The Enduring Legacy of Tree Hill: Where is the One Tree Hill Cast Now, 21 Years Later?

On September 23, 2003, a new chapter in teen drama unfolded as “One Tree Hill” premiered, inviting audiences into the lives of Lucas and Nathan Scott and their friends in the fictional town of Tree Hill, North Carolina. What started as a compelling tale of estranged half-brothers navigating high school basketball and complex relationships quickly evolved into a cultural phenomenon. For nine seasons, fans were captivated by the show’s intricate storytelling, memorable characters, and iconic soundtracks. It became more than just a TV show; it was a weekly appointment, a source of comfort, and a reflection of the tumultuous journey from adolescence to adulthood. The series, which concluded its run in 2012, left an indelible mark on an entire generation, cementing its status as one of the most beloved and influential teen dramas of all time. Even two decades after its debut, the unwavering love and loyalty of its fanbase continue to thrive, demonstrating the show’s timeless appeal and the deep connection viewers formed with its vibrant cast.

The young ensemble of One Tree Hill truly grew up before our eyes, both on and off the screen. From their initial portrayals as high school students grappling with universal challenges like identity, love, and ambition, to their eventual transition into mature adults, particularly marked by the pivotal season 5 time jump, the actors matured alongside their characters. Since the series finale in 2012, the main stars have embarked on diverse career paths, embraced new roles in film and television, started families, and pursued personal passions, showcasing their versatility and continued relevance in the entertainment industry.

Remarkably, the cast has never forgotten the show that launched their careers and brought them together. This enduring bond is particularly evident through projects like the popular rewatch podcast, Drama Queens, where stars Sophia Bush and Bethany Joy Lenz, previously joined by Hilarie Burton, keep the OTH spirit vibrantly alive, offering fans a unique peek behind the scenes and heartfelt reflections. These interactions extend beyond the podcast, as seen when the trio surprised fans with a delightful mini-reunion on Sophia’s CBS show Good Sam in March of 2022. Adding to the excitement, Variety confirmed that a potential One Tree Hill reboot is in the early stages of development, with original actors Sophia Bush, Hilarie Burton, and Danneel Ackles reportedly serving as executive producers. This news further underscores the show’s lasting appeal and the desire of both the cast and fans to revisit the beloved world of Tree Hill.

Join us as we take a deep dive into the lives and careers of the beloved One Tree Hill cast members, exploring where their journeys have taken them since their days in Tree Hill.

Chad Michael Murray

Chad Michael Murray, now 42 years old, embodied the role of Lucas Scott, the brooding, basketball-playing writer, for the first six seasons of One Tree Hill. His character, a central figure in many of the show’s most iconic storylines and love triangles, became a fan favorite. Though he departed as a series regular after season 6, he made a much-anticipated return for a special appearance in the show’s ninth and final season in 2012, providing a fitting send-off for his beloved character. In the years since his time in Tree Hill, Chad has maintained a prominent presence in television and film, demonstrating his versatility across various genres. He took on significant recurring roles in popular series such as Star and Agent Carter, showcasing his ability to transition from teen drama to more mature and action-oriented narratives. One of his most memorable recent roles was as the enigmatic and manipulative cult leader, Edgar Evernever, on The CW’s hit show Riverdale, a performance that added a darker, more complex character to his resume. Beyond dramatic roles, Murray has also become a familiar face in a slate of heartwarming Hallmark and Lifetime Christmas films, including Write Before Christmas, which notably reunited him with fellow OTH alum Torrey DeVitto. These festive movies have endeared him to a new audience. In his personal life, Chad is happily married to actress Sarah Roemer, and together they are proud parents to two children, frequently sharing glimpses of their family life with fans. His career continues to flourish, balancing diverse acting projects with a strong focus on his family.

James Lafferty

James Lafferty, now 38 years old, masterfully portrayed Nathan Scott, a character whose transformation from the arrogant high school basketball star to a loving husband, devoted father, and professional athlete was one of the most compelling arcs in One Tree Hill’s history. James remained a central figure throughout all nine seasons, witnessing his character’s triumphs and tribulations. After the show’s conclusion, Lafferty continued to expand his career, both in front of and behind the camera. He had a notable recurring role in the critically acclaimed first season of WGN America’s historical drama Underground, showcasing his dramatic range. James also ventured into directing, helming an episode of E!’s popular series The Royals in its second season, and returning to direct additional episodes in season 3. This pivot towards directing demonstrated his burgeoning talent and interest in storytelling from a different perspective. Fans of the supernatural were delighted to see him appear in four episodes of Netflix’s chilling horror series The Haunting of Hill House, a testament to his adaptability. In a creative reunion with an OTH co-star, James collaborated with Stephen Colletti, 36, to create the episodic comedy project Everyone Is Doing Great, which offered a humorous and poignant look at the struggles of former TV stars. Most recently, he appeared in the HBO sports drama series All American in 2022, further solidifying his presence in impactful television productions. In his personal life, James got engaged to actress Alexandra Park, 33, whom he met on the set of The Royals, in September 2020. The couple celebrated their marriage in a beautiful ceremony in 2022, marking another joyful milestone in his post-OTH journey.

Hilarie Burton

Hilarie Burton, currently 41 years old, won hearts as the beloved Peyton Sawyer from 2003 to 2009. Her character, the talented artist and rock music enthusiast, was central to many of the show’s most emotionally charged storylines, known for her strong spirit and resilient nature. Following her departure from One Tree Hill after season 6, Hilarie embarked on a diverse acting career, taking on a variety of challenging roles. She starred in numerous films and made significant impacts with recurring roles on acclaimed television shows such as White Collar, where she played Sara Ellis; Grey’s Anatomy, as Dr. Lauren Boswell; and the supernatural drama Forever. She also appeared in the action-comedy series Lethal Weapon. Expanding her presence on the small screen, Hilarie has become a familiar and welcome face in a variety of Lifetime and Hallmark movies, often bringing her distinctive charm to holiday-themed narratives. These projects provided heartwarming reunions with her former OTH co-stars; she notably appeared alongside them in the 2018 Lifetime movie The Christmas Contract and again in 2019’s A Christmas Wish. Hilarie last held a main role as Margot in the NBC drama Council of Dads and co-hosted the insightful and personal show Friday Night In With the Morgans alongside her husband. She has also made impactful guest appearances, including on AMC’s post-apocalyptic hit The Walking Dead and the CBS medical drama Good Sam, reuniting with Sophia Bush. In her personal life, Hilarie married actorJeffrey Dean Morgan, 57, in October 2019, after several years of dating and raising their two children together. They share a public persona that highlights their life on a farm, often engaging with fans about their family and charitable endeavors. Hilarie was also a co-host on the popular Drama Queens podcast for a period, sharing her insights on OTH, before stepping away from regular hosting duties.

Sophia Bush

Sophia Bush, now 41 years old, delivered a captivating performance as Brooke Davis throughout One Tree Hill’s entire 9-season run. Brooke’s journey from a superficial high school cheerleader to a compassionate, successful fashion designer and fiercely loyal friend was one of the show’s most dynamic and beloved character arcs. Following the series finale, Sophia continued her impressive television career, notably starring as Detective Erin Lindsay on NBC’s hit procedural drama Chicago P.D. for four seasons. Her portrayal of the strong and complex detective earned her critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase, solidifying her status as a versatile actress. After her departure from the “Chicago” franchise, she took on a recurring role in the popular Hulu teen dramedy Love, Victor. Sophia also lent her distinctive voice to the character of Voyd in the critically acclaimed 2018 Disney Pixar animated film Incredibles 2, showcasing her talents beyond live-action roles. In January 2022, the star returned to a leading role on the small screen with the premiere of her CBS medical drama, Good Sam, where she played the titular character. Beyond her acting career, Sophia has dedicated a significant portion of her time and platform to social activism, passionately supporting women’s rights through movements like Time’s Up and actively engaging in political discourse and environmental advocacy. She continues to connect with audiences through her insightful podcast, Work In Progress, where she shares candid conversations about purpose, career, and personal growth. Furthermore, Sophia is one of the co-hosts of the hugely successful Drama Queens podcast, where she and Bethany Joy Lenz rewatch and reflect on their time on One Tree Hill, delighting fans worldwide. She is currently in a relationship with former professional soccer player Ashlyn Harris, embracing new chapters in her personal life.

Bethany Joy Lenz

Bethany Joy Lenz, now 43 years old, captivated audiences as the beloved Haley James Scott for all nine seasons of One Tree Hill. Her character’s journey from a studious tutor and best friend to a talented musician, devoted wife, and loving mother resonated deeply with viewers, making Haley one of the show’s most enduring figures. A year after OTH concluded, Bethany booked a compelling recurring role on the final season of the acclaimed Showtime series Dexter, showcasing her ability to tackle darker, more complex narratives. Since then, she has made numerous appearances on popular TV shows, including guest roles on medical dramas like Grey’s Anatomy and sci-fi thrillers like Colony. In 2019, she starred as Keri Allen on the USA Network legal drama series Pearson, a spin-off of Suits, which ran for one season. Beyond her dramatic roles, Bethany has also become a cherished presence in the world of Hallmark movies, starring in several romantic holiday films that have further broadened her fanbase. A talented singer-songwriter, she has continued to pursue her musical passions, releasing several albums and EPs in the years since One Tree Hill, blending her acting career with her love for music. She is also an integral part of the highly successful Drama Queens podcast, where she, alongside Sophia Bush, offers a deep dive into the show, its impact, and behind-the-scenes stories, keeping the spirit of OTH alive for millions of listeners.

Paul Johansson

Few characters in television history have evoked such a strong “love to hate” sentiment as Dan Scott, and Paul Johansson, now 60 years old, played the character with captivating brilliance over all nine seasons of OTH. His portrayal of the manipulative yet ultimately complex and seeking-redemption father figure was a cornerstone of the series’ drama. In the years following the show’s conclusion, Paul continued to work steadily in both acting and directing. He appeared in multiple acclaimed TV shows, including a guest spot on the iconic period drama Mad Men, showcasing his dramatic range. He also had roles in fantasy series like Beauty and the Beast and crime procedurals such as Bones. Beyond these guest roles, he starred in a few television movies and took on a significant recurring role as the antagonist Dmitri on the Syfy horror-drama series Van Helsing from 2016 to 2018, demonstrating his continued ability to portray formidable characters. Paul is also an accomplished director, having helmed several episodes of One Tree Hill itself, a skill he has continued to employ in other projects. His most recent gig was a memorable guest-starring role on the long-running CBS naval crime drama NCIS in 2020, proving his enduring presence on television screens.

Barbara Alyn Woods

Barbara Alyn Woods, now 62 years old, brought warmth, wit, and vulnerability to her role as Deb Scott, Nathan’s mother and later Dan Scott’s ex-wife, appearing in over 100 episodes of One Tree Hill. Deb’s journey through addiction, divorce, and rediscovery made her a relatable and often comedic presence on the show. In the years since OTH concluded, Barbara has largely focused on her family, dedicating herself to raising her three talented daughters: Natalie, Emily, and Alyvia Alyn Lind, all of whom have established successful acting careers of their own. Her commitment to supporting her children’s artistic endeavors has been a primary focus. However, Barbara has made a triumphant return to a prominent acting role, currently starring as Mayor Michelle Cross in the critically acclaimed horror TV series Chucky, based on the iconic Child’s Play film franchise. Her involvement in this popular series has reintroduced her to a new generation of viewers while thrilling long-time fans who appreciate her return to a significant on-screen presence. This role showcases her enduring talent and ability to shine in a different genre.

Moira Kelly

Moira Kelly, now 56 years old, portrayed the strong, independent single mother Karen Roe, Lucas Scott’s mom, from One Tree Hill’s debut in 2003 until her departure in 2009. Karen’s character was the heart of the show’s early seasons, running the popular cafe and offering wisdom and support to the younger generation. After her impactful run on One Tree Hill, Moira continued her acting career with select projects. She starred in two Lifetime movies, known for their compelling and often dramatic narratives, further showcasing her talents in made-for-television films. She also had a significant 3-episode arc on the popular Fox medical drama The Resident, where she played the character Annie, demonstrating her ability to integrate seamlessly into established ensembles. More recently, she appeared on the Amazon Prime Video teen drama Panic during its one-season run in 2021, revisiting the genre that brought her widespread recognition. Throughout her career, Moira Kelly has consistently chosen roles that highlight her depth as an actress, maintaining a respected presence in Hollywood.

Lee Norris

There was truly no one quite like Marvin “Mouth” McFadden, the loyal and often lovelorn sports reporter of Tree Hill. Lee Norris, now 42 years old, portrayed this fan-favorite character with earnest charm from the very first season through to the ninth and final season. His journey from an overlooked high schooler to a respected local sports commentator was a testament to the show’s emphasis on character growth. After his extensive run on OTH, Lee continued his acting career with appearances in notable films, including a role in David Fincher’s critically acclaimed thriller Gone Girl, starring Ben Affleck, which showcased his ability to step into more dramatic and intense narratives. He also appeared in the 2020 Tom Hanks-led World War II naval drama Greyhound. Fans of 90s television were delighted when Lee reprised his iconic role as Stuart Minkus in the popular Boy Meets World spin-off, Girl Meets World, connecting with a new generation of viewers while pleasing nostalgic fans. Furthermore, he made a memorable appearance in two episodes of AMC’s zombie apocalypse phenomenon, The Walking Dead, in 2017. Lee Norris continues to be a versatile actor, fondly remembered for his role as Mouth and appreciated for his varied post-OTH career.

Antwon Tanner

Antwon Tanner, now 48 years old, brought infectious energy and loyalty to his role as Antwon “Skills” Taylor, appearing in over 100 episodes of One Tree Hill. Skills was a beloved character, known as the loyal best friend, talented basketball player, and source of comedic relief throughout the series. In the years since OTH, Antwon has maintained a consistent acting career, appearing in a diverse range of films and television shows. He has made guest appearances on popular series such as the fantasy procedural Lucifer and the police drama The Rookie, showcasing his ability to adapt to various television formats. Notably, he had significant roles as Lyle in the EPIX comedy-drama series Get Shorty and as Jason in the Adult Swim comedy Black Jesus, both of which allowed him to demonstrate his comedic timing and dramatic depth. Antwon has also been a part of joyful reunions with his OTH cast members, joining them in Lifetime holiday movies such as The Christmas Contract and A Christmas Wish, underscoring the enduring camaraderie among the cast. His career reflects a sustained dedication to acting and a willingness to explore different characters and genres, keeping him a familiar face to audiences.

Craig Sheffer

Craig Sheffer, now 63 years old, delivered a profoundly impactful performance as Keith Scott, Lucas Scott’s kind-hearted uncle and a pivotal father figure, until his character’s tragic death in season 3. Keith’s death, at the hands of his own brother Dan, remains one of the most shocking and devastating moments in television history, deeply affecting both characters and viewers. Prior to One Tree Hill, Sheffer had already established a significant career in Hollywood, starring in films like A River Runs Through It. Following his memorable role on OTH, Craig continued to take on a variety of roles in film, further cementing his reputation as a seasoned actor. He has starred in several independent and action films, including The Mark, the atmospheric horror film Widow’s Point, and the action thriller Code of Honor, where he appeared alongside action star Steven Seagal. His career demonstrates a continued commitment to acting, exploring different genres and character types, and he remains a respected figure in the industry, admired for his powerful performances and his contribution to one of One Tree Hill’s most unforgettable storylines.