Chad Murray American actor Date of Birth: 24.08.1981 Country: USA

1. Early Life and Career
2. Family Changes and Financial Struggles
3. Health Crisis and Modeling Career
4. Transition to Acting
5. Breakthrough in "One Tree Hill"
6. Marriage and Divorce

Early Life and Career

Chad Michael Murray was born on August 24, 1981, in New York City to an air traffic controller and a homemaker. From a tender age of four, Murray displayed his artistic talents by performing songs, dances, and poems on an improvised stage in his own apartment. His audience consisted of his supportive parents and siblings.

Family Changes and Financial Struggles

However, the idyllic family life came to an end in 1991 when Murray's parents divorced. The young entertainer had to temporarily abandon his stage and focus on finding ways to earn money. He worked as a newspaper delivery boy, a janitor, and later as a receptionist at a limousine company.

Health Crisis and Modeling Career

At the age of 15, Murray faced health issues that required extensive surgery. During his hospital stay, he met a nurse who was also an aspiring model. The nurse encouraged Murray to pursue modeling after he recovered. Following his recovery, Murray became a model and won a scholarship to a modeling school in Buffalo. In 1999, he moved to Hollywood and modeled for brands like Gucci, Skechers, and Tommy Hilfiger.

Transition to Acting

While modeling in Los Angeles, Murray began transitioning into acting with small roles in television series such as "Diagnosis: Murder" and "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation." In 2003, he landed his first major role in the Disney film "Freaky Friday," starring alongside Lindsay Lohan and Tommy Lee Jones. The success of this film led to Murray being cast in George Lucas's television series "One Tree Hill."

Breakthrough in "One Tree Hill"

The first season of "One Tree Hill" attracted over four and a half million viewers and catapulted Murray to stardom. He graced the covers of Rolling Stones and People magazines. In 2004, Murray starred in the film "A Cinderella Story" opposite Hilary Duff. Despite negative critical reviews, the film was a commercial success, grossing over $70 million worldwide.

Marriage and Divorce

In 2005, Chad Michael Murray married actress Sophia Bush, whom he met on the set of "One Tree Hill." However, their marriage lasted only five months before they filed for divorce in September of that year. Rumors circulated that Murray's infidelity with actress Paris Hilton contributed to the split.