In the serene yet dramatic world of Sullivan’s Crossing, Chad Michael Murray has found a role that resonates deeply with his personal journey. The actor, best known for his heartthrob status in teen dramas like One Tree Hill and romantic comedies such as A Cinderella Story, steps into the shoes of Cal Jones—a mysterious, introverted handyman with a hidden past. As the series, based on Robyn Carr’s bestselling novels, continues to captivate audiences on CTV and now streaming on platforms like Netflix, Murray has opened up about how his real-life experiences shape this character. From his aversion to crowds and preference for solitude to his evolving priorities as a father and husband, Murray’s portrayal of Cal is infused with authenticity that draws from his own life. In exclusive interviews, he reveals the parallels that make this role not just a performance, but a reflection of his growth.
Sullivan’s Crossing follows neurosurgeon Maggie Sullivan (Morgan Kohan), who returns to her hometown after a scandal in the city, only to reconnect with her estranged father Sully (Scott Patterson) and encounter the enigmatic Cal Jones. Murray’s Cal is a man of few words, drifting into the small Nova Scotia town with secrets buried deep. He’s the kind of character who fixes things around the campground, offers quiet wisdom, and slowly builds a romantic tension with Maggie. But what makes Cal compelling isn’t just the script—it’s Murray’s ability to layer him with real emotional depth. Murray has said that Cal is “just a piece of my own playbook,” highlighting how he channels his introversion into Cal’s mysterious demeanor, creating a character that feels both familiar and elusive.
The Origins of Sullivan’s Crossing and Murray’s Casting
Adapted from Robyn Carr’s popular book series, Sullivan’s Crossing premiered in 2023 on CTV in Canada and later found a U.S. audience on The CW. The show blends elements of romance, family drama, and personal healing, much like Carr’s Virgin River series, which also became a Netflix hit. Set in the fictional town of Sullivan’s Crossing—a picturesque campground in Nova Scotia—the narrative explores themes of redemption, forgiveness, and starting over. Filmed in stunning locations around Halifax, the series captures the essence of small-town life, where nature serves as a backdrop for emotional turmoil and growth.
Murray’s involvement came at a pivotal time in his career. After years of being typecast as the charming boy-next-door—roles like Lucas Scott in One Tree Hill (2003-2012) and Austin Ames in A Cinderella Story (2004)—he sought projects that allowed for more maturity. “I think a lot of projects in general have felt different for me over the course of the last 10 years,” Murray shared. “It’s a maturation of myself, and it’s just really fascinating to watch as a human being.” This shift mirrors Cal’s own arc: a man who arrives in town seeking solace, much like Murray’s desire to evolve beyond his early fame.
Casting Murray was a coup for the show. Producers noted his chemistry with Kohan during auditions, and his reunion with Patterson—whom he briefly crossed paths with on Gilmore Girls 25 years ago—added a layer of comfort on set. “It was so bizarre,” Murray recalled in a 2025 interview. “We were on a show together 25 years ago, but our characters never actually crossed paths. So, we didn’t really work together until now. But it’s comforting knowing somebody when you start a job.” This real-life connection eased the nerves of filming, allowing Murray to dive deeper into Cal’s complexities.
How Murray’s Introversion Shapes Cal’s Mystery
One of the most striking ways Murray’s real life influences Cal is through his personal introversion. Murray has been candid about his discomfort in large crowds, describing it as an “overload of the senses” that he “can’t handle.” This trait directly informs Cal’s character, who prefers solitude and odd jobs around the campground over social interactions. “For Cal, a lot of that backstory is planted in wanting to be alone,” Murray explained. “It’s a little bit of where Cal’s introverted and mysterious things come from.” As the series unfolds, viewers peel back layers of Cal’s past—his reasons for being in Sullivan’s Crossing, his hidden traumas, and his growing bond with Maggie—much like an onion, as Murray puts it.
This introversion stems from Murray’s own experiences in Hollywood. Thrust into stardom in his twenties, he navigated fame without strong role models. “When I was in my twenties, I knew very little about the world,” he admitted. “I was thrown into a scenario that I couldn’t understand or contemplate. No one could explain it to me and I didn’t necessarily have good role models around me.” The pressure led to burnout, prompting Murray to seek quieter, more introspective paths. Cal’s journey of healing parallels this: arriving in town to escape his past, he finds unexpected connections that force him to confront his demons. Murray has teased, “You’re gonna discover a lot about Cal Jones and why he’s this mystery man, what he’s really been through, why he’s at the Crossing.”
Murray’s approach to keeping the role fresh also draws from his life. On long shooting days, he improvises dialogue to keep co-stars engaged. “I’ll just change my dialogue and throw random curveballs in there, to see if everyone’s listening, but also because it’s just fun,” he said. This playful method reflects his matured perspective, prioritizing enjoyment over perfectionism.
Family Life: The Heart of Murray’s Priorities
Perhaps the most profound influence on Murray’s portrayal is his family. Married to actress Sarah Roemer since 2015, Murray is a devoted father to three children: a son born in 2015, a daughter in 2017, and another daughter in 2023. His daily routine—”I get up every morning, change my baby’s diaper, clean up the mess and get the kids to school”—grounds him, contrasting the glamour of Hollywood. This shift in priorities influences his choice of roles, favoring family-friendly projects like Sullivan’s Crossing. “My priorities are completely different than they were when I was back on the WB,” he noted. “Now, my priorities are my wife and kids.”
Cal’s role as a supportive figure in the community echoes Murray’s paternal instincts. In the series, Cal helps around the campground, offering stability to Sully and romance to Maggie. Murray loves how the show allows him to balance acting and fatherhood: “What’s more, he loves how Sullivan’s Crossing allows him to do the two things he adores most: act and be a dad.” His family life also informs the “spicy” scenes with Kohan, where comfort and open dialogue are key. “In season three – the ‘spicy’ season – we can play a bit more,” he shared. “It’s never easy to be thrown into a love scene and I want my co-star to be comfortable. But we’ve been together for three years and have a great open dialogue.”
Career Maturation and Healing Themes
Murray’s career arc—from teen idol to seasoned actor—mirrors Cal’s healing journey. Early fame brought challenges, but now, at 42, Murray embraces roles with depth. “Before, I was so headstrong and set on looking forward. Now, it’s just like, ‘Okay, cool — what’s going on right now?'” This mindfulness aligns with the show’s theme: “Cal came here because he needs to heal, and I don’t think he knew just how much he needed to heal or how much this place could heal him.”
The series’ success—season 3 premiered in 2025—owes much to this authenticity. Fans on social media praise Murray’s nuanced performance, with one user noting, “Chad Michael Murray can do no wrong! He’s so genuine in real life.” Co-stars like Kohan echo this, highlighting their evolving chemistry.
Fan Reactions and the Show’s Impact
Audiences have embraced Sullivan’s Crossing for its relatable themes. Social media buzzes with discussions of Cal’s mysteries, with #SullivansCrossing trending during premieres. Murray’s revelations have deepened fan appreciation, as one video captured: “Chad manifesting this role for himself.” The show’s cozy drama appeals to viewers seeking emotional healing, much like Murray’s own path.
Critics laud Murray’s evolution, comparing it to his roles in Agent Carter and Riverdale. His commitment—a “lifer” in the industry—ensures Cal’s story continues to unfold.
Looking Ahead: Season 3 and Beyond
As season 3 delves into “spicy” developments, Murray teases more revelations about Cal. “To know his backstory, to know where he’s coming from and where he’s going to… that’s what really sparked my interest.” With Netflix picking up the series in July 2025, global audiences are discovering Murray’s layered performance.
Murray’s real-life influences make Cal more than a character—he’s a testament to growth, family, and resilience. As Murray balances fame and fatherhood, Sullivan’s Crossing stands as a milestone, proving that authenticity is the key to enduring success.
