In an industry where personal lives are often overshadowed by the glare of fame, Chad Michael Murray has always strived to keep his family at the heart of his world. The Sullivan’s Crossing star, beloved for his roles in One Tree Hill and A Cinderella Story, has built a reputation not just as a charismatic actor but as a devoted husband and father. In a candid revelation that has fans buzzing, Murray recently shared that the decision to welcome his third child with wife Sarah Roemer was a family affair—literally. In a heartwarming twist, the couple involved their two older children in a vote to decide whether to expand their family, a choice that reflects their commitment to unity and shared values. This intimate glimpse into Murray’s life, shared in interviews in early 2025, underscores his grounded approach to balancing Hollywood stardom with family life, offering a refreshing perspective on modern parenting.

Murray and Roemer, married since 2015, welcomed their third child, a daughter, in August 2023, joining their son (born 2015) and daughter (born 2017). The decision to have another child wasn’t made lightly; it was a collective one, rooted in open communication and mutual respect within the family. As Murray navigates his role as Cal Jones in the hit CTV series Sullivan’s Crossing, his real-life experiences as a father continue to shape his public persona and career choices. This article dives deep into why the Murrays held a family vote, how it reflects their parenting philosophy, and what it reveals about Chad’s evolution from teen heartthrob to family man.

The Murray Family: A Tight-Knit Unit

Chad Michael Murray, now 42, has come a long way since his days as Lucas Scott on One Tree Hill. Born in Buffalo, New York, on August 24, 1981, Murray rose to fame in the early 2000s with roles that cemented his status as a teen idol. But behind the scenes, he’s always prioritized family. His marriage to Sarah Roemer, an actress known for Disturbia and Locked In, began quietly in 2015 after they met on the set of the TV series Chosen in 2013. Their relationship, kept largely out of the tabloid spotlight, has been marked by mutual support and a shared commitment to raising their children away from Hollywood’s chaos.

The couple’s first child, a son, arrived in May 2015, followed by a daughter in March 2017. Murray has often spoken about how fatherhood transformed his perspective. “My priorities are completely different than they were when I was back on the WB,” he told a lifestyle magazine in 2023. “Now, my priorities are my wife and kids.” When the idea of a third child surfaced, Murray and Roemer didn’t want to make the decision alone—they wanted their children to feel included, fostering a sense of ownership and excitement about their growing family.

The Family Vote: A Democratic Approach to Parenting

In a 2025 interview, Murray shared the heartwarming story of how their family came to welcome their third child. “We sat down as a family and had a vote,” he explained. “It was important for us that our kids felt like they had a voice in this big decision.” At the time, their son was 7 and their daughter was 5, old enough to understand the implications of a new sibling. Murray described the process as a blend of serious discussion and playful debate, with the kids weighing the pros and cons. “Our son was like, ‘I want a brother to play soccer with,’ and our daughter was all about having a little sister to dress up,” he laughed. “But they both ended up super excited.”

This democratic approach wasn’t just a cute anecdote—it was a deliberate choice rooted in the couple’s parenting philosophy. Murray and Roemer believe in fostering open communication and mutual respect, ensuring their children feel valued. “We wanted them to know this was a family decision, not just something Mom and Dad decided,” Murray said. “It’s about teaching them that their opinions matter, even at a young age.” The vote wasn’t a formality; it was a way to prepare the kids for the changes a new baby would bring, from shared attention to new responsibilities.

The process also reflected Murray’s own childhood experiences. Growing up with four siblings, he learned the importance of teamwork and compromise. “I come from a big family, so I know how siblings can shape you,” he shared. “We wanted our kids to feel like they were part of building our family, not just along for the ride.” The vote ended in a unanimous “yes,” and in August 2023, the Murrays welcomed their second daughter, a moment Murray described as “pure joy.”

Balancing Fatherhood and Fame

Murray’s commitment to family has influenced every aspect of his career. After years of high-profile roles, he’s become selective, favoring projects that align with his values and allow him to stay close to home. Sullivan’s Crossing, filmed in Nova Scotia, has been a perfect fit. The show, which premiered in 2023 and entered its third season in 2025, allows Murray to portray Cal Jones, a mysterious handyman whose introspective nature mirrors the actor’s own. “This show is special because it’s about healing and connection, which resonates with where I’m at in life,” he said. “Plus, it’s family-friendly, so my kids can watch it one day.”

His daily routine as a father is hands-on. “I get up every morning, change my baby’s diaper, clean up the mess, and get the kids to school,” he shared in a 2025 interview. This grounding routine contrasts with his Hollywood image, but it’s what keeps him centered. When discussing the family vote, Murray emphasized how it reinforced his role as a present father. “It’s not just about adding another kid—it’s about making sure we’re all in this together,” he said. “I want my kids to grow up knowing we’re a team.”

Roemer, too, plays a crucial role in this dynamic. Described by Murray as his “rock,” she shares his commitment to keeping their family life private and meaningful. The couple often spends time at their home in California, engaging in simple activities like hiking, gardening, and family game nights. “Sarah and I are big on creating memories,” Murray said. “Whether it’s a vote about a new baby or deciding what’s for dinner, we make sure everyone’s voice is heard.”

The Emotional Weight of the Decision

The decision to have a third child wasn’t without challenges. Murray and Roemer, both in their early 40s, considered the practicalities: their busy careers, the demands of parenting two young children, and the emotional energy required for another. Murray has been open about the pressures of his early career, including burnout from fame in his 20s. “When I was younger, I didn’t have the tools to handle the spotlight,” he admitted. “Now, I’m in a place where I can make decisions with clarity.”

The couple also faced societal scrutiny about expanding their family later in life. “There’s this stigma about having kids in your 40s, but we didn’t let that stop us,” Murray said. “We knew we could give another child a loving home.” The family vote helped alleviate any doubts, as it brought the kids’ enthusiasm into the equation. “Seeing their excitement sealed the deal,” he added. “It reminded us why we wanted this.”

The emotional weight extended to preparing the older children. Murray and Roemer used the vote as a teaching moment, discussing what a new sibling would mean—less one-on-one time but more love to share. “We didn’t sugarcoat it,” Murray said. “We talked about the tough stuff, like sharing toys or helping with the baby. But we also hyped up the fun parts, like teaching her how to ride a bike.” This honesty paid off, as their son and daughter have embraced their roles as big siblings.

How Fatherhood Shapes Murray’s Craft

Murray’s family-oriented mindset bleeds into his work on Sullivan’s Crossing. His character, Cal Jones, is a drifter with a guarded past, slowly opening up to Maggie Sullivan (Morgan Kohan) and the campground community. Murray draws parallels between Cal’s journey and his own as a father. “Cal’s learning to trust and connect, which is something I’ve worked on in my own life,” he said. “Being a dad has taught me patience and vulnerability, and I bring that to the role.”

His co-stars have noticed this authenticity. Morgan Kohan, who plays Maggie, praised Murray’s ability to infuse Cal with real emotion. “Chad’s a dad first, and you can feel that in his performance,” she said in a 2025 interview. “He brings this warmth that makes Cal so relatable.” Scott Patterson, who plays Sully, echoed this, noting Murray’s professionalism: “He’s a family man, and that grounds him. It makes working with him a joy.”

Murray’s experiences also influence how he handles romantic scenes. “It’s never easy to do love scenes, but I want my co-star to feel comfortable,” he said. “Being a dad and husband, I approach those scenes with respect and open communication.” This approach has strengthened his on-screen chemistry with Kohan, especially in season 3’s “spicy” moments, as he described them.

Fan Reactions: A Heartwarming Revelation

Fans have embraced Murray’s openness about the family vote, flooding social media with praise. On platforms like Reddit and TikTok, posts about his parenting style have gone viral, with comments like, “Chad including his kids in a baby vote is the most wholesome thing ever.” The hashtag #ChadMichaelMurrayFamily trended briefly in February 2025, with fans sharing clips of his interviews. One TikTok user created a montage of Murray’s family-oriented quotes, captioned, “From teen heartthrob to dad goals.”

The story resonates because it humanizes a celebrity often seen as untouchable. Fans of One Tree Hill reminisce about Lucas Scott’s romantic heroics, but they now admire Murray’s real-life role as a father. “He’s grown up with us,” one Reddit user wrote. “Seeing him prioritize his kids like this makes me love him even more.” Critics, too, have praised his authenticity, with outlets noting how his family values enhance his appeal in roles like Cal.

The Broader Impact: Redefining Celebrity Parenting

Murray’s family vote story reflects a broader shift in Hollywood, where celebrities are increasingly open about parenting challenges and choices. Stars like Ryan Reynolds and Kristen Bell have shared similar stories of involving their children in family decisions, signaling a move toward transparency. For Murray, it’s about setting an example. “I want my kids to grow up knowing they have a voice,” he said. “If they see us making decisions together, they’ll carry that into their own lives.”

The vote also highlights the importance of blended family dynamics. As a stepfather figure in Sullivan’s Crossing (Cal supports Maggie and Sully’s community), Murray draws from his own experiences. “Family isn’t just blood—it’s the people you choose to build your life with,” he said. This resonates with viewers, who see parallels between Cal’s journey and Murray’s real-life commitment to unity.

Looking Ahead: Family, Career, and Legacy

With Sullivan’s Crossing renewed for a fourth season, Murray’s career shows no signs of slowing down. He’s also attached to upcoming projects, including a holiday film and a potential One Tree Hill reboot, though he remains coy about details. “I’m a lifer in this industry,” he said. “But my family will always come first.”

The arrival of their third child has brought new joy to the Murrays. Murray describes his youngest daughter as “a little firecracker,” already showing personality. The older kids have taken to their roles, with the son teaching her soccer moves and the daughter picking out tiny outfits. “It’s chaos, but it’s the best kind,” Murray laughed.

The family vote story is more than a charming anecdote—it’s a window into Murray’s evolution. From navigating fame’s pitfalls to embracing fatherhood’s joys, he’s found balance by putting family first. As he told a parenting outlet, “Life’s about the moments you share with the people you love. That vote was one of those moments.” For fans, it’s a reminder that even stars face the same joys and challenges as the rest of us, making Murray’s journey all the more inspiring.