If you grew up in the early 2000s, Chad Michael Murray was basically the wallpaper of your existence. He was the brooding guy with the basketball on One Tree Hill, the "secret admirer" in A Cinderella Story, and the reason half of America suddenly cared about prep school drama on Gilmore Girls.
But honestly? Chad Michael Murray today is a completely different human being. He isn't chasing the same dragon anymore.
A lot of actors from that era kind of just... faded. Or they got stuck in the "where are they now" loop of reality TV. Murray didn't do that. He’s 44 now, and he’s arguably more booked and busy than he was when he was 22, just with a lot less of the tabloid noise that almost "destroyed" him back in the day.
The Quiet Dominance of Sullivan’s Crossing
Right now, if you want to find Murray, you have to look north—specifically to Nova Scotia. He’s currently starring as Cal Jones in the CTV/CW hit Sullivan’s Crossing. It’s a cozy, romantic drama that has quietly become a massive staple for people who miss the vibe of old-school WB shows.
It’s not just a paycheck for him. He actually prayed for it.
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Seriously. In an interview with People in late 2025, he admitted he spent two years praying every single night for a project exactly like this. He wanted something family-friendly that didn't feel "gratuitous" and, more importantly, a job that let him actually be a father.
Why he’s obsessed with the "Cal Jones" era:
- Location: He gets to live in a beautiful community in Canada while filming.
- The Vibe: It’s a reunion. He’s back working with Scott Patterson (Luke from Gilmore Girls), which is a wild full-circle moment for anyone who remembers their Chilton days.
- Longevity: The show was just renewed for a fourth season, which is set to air in 2026.
The Humbled Star: Why He Quit the "Winning" Game
There was a moment in January 2026 where Murray got really real on the Like A Farmer podcast. He talked about how the fame from One Tree Hill and Dawson’s Creek was basically a freight train he wasn't ready to drive.
"I probably would have destroyed myself," he said, looking back at his younger years. He credited his faith and a period of being "humbled" as the things that actually saved his life. He’s very open about being a "girl dad" now—he has two daughters and a son with his wife, Sarah Roemer—and you’ll often see him rocking pink clothes or matching hair ties because his girls asked him to.
He basically traded the "Sexiest Man Alive" lists for coaching flag football. In fact, his team in Buffalo—where he lives part-time—recently won a championship. He’s the coach. His son and daughter are on the team. That’s his real life now.
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Freakier Friday and the Nostalgia Factor
If you think he’s done with the big screen, you’re wrong. 2025 and 2026 are actually huge for his film career.
He recently reprised his role as Jake Austin in Freakier Friday, the sequel to the Lindsay Lohan/Jamie Lee Curtis classic. Seeing him back on a Disney set was a massive "Twilight Zone" moment for him. He told Parade that the chemistry with Lohan was exactly the same as it was 20-plus years ago.
It’s weirdly wholesome. His kids even went to the premiere with him—their first-ever red carpet. Apparently, his daughter got starstruck meeting Lindsay Lohan, which Murray found hilarious because he’s just "Dad" to her.
Other major projects on the 2026 horizon:
- Drink Coffee, Talk Fast: A "grassroots" Gilmore Girls documentary project he’s involved in alongside Jared Padalecki.
- Bad Men Must Bleed: A grittier role where he plays Jacob Wallace, proving he hasn't lost that edge.
- Joy to the World: A holiday film with Emmanuelle Chriqui that’s been making the rounds on streaming.
Is He Still the "King of Christmas"?
The Hallmark and Great American Family (GAF) crowd still claims him. While he's doing more mainstream work now, he hasn't abandoned the holiday movie circuit. Films like Christmas on Windmill Way and The Merry Gentlemen (where he plays a dancer, of all things) keep him at the top of the "cozy TV" food chain.
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He picks these roles for a specific reason: his kids.
He mentioned in a Numéro interview that he chooses material based on what his kids won't be "berated" for at school. He wants to be a leader for them. It’s a very specific, intentional way of building a career that most actors don't have the discipline for.
What You Can Learn from the "New" Chad Michael Murray
Watching how he handles his career today is actually a masterclass in work-life balance. He doesn't take jobs that separate him from his family for months. He brings "The Pack"—his nickname for his family—with him to every set.
If you're looking to follow his journey, here is how you can actually keep up:
- Watch Sullivan’s Crossing: Season 4 is currently in production and expected mid-2026. You can catch the first three seasons on Netflix or the CW app.
- Look for the Documentary: Drink Coffee, Talk Fast is the project to watch if you want the real, behind-the-scenes stories of his early career.
- Follow the "Coach" energy: He’s very active on social media about his faith and his family, often sharing glimpses of his life in Buffalo and Nova Scotia.
Chad Michael Murray didn't just survive the 2000s; he outgrew them. He’s proof that you can be a heartthrob at 20 and a respected, grounded leading man at 44 without losing your soul in the process.