In a candid revelation that underscores his deep commitment to family and faith, Chad Michael Murray has opened up about the spiritual journey that led him to his starring role in the hit Canadian romantic drama Sullivan’s Crossing. Speaking exclusively to PEOPLE, the 43-year-old actor shared that he prayed “every single night” for two years, seeking a project that aligned with his values as a husband and father. “It was a very specific, very detailed prayer that I put out every single night, and then came Sullivan’s Crossing, and here we are going into season 4,” Murray said, his voice filled with awe and gratitude. “S—, it’s awesome. It’s crazy.” This heartfelt confession comes as the series, now streaming on Netflix with its first three seasons, gains massive popularity in the U.S., drawing comparisons to Virgin River for its small-town charm and emotional depth.

Murray’s prayers were not vague wishes but a targeted plea for a role that would allow him to prioritize his family life. Married to actress Sarah Roemer since 2015, the couple shares three children: a son born in 2015 and two daughters born in 2017 and 2023. He envisioned a “show that didn’t feel gratuitous, that was very family-friendly, that ended up in a very beautiful location where my family and I felt like we could integrate into the community… with a cast that we’d all get along and everyone would bond.” Filming in Nova Scotia provided just that—a picturesque setting that allowed Murray to bring his family on set, fostering a sense of normalcy amid the demands of Hollywood. “I wanted to make sure that I’m around to be a dad,” he emphasized, highlighting a shift in priorities after years of high-profile roles that often required long separations from home.

Born on August 24, 1981, in Buffalo, New York, Chad Michael Murray’s path to stardom was anything but straightforward. Raised by a single father, Rex Murray, an air traffic controller who brought up five children alone, young Chad faced hardships early on. A pivotal moment came in his late teens when he was assaulted at a Burger King, resulting in a broken nose that required hospitalization. There, inspired by a compassionate nurse, he discovered his passion for acting. While attending a convention in Biloxi, Mississippi, he met talent scout Eddie Winkler, who offered him a place to stay in Los Angeles, kickstarting his career.

Murray’s breakthrough came in the early 2000s as a teen heartthrob. He landed recurring roles on popular WB series like Gilmore Girls as the charming bad boy Tristin DuGray and Dawson’s Creek as Charlie Todd. But it was his lead role as Lucas Scott on One Tree Hill (2003–2009, with a return in 2012) that catapulted him to fame. The CW drama, centered on basketball and family rivalries in Tree Hill, North Carolina, showcased Murray’s brooding intensity and made him a household name among millennials. The show’s passionate fanbase still reveres him, with reunions and nostalgia tours keeping the legacy alive.

His film career paralleled this success, with standout roles in Freaky Friday (2003) opposite Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis, and A Cinderella Story (2004) as the dreamy Austin Ames. Horror fans remember him from House of Wax (2005), while dramatic turns in Fruitvale Station (2013) demonstrated his range beyond teen idols. Murray also ventured into writing, co-authoring the novel American Drifter (2017) with Heather Graham and releasing a graphic novel, Everlast (2011). However, the pressures of early fame took a toll. In a 2024 interview, he admitted to nearly quitting acting after One Tree Hill, feeling overwhelmed by the industry’s demands. “There was a moment where I was quitting. I was done. I just couldn’t do it anymore,” he reflected.

Faith became a cornerstone during these challenges. A near-death experience in his youth—losing significant blood from an injury—deepened his spiritual connection. “I started my relationship with God,” Murray shared, crediting his father’s unwavering support during recovery. This faith guided his role selections, steering him toward projects that aligned with his beliefs, avoiding material that clashed with his values. Roles in Agent Carter (2015–2016) as the suave Agent Jack Thompson in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and Scream Queens (2015) showcased his versatility, while miniseries like Sun Records (2017) and Chosen (2013–2014) added depth to his resume.

Transitioning to family man, Murray met Sarah Roemer on the set of Riverdale in 2018, where their chemistry sparked a real-life romance. They married quietly and welcomed their children, prompting a reevaluation of career choices. “I stick to the things I believe in,” he told Fox News in 2022, emphasizing projects that honor his principles. Recent films like Mother of the Bride (2024) and The Merry Gentlemen (2024) reflect this ethos, blending romance with wholesome narratives. His return in Freakier Friday (2025) reunites him with Lohan and Curtis, a full-circle moment that delights fans.

Sullivan’s Crossing, adapted from Robyn Carr’s novels—the same author behind Virgin River—premiered on CTV in March 2023 before airing on The CW and streaming on Netflix. The series follows neurosurgeon Maggie Sullivan (Morgan Kohan), who returns to her Nova Scotia hometown after a scandal, reconnecting with her estranged father Sully (Scott Patterson) and navigating romance with newcomer Cal Jones (Murray). Cal, a mysterious handyman with a hidden past, assists at Sully’s campground, evolving from a loner to a pillar of the community. Murray’s portrayal draws from his own life, embodying healing and redemption themes that resonate with viewers.

The show’s success mirrors Virgin River‘s appeal: small-town drama, heartfelt relationships, and scenic beauty. Season 3 premiered in April 2025, with Season 4 renewed for 10 episodes in 2026. Murray’s reunion with Patterson—whom he knew from Gilmore Girls, though their characters never interacted—adds nostalgia. “It blows my mind,” Murray said of working together after 25 years.

Murray’s prayers manifested in ways beyond the role. Filming in Nova Scotia allowed family integration, with Roemer and the kids joining him, creating bonds with the cast. The show’s family-friendly content, free of excessive foul language or explicit scenes, aligns with his vision. “Sullivan’s Crossing is about healing,” Murray noted in a 2024 profile, emphasizing love conquering all.

Fans and critics praise Murray’s evolution from heartthrob to nuanced actor. In Sullivan’s Crossing, Cal’s elusive charm mirrors Murray’s journey from bad-boy roles to paternal figures. “He’s the soul of the show,” one reviewer noted, highlighting his chemistry with Kohan. The series’ renewal reflects its growing fanbase, with Netflix streams boosting visibility.

Murray’s story inspires, showing faith’s role in Hollywood’s uncertainties. “God has blessed my career,” he affirmed, crediting divine guidance. As Season 4 looms, Murray remains grateful, balancing stardom with fatherhood. His prayers not only landed the gig but reaffirmed life’s priorities, proving persistence and belief can manifest dreams.