Sarah Roemer, whom he wed in 2015. The couple now shares three children: a 9-year-old son, a 6-year-old daughter, and a baby daughter born in August 2023.
Discussing his family, Murray expressed deep gratitude for his role as a husband and father. “My ultimate goal is to be a great father and a great husband,” he shared. While acting remains a passion, he emphasized that family is his top priority. “I had to go through both right and wrong experiences to find the partner who was meant for me.”
The couple has chosen to keep their children’s lives private, though Murray offered a brief look into their home dynamic. “My 15-month-old daughter, whose diaper I just changed, keeps me grounded—and so do my wife and my other kids,” he said.
Fame no longer dominates Murray’s life. “It doesn’t occupy any of my time or focus,” he stated. Although he still enjoys connecting with fans and spreading positivity, his primary motivation for acting remains unchanged: “I became an actor to make people happy.”
