Aug 24, 1981
Virgo
Buffalo, NY
43 years old
N/A
N/A
TV Actor
Early Life & Background
Full Name: Chad Michael Murray
Born: August 24, 1981 (age 43)
Birthplace: Buffalo, New York, USA
Raised by his father, Rex (an air-traffic controller), after his mother left the family when he was ten, Chad grew up in a large household with several siblings. Financial pressures led him to work as a janitor at a doughnut shop while attending Clarence High School, where he played football until a serious injury sparked his modeling career .
Breakthrough: Modeling to Acting
After a scout discovered him at a modeling event in Orlando, Chad moved to California at 18. He began booking TV guest roles—including Undressed (2000), Gilmore Girls (as Tristin DuGray, 2000–01), and Dawson’s Creek (as Charlie Todd, 2001–02)—before earning his breakout role as Lucas Scott in One Tree Hill (2003–09; guest in 2012) .
Film Highlights
Chad became a teen heartthrob in early-2000s cinema:
Freaky Friday (2003) with Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis
A Cinderella Story (2004) opposite Hilary Duff (earning Teen Choice Breakout Actor)
House of Wax (2005) horror thriller
Home of the Brave (2006) alongside Samuel L. Jackson
He later appeared in Fruitvale Station (2013), Other People’s Children (2015), and even portrayed Ted Bundy in Ted Bundy: American Boogeyman (2021) .
Continued TV & Streaming Roles
Post-One Tree Hill, Chad’s TV career expanded:
Chosen (2013–14) as Jacob Orr
Agent Carter (2015–16) within the MCU
Riverdale (2019) as Edgar Evernever
Currently stars in Sullivan’s Crossing (2023–), and will reprised his Freaky Friday role in the upcoming sequel Freakier Friday .
Writing, Producing & Philanthropy
Chad is also a storyteller:
Co-wrote the graphic novel Everlast (2011)
Co-authored American Drifter with Heather Graham (2017)
He supports his Buffalo roots through philanthropic efforts, including hospital donations and clothing line proceeds benefiting local causes .
Awards & Public Life
He earned Teen Choice Awards in the early 2000s and his ensemble received a SAG Award for Stranger Things. He faced challenging fame in One Tree Hill and nearly quit before taking time for family, later settling with wife Sarah Roemer (married 2014; three children) and returning to Buffalo in 2024 .
Summary
Chad Michael Murray’s journey—from a hardworking Buffalo youth to teen icon and seasoned actor—is marked by adaptability and resilience. Whether on-screen, behind the pen, or giving back to his hometown, he continues to evolve, balancing creative drive with family and purpose.
