Chad Michael Murray revealed that he seriously considered stepping away from fame after achieving widespread recognition for his role as Lucas Scott on One Tree Hill. Reflecting on his career, the 43-year-old actor admitted in an Interview magazine feature that he once reached a breaking point. “There was a moment where I was quitting. I was done. I just couldn’t do it anymore,” he said, describing his desire to retreat from the public eye after leaving the series in 2009.
Murray clarified that his struggles were not tied to the intensity of his fanbase but rather the challenges of becoming fame during his formative years. “From 18 to 25, when you’re still developing and learning life’s lessons, you’re bound to make mistakes,” he explained. “Even as adults, we mess up, but back then, I didn’t fully understand the situations I was in.”
Chad Michael Murray opens up about the pressures of fame during his formative years
He recounted how the constant attention made it difficult to live normally, with every outing drawing scrutiny. “Going to the store and having people point or whisper—it gets into your head. Even if it’s harmless, your mind can spiral into negativity,” he shared. The overwhelming spotlight led him to reevaluate his priorities and make serious life changes.
Murray’s personal life during this period also drew public attention, including his brief marriage to One Tree Hill co-star Sophia Bush in 2005, which ended after five months. A decade later, he found lasting happiness with Sarah Roemer, whom he married in 2015. Together, they have three children: a 9-year-old son, a 6-year-old daughter, and a baby girl born in August 2023.
The actor emphasized the importance of family in his life, saying, “My goal is to be a great father and husband. Acting is a passion, but being a family man is my foundation. It took the right partner and the right experiences to get here.”
Murray and Roemer maintain privacy around their children, choosing not to share their names publicly. However, he provided a look through his home life, joking about his youngest daughter keeping him grounded. Now, Murray says fame no longer consumes his energy. “I love meeting people and spreading happiness wherever I go. Acting, for me, has always been about bringing joy to others.”
