Sophia Bush’s Complete Relationship History: A Deep Dive into the ‘One Tree Hill’ Star’s Loves

Sophia Bush, the beloved actress best known for her iconic portrayal of Brooke Davis in the hit series One Tree Hill, has navigated a remarkable and often very public journey through love. Much like her resilient on-screen character, Sophia has always been a believer in the power of connection, leading her through a series of significant relationships, including two marriages and several high-profile romances. Over the years, the 41-year-old star has openly shared glimpses into her personal life, offering fans a candid look at the challenges and triumphs of loving in the public eye.

Her relationship history began under the bright lights of a television set, intertwining her personal and professional worlds. Notably, she married her One Tree Hill co-star, Chad Michael Murray, in a union that captivated fans but proved to be remarkably short-lived. Following this early experience, Sophia continued to explore the dating scene, eventually finding love again with businessman Grant Hughes, to whom she was married for a second time before that relationship also sadly concluded in divorce. Most recently, the actress has been linked to celebrated soccer star Ashlyn Harris, 37, a developing romance that comes in the wake of their respective separations from previous spouses. This comprehensive overview delves into Sophia Bush’s complete dating history, exploring each chapter of her romantic life.

Chad Michael Murray: A ‘One Tree Hill’ Romance That Captivated and Crumbled

Sophia Bush and Chad Michael Murray first crossed paths on the Wilmington, North Carolina set of One Tree Hill, where they played beloved characters Brooke Davis and Lucas Scott. Their on-screen chemistry soon spilled over into real life, igniting a whirlwind romance that began in 2003 when they were both in their early twenties. Their relationship quickly became a fan favorite, culminating in a highly anticipated wedding in April 2005. However, the excitement was short-lived, as the couple announced their separation just five months later, leaving many fans stunned and heartbroken. Sophia initially sought an annulment, but her petition was denied, and their divorce was finalized in December 2006.

The unique challenge for Sophia and Chad was that despite their personal split, they continued to work together on One Tree Hill for several more years, playing former lovers and friends. This professional obligation required immense maturity and professionalism from both actors. Sophia later reflected on this challenging period during a 2014 appearance on Watch What Happens Live, stating, “We were two stupid kids who had no business being in a relationship in the first place. To all the other costars who’ve worked it out, more power to you.” Her candid remarks highlighted the difficulties of mixing personal relationships with professional commitments, especially under the intense scrutiny of the public eye and media.

In a more recent interview on Michael Rosenbaum’s Inside of You podcast in 2021, Sophia further elaborated on her reluctance to discuss her past marriage with Chad. She explained that her comments often get “twisted” by the media, making it difficult to speak freely without repercussions. “I’m not allowed to because I’ve tried to poke fun at being a dumb kid and whenever I’ve done that, it gets twisted into I’m talking shit about somebody who I don’t even know anymore,” she shared. Sophia emphasized that while it’s healthy to “laugh at who you used to be,” she prefers to avoid conversations that involve someone else’s history, noting, “It’s not a place where I harbor ill will or anything.” This demonstrates her mature approach to a past that was undoubtedly complicated and heavily scrutinized.

Jon Foster: A Post-Divorce Friendship and Learning Experience

Following her divorce from Chad Michael Murray, Sophia Bush embarked on a new relationship with actor and musician Jon Foster. The two had previously worked together on the 2006 horror film Stay Alive, where their connection blossomed. Their romance, while brief, was significant for Sophia as she navigated life post-marriage. They reportedly dated for a period before ultimately parting ways in 2007. Despite the breakup, Sophia maintained a positive outlook on their time together and the friendship they fostered.

Speaking to US Weekly after their split, Sophia candidly shared her perspective on their relationship, highlighting the valuable lessons she learned. She revealed that they remained “really good friends” and that their separation was amicable. “You can love somebody, and not be in love with them, and I think that was a really valuable lesson,” she explained. “We weren’t ready to get married, but it definitely doesn’t mean we don’t care about each other.” This statement underscored a mature understanding of relationships and the distinction between deep affection and romantic compatibility, marking a period of personal growth for the actress.

James Lafferty: Another ‘One Tree Hill’ Connection

Sophia Bush’s romantic entanglements within the One Tree Hill cast continued when she dated James Lafferty, who played Nathan Scott on the popular series, in 2008. This relationship, unlike her previous marriage to Chad Michael Murray, was kept notably private. Neither Sophia nor James publicly discussed their romance during the time they were together, leading to much speculation among fans and media. Their decision to maintain discretion likely stemmed from the intense public interest in her previous co-star relationship and the desire to protect their privacy.

Interestingly, Chad Michael Murray addressed his ex-wife’s new relationship with his co-star in an interview around 2008, displaying a level of maturity and acceptance. He stated, “She’s got James, and James and I are friends. It’s just a little tight group in Wilmington.” His comments highlighted the unique environment of a long-running television show where cast members become like family, often navigating personal relationships within a close-knit professional setting. Despite the complexities, Sophia and James maintained their professionalism on set, ensuring that their personal connection did not overshadow their work or impact the show’s dynamic. This period further demonstrated Sophia’s ability to compartmentalize and maintain harmony in challenging circumstances.

Austin Nichols: A Four-Year Commitment and Trust Rebuilt

Sophia Bush’s history of dating fellow One Tree Hill actors continued with Austin Nichols, who joined the cast as Julian Baker. Their relationship marked a more significant chapter, lasting for over four years until 2012. This romance was particularly noteworthy because, as Sophia herself admitted, she was “terrified” to date another co-worker after her previous experience with Chad Michael Murray. This fear made the development of her relationship with Austin a testament to the strength of their bond and his dedication.

Two years before their eventual breakup, Sophia spoke to E! News about the initial hesitation and the grand romantic gesture that convinced her to open her heart again. “We had so many years of history prior to him coming to work on the show,” she explained, emphasizing their pre-existing connection. She went on to highlight Austin’s commitment: “and I think someone taking a job and moving their life across the country to show you how much they care is pretty much the most romantic gesture that a person could make.” This action demonstrated a deep level of commitment from Austin, helping Sophia overcome her reservations about dating within her professional circle. Their four-year relationship showed a period of stability and profound trust, allowing Sophia to experience a more private and sustained romance amidst the demands of filming a popular series.

Dan Fredinburg: A Profound Connection Cut Tragically Short

From 2013 to 2014, Sophia Bush was in a relationship with Dan Fredinburg, a Google executive and adventurous spirit known for his passion for exploration and technology. Their romance, though relatively brief, was deeply impactful for Sophia. A year after their split, tragedy struck when Dan tragically died from injuries sustained during an avalanche on Mount Everest, triggered by a devastating earthquake in Nepal in April 2015. His passing sent shockwaves through the adventure and tech communities, and profoundly affected Sophia.

Sophia shared her grief and paid a heartfelt tribute to Dan on what would have been his 34th birthday in September 2014, posting an emotional message on Instagram. In her touching post, she remembered Dan as “an incredible friend” and openly referred to him as “one of the great loves” of her life. Her words conveyed the depth of their connection and the immense sorrow she felt at his loss. She highlighted his vibrant spirit, his ability to inspire those around him, and his unwavering pursuit of a life filled with meaning and adventure. This relationship, though ending in sorrow, underscored Sophia’s capacity for deep love and her admiration for partners who embody ambition and a zest for life.

Jesse Lee Soffer: A ‘Chicago P.D.’ Romance and Friendly Parting

Sophia Bush once again found love on set, this time with her Chicago P.D. co-star Jesse Lee Soffer. The pair dated from 2014 to 2015, forging a connection while working together on the demanding police procedural drama. Their relationship was private for a time before it became public knowledge, adding another chapter to Sophia’s history of navigating romance within the close quarters of television production. The intense schedules and pressures of a successful network show can often lead to strong bonds among cast members, both friendly and romantic.

Despite their shared professional lives, Sophia and Jesse’s relationship eventually concluded, reportedly due to them “growing apart.” A source told Just Jared that the natural evolution of their individual paths led to their separation, a common outcome for many relationships in demanding industries. Two years after her split from Jesse, Sophia made the decision to depart from Chicago P.D., a choice she later clarified was due to personal health and well-being concerns, underscoring her commitment to prioritizing herself and her happiness, separate from her romantic history on set. Their parting was reportedly amicable, allowing both actors to move forward professionally and personally without lingering animosity.

Grant Hughes: Friendship Blossoms into Marriage, Then Divorce

Sophia Bush’s second marriage was to businessman Grant Hughes, a relationship that evolved from a decade-long friendship. Their bond deepened significantly during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly through their shared passion for community service and activism. They officially began dating in May 2020, and their romance quickly progressed, culminating in a beautiful engagement announcement in August 2021.

Sophia joyfully shared the news on Instagram, posting a romantic picture of Grant getting down on one knee on a boat in picturesque Lake Como, Italy. “So it turns out that being your favorite person’s favorite person is the actual best feeling on planet Earth,” she captioned the photo, expressing her immense happiness. Less than a year later, the couple exchanged vows in a stunning ceremony in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on June 13, 2022. The wedding was a testament to their deep connection, built on shared values and mutual respect.

However, despite the strong foundation, their marriage was not destined to last. After just 13 months of marriage, Sophia filed for divorce from Grant Hughes on August 4, 2023. The news came as a surprise to many, but sources close to the couple emphasized the amicable nature of their separation. As a source told PEOPLE at the time of the split, “Sophia and Grant were friends for 10 years and bonded during COVID through their love of community service. They continue to run their nonprofit together and remain good friends.” This statement underscores their commitment to maintaining a respectful and collaborative relationship, even as their romantic partnership concluded, highlighting a mature approach to navigating personal changes.

Ashlyn Harris: A New Chapter of Connection and Mutual Support

In October 2023, reports emerged linking Sophia Bush to celebrated soccer star Ashlyn Harris, marking a new and intriguing chapter in Sophia’s romantic life. PEOPLE magazine first reported on their developing relationship on October 17, indicating a burgeoning connection between the two women. A source revealed to the publication that their relationship evolved from a long-standing friendship. “After being friends for years, and running in the same social circles, Sophia and Ashlyn went out on their first dinner date a couple of weeks ago,” the source shared, indicating a natural progression from platonic to romantic interest.

This budding romance comes at a significant time for both Sophia and Ashlyn, as they are both navigating new chapters in their personal lives following their respective divorces. Ashlyn Harris recently ended her marriage of almost four years to fellow soccer player Ali Krieger. The PEOPLE source emphasized that there is “no salacious story” behind Sophia and Ashlyn’s romance, suggesting a genuine connection built on mutual respect and shared experiences rather than scandal. This new relationship represents a fresh start for Sophia, highlighting her continued openness to love and connection as she moves forward in her life, embracing new possibilities and finding support in evolving relationships.