Alex Murrel? No. We’re talking about Alex M. from Laguna Beach. Alex Marshall.
If you grew up during the mid-2000s, you remember the shaggy hair. You remember the surfboards and the teenage angst that felt so incredibly high-stakes back then. Alex Marshall was a fixture of the second season of MTV’s Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County. He wasn't the "main" main character like LC or Kristin, but he was a vital part of the ecosystem. He was Jason Wahler’s right-hand man. The guy often found in the background of a bonfire or a house party, looking exactly like the California dream we all bought into.
But the cameras stopped rolling a long time ago.
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The Laguna Beach Reality Check
It’s weird to think about now, but Laguna Beach was the blueprint. Before The Hills, before Jersey Shore, and long before the over-polished influencers of 2026, there was just a group of kids who were actually friends in real life. Alex M. wasn't a "character" cast from a nationwide search. He was a local kid who happened to be in the inner circle during the height of MTV's reality boom.
Honestly, his role on the show was mostly defined by his loyalty to Jason. While Jason was busy breaking hearts—specifically LC’s and Jessica’s—Alex was usually the voice of reason, or at least the guy providing the soundtrack. He was deeply into music even then. You’ve probably seen the old episodes where he’s jamming or talking about his band. That wasn't a scripted hobby. It was real.
The show made it look like life was just beach days and drama. In reality, these kids were dealing with a level of fame that no teenager is actually equipped to handle.
Life After the MTV Credits Rolled
What happened to Alex M. after the cameras went away?
Unlike some of his castmates who tried to cling to the Hollywood spotlight, Alex Marshall took a bit of a different path. He didn't move to LA to try and become an A-list actor. He didn't start a podcast immediately (though everyone has one now). Instead, he leaned harder into his passion: music.
He became a founding member of the band The Cab. If you were into the pop-rock or "emo" scene in the late 2000s and early 2010s, you know exactly who they are. They were signed to Fueled by Ramen—the same label that launched Fall Out Boy and Panic! At The Disco. This wasn't some vanity project fueled by reality TV fame. Alex was the real deal on the piano and guitar. He toured the world. He played for thousands of screaming fans who, in many cases, had no idea he was even on a reality show when he was 17.
The Shift to the Background
Being in a band is a grind. Eventually, the touring life wears you down. Alex eventually transitioned away from being the guy on stage to the guy behind the scenes.
He moved into songwriting and production. It’s a move a lot of smart musicians make once they realize the "rockstar" lifestyle has a shelf life. He spent years in Nashville and Los Angeles, working with other artists. He basically reinvented himself. He went from "Alex from Laguna" to "Alex Marshall the Musician" to "Alex the Industry Pro."
Where is Alex Marshall in 2026?
He’s pretty private now. You won't find him posting "get ready with me" videos or doing sponsored ads for hair gummies. He’s one of the few cast members who managed to use the platform as a stepping stone rather than a permanent home.
He occasionally pops up on social media, often sharing snippets of new music or shots of his life that feel a lot more grounded than the MTV days. He’s also stayed loosely connected with some of the old crew. It’s funny—fans always want to know if there's drama left, but they’re all in their late 30s now. The beefs of 2005 are ancient history.
The Business of Being Alex
Aside from music, Alex has explored various business ventures. He's kept his feet in the creative world but has also looked at the tech side of the industry. He’s often spotted at industry events that have nothing to do with reality TV reunions and everything to do with the future of digital media and sound.
Why We Still Care About the "Supporting" Cast
There’s a specific kind of nostalgia for the people who didn't become massive superstars. We know what Lauren Conrad is doing. We see Kristin Cavallari everywhere. But guys like Alex Marshall represent the "normal" path.
He’s the guy who had a wild brush with fame as a kid, did something cool with it, and then grew up. There’s something respect-worthy about that. He didn't let the "Alex M. Laguna Beach" tag define his entire existence for the next twenty years.
He also didn't get caught up in the toxic cycle of reality TV reboots. While some people are still trying to recapture the magic of 2005, he seems perfectly content with where he ended up.
The Reality of Reality TV Longevity
If you’re looking for Alex Marshall today, you’re more likely to find him in a recording studio or a business meeting than at a red carpet event. He’s carved out a life that values privacy over clicks.
For anyone trying to follow in those footsteps, his trajectory offers a few lessons:
- Diversify your skills early. He didn't just rely on his face; he learned how to write and produce.
- Don't be afraid to disappear. You don't have to be "on" 24/7 to have a successful career.
- Nostalgia is a tool, not a crutch. He acknowledges his past but doesn't live in it.
The best way to keep up with what he’s doing now is to follow his professional credits rather than the tabloids. He’s still creating, still working, and still very much the guy who loves music more than the limelight.
Next Steps for the Nostalgic Fan
If you want to dive deeper into the world of post-MTV success, check out the credits on some of your favorite pop-rock tracks from the last decade; you might be surprised where Alex's name pops up. You can also look into the various "Where are they now" features on the Laguna Beach cast that focus on their professional pivots rather than just their dating lives. Understanding how these individuals navigated the transition from teen idols to industry professionals provides a much clearer picture of the reality behind "reality" fame.