In the early 2000s, One Tree Hill became a cultural phenomenon, catapulting its young cast into the spotlight and creating a fervent fanbase that endures to this day. At the heart of the show was Chad Michael Murray, whose portrayal of Lucas Scott made him a teen heartthrob and a household name. In a recent exclusive interview with Parade on July 20, 2025, Murray, now 43, reflected on his time on the hit CW series, sharing a chaotic and unforgettable fan encounter from the peak of One Tree Hill’s popularity. The story, involving packed New York City streets, security escorts, and fans chasing his car, offers a vivid glimpse into the intense fame he experienced. This 1,600-word article explores Murray’s wild encounter, delves into his One Tree Hill legacy, analyzes the show’s lasting impact, and highlights his reflections on fame, his career evolution, and his current projects, including Netflix’s The Merry Gentlemen and Sullivan’s Crossing.

The Wild Fan Encounter: A Beatles-Esque Moment

Murray’s anecdote, shared during a Parade cover story, paints a picture of the pandemonium that defined his early fame. “I remember we had this crazy experience when we were in the One Tree Hill peak, and it was the first and [almost like] a Beatles moment, kind of. That’s what it felt like,” he recalled. The incident occurred after an appearance on MTV’s Total Request Live (TRL) in New York City, likely around 2003 or 2004 when the show was at its height. As Murray and his co-stars exited the studio, they were met with a sea of fans clogging the streets, making it impossible to reach their cars. “There’s so many people, and there was an influx, and they all pushed through. And all of a sudden, I remember getting banged around. We had cast members pushed into phone booths,” he said.

The situation escalated quickly, requiring security to intervene. “The security had to pick us up over their shoulders and throw us into the car to get us out of there,” Murray recounted. “It got pretty hairy. It got pretty touch and go.” Even after escaping into the car, the frenzy continued. Fans chased the vehicle through Manhattan, catching up at every stoplight to beg for autographs. “Every time [we’d] get a stoplight in New York — you get a stoplight, like every block — they’d catch up, and then we’d reach out the sunroof, sign a couple autographs, and then boom, go again,” he added. By the time they had traveled 20 blocks, some fans were still keeping pace, a testament to their dedication. Murray described it as a “core memory,” saying, “I’ll never forget that. That was definitely one of those moments of like, ‘OK, what just happened?’”.

This encounter wasn’t an isolated incident. Murray shared another bizarre experience with Interview magazine, recalling a fan at a bar in Hell’s Kitchen who asked him to sign her chest, only to return hours later with the autograph permanently tattooed. “That was one of those moments where I said, ‘I don’t ever want to write on any skin ever again because that’s on her body forever,’” he said, reflecting on the surreal weight of fame. These stories highlight the intensity of One Tree Hill’s fanbase, which Murray credits for keeping the show alive long after its 2012 finale.

One Tree Hill: A Cultural Touchstone

One Tree Hill, which aired from 2003 to 2012 on The WB and later The CW, followed the lives of half-brothers Lucas (Murray) and Nathan Scott (James Lafferty) in the fictional town of Tree Hill, North Carolina. The series blended teen drama, romance, and basketball, exploring themes of love, family, and personal growth. Murray’s Lucas, a sensitive and bookish athlete, was the show’s emotional core, driving key plotlines through his relationships with Peyton Sawyer (Hilarie Burton), Brooke Davis (Sophia Bush), and best friend Haley James (Bethany Joy Lenz). The show’s ensemble cast, including Danneel Ackles, became iconic, with its mix of soapy drama and heartfelt moments resonating with a generation.

The series was a ratings success, with its first-season finale drawing 4.5 million viewers. Murray’s performance earned him three Teen Choice Award nominations, winning Choice TV – Breakout Actor in 2004 and Choice TV Actor – Drama in 2008. However, his tenure ended after Season 6 in 2009 due to contract disputes, with Murray stating in a now-deleted video that the network wanted to “save money”. He returned briefly for a guest appearance in Season 9 in 2012, giving Lucas a happy ending with Peyton and their daughter, Sawyer. The show continued for three more seasons without Murray and Burton, but fans on Reddit noted that “it was never the same,” with Lucas’s absence impacting the ensemble dynamic.

The fanbase’s passion remains strong, fueled by streaming on platforms like HBO Max and Netflix. Murray told PEOPLE in November 2024, “Without the fans, there is no One Tree Hill… they’ve kept it alive, and it struck a chord with so many people, still today.” He marveled at meeting 13- and 14-year-old fans at conventions, noting, “You guys weren’t even born when we were shooting the show”. Conventions like FWB Charity Events’ basketball games in Wilmington, where the show was filmed, continue to draw crowds, with Murray and co-stars like Lafferty participating in 2022.

The Dark Side of Fame: Murray’s Struggles

Murray’s Parade interview also sheds light on the challenges of fame during his One Tree Hill years. At 23, during a 2004 event in Miami, he battled agoraphobia, unable to leave his hotel room due to anxiety. “The world felt like it was closing in,” he told The Cut. On his 25th birthday, he sought change, turning to therapy and faith, symbolized by a cross tattoo on his wrist. He also spoke to Interview about the pressure of being under constant scrutiny: “When you’re 18 to 25, these formidable years where you’re really cutting your teeth on life experiences and your brain isn’t fully developed, you make mistakes”.

His time on One Tree Hill was further complicated by personal and professional challenges. Murray’s brief marriage to co-star Sophia Bush (2005–2006) and rumors of infidelity with Paris Hilton added tabloid pressure. Additionally, he and Hilarie Burton faced mistreatment from showrunner Mark Schwahn. Burton alleged Schwahn assaulted her during a 2007 trip to Honey Grove, Texas, for a fan event, with Murray confronting Schwahn after witnessing inappropriate behavior at a bar. “Chad walked up and goes, ‘What are you doing?’” Burton recalled on the Drama Queens podcast, noting Murray’s position as the No. 1 on the call sheet gave him leverage others lacked. These experiences contributed to Murray’s decision to leave after Season 6, alongside contract disputes where he felt undervalued.

Murray’s struggles led him to consider quitting acting entirely. “There was a moment where I was quitting. I was done. I just couldn’t do it anymore,” he told Interview. The overwhelming attention and lack of maturity to navigate Hollywood’s demands took a toll, but years of reflection and guidance from mentors helped him rediscover his love for the craft.

Career Evolution and Current Projects

Since leaving One Tree Hill, Murray has built a diverse career, balancing film, television, and writing. He starred in films like A Cinderella Story (2004) with Hilary Duff and Fruitvale Station (2013), and took roles in TV series like Agent Carter (2015–2016), Sun Records (2017), and Riverdale (2019). His recent work includes Hallmark and GAC Family films, such as Road to Christmas (2018), and a recurring role as Cal Jones in Sullivan’s Crossing (2023–present), which streams on Netflix.

In 2024, Murray starred in two Netflix films: Mother of the Bride and The Merry Gentlemen, where he plays Luke, a dancer in an all-male revue. He described The Merry Gentlemen as “the most fun” he’d ever had, embracing the challenge of dancing for 12 hours a day. His children joined him in training, with his daughter playfully acting as his “coach”. Murray is also set to reprise his role as Jake in Freakier Friday (August 2025), alongside Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis, calling it a “nostalgic kick” akin to a high school reunion.

Regarding a potential One Tree Hill reboot, Murray has expressed mixed feelings. While he supports the project, currently in development at Netflix with Sophia Bush, Hilarie Burton, and Danneel Ackles as executive producers, he told E! News in November 2024, “I don’t know what will happen with me.” He emphasized his desire for the reboot to happen for the fans, saying, “Whatever iteration of that show is, I want for the fans”. However, he admitted to the Los Angeles Times that no formal discussions have included him, and his reluctance to rewatch the original series—calling it a “section of my life that I deleted”—suggests personal reservations.

Reflections on Fame and Legacy

Murray’s Parade interview highlights his gratitude for One Tree Hill’s enduring impact. “It’s wonderful to know that you’ve done something in your career that has affected so many people on a global scale,” he told PEOPLE. The show’s themes of resilience and redemption continue to resonate, with new generations discovering it through streaming. His experiences, from chaotic fan encounters to personal struggles, have shaped his approach to fame. Now a father of three with wife Sarah Roemer, Murray prioritizes family and a low-profile life, saying, “Fame is taking up zero percent of my time and focus”.

Conclusion

Chad Michael Murray’s wild One Tree Hill fan encounter encapsulates the whirlwind of his early fame, a time when he was both celebrated and overwhelmed. The TRL chaos, with fans chasing his car through New York, remains a vivid memory, reflecting the show’s massive cultural footprint. Despite challenges, including contract disputes and personal struggles, Murray’s legacy as Lucas Scott endures, with fans still flocking to conventions and eagerly awaiting a potential reboot. His current projects, from Sullivan’s Crossing to Freakier Friday, showcase his versatility and renewed passion for acting. As One Tree Hill continues to inspire, Murray’s story reminds us of the highs and lows of stardom—and the fans who keep the dream of Tree Hill alive. Catch Murray in The Merry Gentlemen and Sullivan’s Crossing on Netflix now, and stay tuned for Freakier Friday in August 2025.