Chad Michael Murray became a teen icon thanks to his performance in the teen drama One Tree Hill, and as hard as it is to imagine the show without him, he almost didn’t star in it as he was considered for another teen drama from the 2000s. Chad Michael Murray began his career as a model, and transitioned into acting in 2000 when he guest starred in MTV’s anthology series Undressed. That same year, Murray joined Gilmore Girls, marking the beginning of his career in teen dramas.
After a recurring role in Dawson’s Creek as Charlie Todd and his first big movie role in Freaky Friday, Murray got his big break when he was cast as Lucas Scott in One Tree Hill. Created by Mark Schwahn, One Tree Hill aired from 2006 to 2012, and in its first seasons, it two half-brothers – Lucas and Nathan Scott (James Lafferty) – competing for positions on their school’s basketball team and the drama in their personal lives. One Tree Hill is still one of Murray’s best works, but it almost didn’t happen as he was offered the lead role in another teen drama.
Chad Michael Murray Turned Down The O.C. For One Tree Hill
Chad Michael Murray Could Have Played Ryan Atwood In The O.C.
One of the most popular teen dramas of the 2000s is The O.C. Created by Josh Schwartz, The O.C. took the audience to Orange County in Southern California, to Ryan Atwood (Ben McKenzie), who is taken in by Sandy Cohen (Peter Gallagher) after getting in trouble with the law and being kicked out of his home. Ryan joins the Cohen family, and so the show sees him adapting to a new family dynamic, school, and social circle, while also showing that the wealthy aren’t safe from problems.
The O.C. became a cultural phenomenon and ran for four seasons between 2003 and 2007. Like other teen dramas, The O.C. launched the careers of its young cast, and among them could have been Chad Michael Murray. Speaking to The Daily Beast in 2013 to celebrate The O.C.’s 10th anniversary, Schwartz shared that Chad Michael Murray read for the role of Ryan, but ultimately, he chose another teen drama in development: One Tree Hill. Schwartz also revealed that Garrett Hedlund was going to read for Ryan, but he was cast in Troy.
The O.C.'s Lead Isn't The Only Role Chad Michael Murray Gave Up To Play Lucas Scott
Chad Michael Murray Left Another Teen Drama For One Tree Hill
Chad Michael Murray never joined Seth and Ryan in The O.C., but he was part of another teen drama that he eventually left in favor of One Tree Hill. Murray played Tristan Dugray in Gilmore Girls, and he was a wealthy student who had a crush on Rory (Alexis Bledel). Murray played the role throughout Gilmore Girls’ first season and had a guest appearance in season 2, as he was already busy with One Tree Hill – however, he first made a stop at Capeside to play Charlie in Dawson’s Creek.
Gilmore Girls had a longer arc planned for Tristan, but as Murray decided to pursue other roles in other teen dramas, Tristan was transferred to a military school due to his bad behavior. Had Murray stayed for longer in Gilmore Girls, he could have changed some key dynamics in the show, but ultimately, leaving Stars Hollow was the best move for Murray’s career.
Joining One Tree Hill Was The Right Move For The Actor's Career
One Tree Hill Was Key In Chad Michael Murray’s Career
By the time Chad Michael Murray starred in One Tree Hill, he was already a known face. This was not only thanks to his time in Gilmore Girls and Dawson’s Creek, but he had also already starred in Freaky Friday, so he wasn’t a complete unknown. However, One Tree Hill was the boost he needed in his acting career. Lucas Scott was a talented basketball player and writer, and though he initially had a rivalry with his half-brother, their relationship gradually shifted, and they bonded as friends and brothers.
Murray played Lucas in six seasons of One Tree Hill and had a guest role in the final season. Being Lucas Scott opened many doors for Murray in his career, and he went on to star in movies like A Cinderella Story and House of Wax. Chad Michael Murray’s career would have developed differently had he starred in The O.C. or stayed in Gilmore Girls, but he would still have become a teen icon at some point.
Source: The Daily Beast.
