Chad Michael Murray, the 43-year-old heartthrob known for his iconic roles in One Tree Hill and A Cinderella Story, continues to captivate audiences with his compelling performance as Cal Jones in The CW’s romantic drama Sullivan’s Crossing. But beyond his on-screen charisma, Murray’s real-life love story with actress Sarah Roemer inspires even greater admiration. Married since 2014, the couple has built a joyful family life, raising their three children—a son born in 2015 and daughters born in 2017 and 2023—with unwavering love and dedication. Yet, behind their fairy-tale romance lies a little-known detail about how they’ve kept the spark alive: a commitment to small, intentional acts of kindness that ground their relationship in authenticity and care. This 2,300-word article explores Murray’s acting career, his enduring marriage to Roemer, their family life, the secret to their lasting love, and the emotional resonance of their story, framed against the tender backdrop of Eric Clapton’s “Tears in Heaven.”

Chad Michael Murray’s Acting Journey: From Teen Idol to Family Man

Chad Michael Murray first stole hearts in the early 2000s as Lucas Scott in One Tree Hill, a role that cemented his status as a teen idol. Born on August 24, 1981, in Buffalo, New York, Murray grew up in a single-parent household after his mother left when he was 10. Raised by his father, Rex, an air traffic controller, alongside five siblings, Murray found solace in literature and football before breaking into modeling at 18. His acting career began with guest roles on Gilmore Girls and Dawson’s Creek, followed by film parts in Freaky Friday (2003) and A Cinderella Story (2004). His charm and emotional depth made him a household name, but it was his return to The CW with Sullivan’s Crossing in 2023 that marked a new chapter.

In Sullivan’s Crossing, based on Robyn Carr’s novel series, Murray plays Cal Jones, a mysterious newcomer who sparks a romance with neurosurgeon Maggie Sullivan (Morgan Kohan) in the picturesque setting of Nova Scotia. The show, which premiered on March 19, 2023, and has since streamed on Netflix, has been a hit, with its third season airing in May 2025 and a fourth season confirmed. Murray told People he prayed for two years for a role like this, one that allowed him to stay close to his family and work in a “family-friendly” environment. “It’s a place to heal,” he said of the show’s Nova Scotia setting, a sentiment that mirrors his own life as a devoted father and husband.

Murray’s career choices reflect his priorities as a family man. He turned down roles requiring extended time away from his wife and children, opting instead for projects like Sullivan’s Crossing and Netflix’s Mother of the Bride (2024) and Freakier Friday (2025), where he reprised his Freaky Friday role alongside Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis. “I want to be home, see my kids every day, and be a large part of their life,” he told People. His role as Cal, a character with a guarded past but a warm heart, draws from Murray’s own introspective nature, making his performance deeply authentic.

A Whirlwind Romance: Chad and Sarah’s Love Story

Murray met Sarah Roemer in 2013 on the set of Chosen, a thriller series where he played Jacob Orr and she played Avery Sharp. Roemer, born August 28, 1984, in San Diego, had carved her own path in Hollywood with roles in Disturbia (2007), Fired Up! (2009), and The Event (2010). Unaware of Murray’s teen heartthrob status, Roemer fell for him as a person, not a star. “She didn’t know what I’d done when we first worked together,” Murray told nine.com.au. “She loves me for me.” Their chemistry was immediate, leading to a whirlwind romance and a secret wedding in September 2014. In January 2015, they announced both their marriage and the impending arrival of their first child, a son born in May 2015.

The couple welcomed a daughter in 2017 and another in August 2023, keeping their children’s names private to shield them from the spotlight. Their commitment to privacy is deliberate, with Murray telling Bello Magazine in 2015, “I’m good at staying under the radar. We don’t go to the ‘cool’ places.” Yet, they share glimpses of their love on social media, with Murray posting a heartfelt tribute for their 10th anniversary in September 2024: “We’ve jammed more into this 10 years than I ever could’ve imagined. It’s been the best decade of my life by far—sharing every moment with you.” Roemer echoed this, writing, “Thank you for the most beautiful 10 years together. You are an incredible husband, father, best friend.” Their posts, filled with candid photos of beach days and family moments, paint a picture of a grounded, joyful partnership.

Their family made a rare public appearance at the Freakier Friday premiere in July 2025, where their son and eldest daughter joined them on the red carpet, marking their first public outing. Murray shared with Parade that the decision to have a third child was a family vote, with their son initially hesitant but ultimately embracing his role as a big brother. “He’s so good with his baby sister,” Murray said, highlighting the tight-knit bond they’ve fostered.

The Secret to Their Spark: Small Acts of Love

Behind the fairy-tale romance lies a little-known detail about how Murray and Roemer keep their marriage vibrant: a commitment to small, intentional acts of kindness that prioritize each other’s needs. In a 2023 Parade interview, Murray revealed that romance, for him, has evolved from grand gestures to everyday moments. “When I was younger, romance was an idea,” he said. “Now, it’s in the little things. If I work 14 hours and come home exhausted, but I see Sarah’s run down from being with the kids, I clock in—do the dishes, put the kids to bed, and tell her to rest.” These acts, he explained, are the “new romantic,” grounding their relationship in mutual care.

Roemer complements this approach, sharing on Instagram in 2023 how their home becomes a “musical” when no one’s around, with the family making up songs together. “Woke up to this little forest princess singing with the Christmas tree,” she wrote of their daughter, capturing the playful, creative spirit they nurture. Murray echoed this in a Glamour interview, noting that they “keep the pack together,” traveling as a unit for his filming schedules, whether in Nova Scotia for Sullivan’s Crossing or Los Angeles for Freakier Friday. This commitment to togetherness, paired with small gestures—like Murray coaching his son’s sports team in Nova Scotia or Roemer supporting Murray at premieres—keeps their spark alive.

Their approach draws from a shared value of presence over extravagance. Murray told Good Housekeeping in 2023, “I’ve said no to scripts to be a stable rock for my family. It’s more romantic than a grand gesture.” Roemer’s support is equally steadfast, from attending the Mother of the Bride premiere in May 2024 to celebrating Murray’s Sullivan’s Crossing success on social media. Their mutual respect, rooted in these quiet acts, has sustained their marriage through the pressures of Hollywood, where Murray’s past high-profile relationships, including a brief marriage to One Tree Hill co-star Sophia Bush in 2005-2006, faced intense scrutiny.

Polarized Reactions: Adoration and Envy

Murray and Roemer’s love story has inspired widespread admiration, with fans on X praising their authenticity. One post read, “Chad and Sarah are goals—10 years, three kids, and still so in love!” Their anniversary posts, filled with heartfelt tributes, sparked comments like, “This is what real love looks like. No drama, just devotion.” The couple’s decision to bring their children to the Freakier Friday premiere was celebrated, with Elle noting, “Their kids’ red-carpet debut shows how grounded they are as a family.”

However, their seemingly perfect romance has also drawn envy and skepticism. Some X users questioned the authenticity of their public displays, with one writing, “Nobody’s that happy after 10 years. Is this a PR stunt?” Others pointed to Murray’s past, referencing his short-lived marriage to Bush and rumored fling with Paris Hilton in 2006, which Bush later called “ugly.” These critiques reflect broader debates about Hollywood relationships, where fairy-tale narratives are often scrutinized. Yet, Murray and Roemer’s consistent privacy and focus on family counter these doubts, with Glamour noting, “They lead a low-key life, proving their love through actions, not headlines.”

Media coverage has amplified both sides, with outlets like People and Good Housekeeping celebrating their “wholesome” dynamic, while tabloids like Daily Mail occasionally stir speculation about their private life. Murray addressed this in a nowtolove.com.au interview, reflecting on fame’s pitfalls: “In my 20s, I was thrust into this thing with so much expected of me. Now, I focus on what matters—my family.” Their resilience in the face of scrutiny mirrors the grounded storytelling of Sullivan’s Crossing, where characters heal through community and love.

Cultural Resonance: A Love That Heals

Murray and Roemer’s story resonates with universal themes of love, redemption, and family, echoing the emotional depth of Eric Clapton’s “Tears in Heaven.” Written after the loss of his son, Clapton’s ballad captures the ache of devotion and the hope of connection, much like Murray and Roemer’s commitment to each other and their children. Their small acts of kindness—doing dishes, singing with their kids, traveling together—reflect the “place to heal” Murray describes in Sullivan’s Crossing, a show that parallels their real-life journey of finding balance.

Their story also aligns with cultural moments of 2025, a year marked by reflection on legacy, from Jelly Roll’s daughter Bailee’s Nashville debut to Sunday Rose Kidman-Urban’s runway triumph. Like these young talents, Murray and Roemer’s children are stepping into the spotlight, guided by parents who prioritize authenticity. The couple’s ability to maintain a strong marriage amidst Hollywood’s chaos offers hope, much like the communal support seen in Liverpool fans’ tributes to Diogo Jota after his 2025 passing. Their love story, built on intention and presence, speaks to anyone seeking stability in a turbulent world.

Broader Context: Hollywood, Family, and 2025

In 2025, Hollywood is grappling with debates about authenticity, from AI-generated content to “nepo baby” controversies. Murray and Roemer’s low-key approach challenges these narratives, proving that love and family can thrive under pressure. Their decision to homeschool their children and keep their names private reflects a broader trend among celebrities like Beyoncé and Ryan Reynolds, who shield their kids from fame. Meanwhile, Sullivan’s Crossing’s success on Netflix, consistently in the Top 10, underscores the appetite for grounded, family-oriented stories, a niche Murray has embraced.

Social media, particularly X, has amplified their story, with fans sharing clips of their red-carpet moments and anniversary posts. Yet, it also fuels skepticism, with some questioning the “perfect” image they project. Murray’s faith, a cornerstone of his life, guides his response to criticism. He told Mandatory, “My Christianity is the foundation that gets me and my family through.” This spiritual grounding, paired with their practical approach to romance, makes their story a beacon of hope in a polarized digital age.

Conclusion: A Love That Endures

Chad Michael Murray’s captivating performance in Sullivan’s Crossing mirrors the authenticity of his life with Sarah Roemer, a love story defined by devotion, family, and small acts of kindness. From their whirlwind romance on the set of Chosen to their joyful family life in Nova Scotia, the couple has built a legacy of love that shines brighter than any Hollywood spotlight. Their secret—prioritizing presence over grandeur—has kept their spark alive, offering a model for enduring relationships. Like Eric Clapton’s “Tears in Heaven,” their story blends tenderness and resilience, a reminder that love, when nurtured with care, can heal and inspire. As Murray and Roemer raise their three children and navigate fame’s challenges, their fairy-tale romance remains a testament to the power of intentional, everyday love.