Chad Michael Murray, the beloved actor known for his roles in One Tree Hill and A Cinderella Story, has always been a heartthrob with a signature style—think fitted jeans, leather jackets, and that effortlessly tousled hair. But at 43, the star is no longer just answering to fans or stylists when it comes to his wardrobe. During a heartfelt interview on The Drew Barrymore Show on July 30, 2025, to promote his upcoming film Freakier Friday, Murray revealed that his two daughters, ages 8 and 2, have already started weighing in on his fashion choices. “They care, man, they really care,” he said with a laugh, describing how his girls have become his pint-sized style critics, offering opinions on everything from his red-carpet looks to his casual dad attire. This charming glimpse into Murray’s family life underscores his deep devotion to fatherhood and the unexpected influence his daughters wield in shaping his public image.

Murray, who shares his daughters and a 10-year-old son with his wife, actress Sarah Roemer, has long prioritized family over fame. Married since 2014 after meeting on the set of Chosen, the couple has maintained a low profile, keeping their children’s names private and limiting their exposure to the media. Yet, the Freakier Friday premiere on July 22, 2025, in Los Angeles marked a rare exception, with their son and 8-year-old daughter stepping onto the red carpet for the first time. The event, attended by co-stars Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis, showcased Murray’s family pride, but it was his daughters’ budding interest in his fashion that stole the spotlight during his recent talk show appearance.

“My 8-year-old, she’s got this eye for detail,” Murray told Drew Barrymore, his grin infectious. “I’ll be heading out for an event, and she’ll look me up and down and go, ‘Dad, that tie doesn’t work with that shirt.’ And I’m like, ‘Who are you, my stylist?’” The audience roared with laughter as he described a recent moment when his daughter insisted he swap a navy blazer for a charcoal one before a promotional event for Sullivan’s Crossing, the romantic drama series he’s starred in since 2023. Even his 2-year-old, he added, has gotten in on the action, tugging at his pant legs and babbling her disapproval when he wears what she deems “boring” sneakers. “She’s not even talking in full sentences yet, but she’s got opinions,” he quipped.

This newfound scrutiny from his daughters reflects a shift in Murray’s life as he balances Hollywood with fatherhood. Born in Buffalo, New York, and raised by his single father, Rex Murray, after his mother left when he was 10, Chad learned early the value of resilience and family. His father, an air traffic controller, juggled raising five children, inspiring Chad’s own hands-on parenting style. “My dad was my superhero,” Murray told People in June 2025, recalling how Rex’s sacrifices fueled his drive to succeed. That drive led him from a tough childhood—marked by a near-fatal intestinal condition at 15 that required extensive surgery—to teen idol status in the early 2000s with roles in Gilmore Girls, Dawson’s Creek, and One Tree Hill.

Now, as a father, Murray is determined to be present for his children’s milestones, a commitment that shapes both his career and his style. “I want my kids to see me as someone they can be proud of, not just on screen but in how I carry myself,” he said on The Drew Barrymore Show. His daughters’ interest in his fashion choices, he believes, stems from their exposure to his work, particularly through family-friendly projects like Freakier Friday, a sequel to the 2003 Disney hit Freaky Friday. The film, which sees Murray reprising his role as Jake alongside Lohan and Curtis, resonated with his children, who watched the original with wide-eyed excitement. “They loved seeing Dad in a movie they could actually watch,” he said, noting that his 8-year-old daughter has since become fascinated with the behind-the-scenes magic of film, including costume design.

Murray’s daughters’ fashion critiques are more than just cute anecdotes; they reflect the close-knit dynamic of what he calls “The Pack,” his nickname for his family. He and Roemer, 41, have structured their lives to keep their children close, even when work takes them across the globe. While filming Sullivan’s Crossing in Nova Scotia, Murray coached his son’s little league football team and enrolled his daughter in the same league, where she became the only girl on the roster. “She’s fearless,” he told Variety in November 2024, describing how his 8-year-old holds her own on the field. This family-first approach extends to their homeschooling arrangement, which allows flexibility for Murray’s acting commitments and Roemer’s occasional producing projects. “We made a pact to stick together,” Murray explained to Us Weekly in July 2025. “If I’m working, Sarah’s with the kids, and vice versa. We don’t split up The Pack.”

The influence of his daughters on his style has been particularly evident in recent years. Murray, once known for his rugged, all-American look—think flannel shirts and distressed jeans from his One Tree Hill days—has leaned into sharper, more polished outfits for red-carpet events, a shift he attributes partly to his 8-year-old’s input. At the Freakier Friday premiere, he sported a tailored powder blue suit, a choice his daughter approved after vetoing a darker option. “She said it made me look ‘more fun,’” he laughed, adding that her feedback prompted him to experiment with bolder colors. His 2-year-old, meanwhile, seems drawn to anything with patterns, often pointing excitedly at his patterned socks or graphic tees during casual family outings.

Fashion has always been a part of Murray’s public persona, but his daughters’ involvement adds a personal layer. “I used to dress for myself or for the role,” he told Barrymore. “Now, I’m thinking, ‘What’s my girl gonna say about this?’” This shift mirrors his broader evolution as a parent, where he prioritizes projects that align with his family’s values. “I’m very selective,” he said in a 2024 Numéro interview. “I don’t want my kids getting flak at school because Dad’s in something embarrassing.” His recent roles, from the Netflix rom-com Mother of the Bride (2024) with Brooke Shields to The Merry Gentlemen (2024), a Christmas dance film, reflect this ethos, offering lighthearted content his children can enjoy or at least respect.

Murray’s sensitivity to his children’s perceptions stems from his own childhood struggles. Growing up in Buffalo, he faced financial hardships and bullying, including a fight at a Burger King that broke his nose at 15. “It wasn’t a nose job, despite what people said,” he clarified in a 2004 interview, dispelling rumors that followed him into his One Tree Hill fame. His teenage hospitalization for a twisted intestine, which required removing two and a half feet of his small intestine, was a turning point, igniting his passion for acting. “Movies and TV were my escape,” he told The Cut in May 2025. “They showed me a world where I could be anything.” Now, he sees his daughters’ interest in his appearance as a sign they’re engaging with that world, too, albeit through their own lens.

The Freakier Friday premiere was a milestone for Murray’s family, marking the first time his children experienced the Hollywood spotlight firsthand. His 8-year-old, dressed in a floral green dress to match her mother’s elegance, and his son, in a suit mirroring his father’s, were all smiles on the red carpet. “They had a blast,” Murray said, noting that his daughter spent the evening analyzing everyone’s outfits, from Lohan’s sleek gown to Curtis’ vibrant ensemble. Her budding fashion sense has even influenced family activities, with Murray and Roemer taking her to local fabric stores in Buffalo to pick out materials for DIY projects. “She’s got this creative streak,” he said, beaming. “She’ll sketch little designs for dresses or tell me how to ‘fix’ my jacket.”

Murray’s 2-year-old, while too young to articulate detailed critiques, expresses her preferences through actions. “She’ll grab my hat and try to put it on herself if she likes it,” he shared, describing a moment when she toddled over to him during a family picnic, insisting he wear a colorful baseball cap instead of his usual black one. These interactions, small as they are, have prompted Murray to rethink his approach to style. “I’m not just dressing for me anymore,” he admitted. “It’s about making them smile, making them proud.”

Beyond fashion, Murray’s daughters have shaped his perspective on legacy. “I want them to see that you can work hard, chase dreams, and still be there for the people you love,” he told Parade in July 2025. His commitment to coaching his kids’ sports teams, attending their school events, and even helping with homeschool lessons reflects this goal. Roemer, a former model turned actress and producer, shares this vision, often joining Murray on set with their children in tow. Their youngest daughter, born in August 2023, has already traveled with them to Canada and Puerto Rico for Murray’s projects, her presence a constant reminder of their family-first ethos.

As Freakier Friday gears up for its August 2025 release, Murray is riding a wave of professional and personal fulfillment. His daughters’ influence extends beyond his closet, grounding him in a way that fame never could. “They keep me honest,” he told Barrymore, his eyes softening. “I walk out the door, and they’re like, ‘Dad, you’re not wearing that, are you?’ It’s the best kind of accountability.” With his son also showing confidence—recently making headlines for offering fans his dad’s photo—Murray’s family is proving to be his greatest inspiration. As he navigates Hollywood’s demands, from Sullivan’s Crossing to potential One Tree Hill reunion talks, it’s clear that his daughters’ fashion critiques are just the beginning of their impact on his life.