The cast of ‘One Tree Hill’.Photo: CW/Courtesy everett collection
Twenty years ago on Sept. 23,One Tree Hillpremiered, treating viewers to a take on the ups and downs of teen and twenty-something life as told through the eyes of the Scott brothers and their friends.Through the years, the series' stars have spoken out on thegoodandbadof their time on set, though often recall fondly their time together and the work they created.Here, on the milestone anniversary of the series premiere, a look at theOne Tree Hillcast, then and now.
Twenty years ago on Sept. 23,One Tree Hillpremiered, treating viewers to a take on the ups and downs of teen and twenty-something life as told through the eyes of the Scott brothers and their friends.
Through the years, the series' stars have spoken out on thegoodandbadof their time on set, though often recall fondly their time together and the work they created.
Here, on the milestone anniversary of the series premiere, a look at theOne Tree Hillcast, then and now.
01of 22
Chad Michael Murray as Lucas Scott
Chad Michael Murray then and now.Cinematic Collection/Alamy Stock Photo, Steve Granitz/FilmMagic
WhenOne Tree Hillpremiered in 2003,Murrayhad already started cementing his status as a brooding heartthrob. After appearing on bothGilmore GirlsandDawson’s Creek, he landed a role inFreaky Fridayalongside Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis, which premiered just weeks before his CW series hit television.
As Lucas Scott, Murray led theOne Tree Hillcast as the outcast turned basketball star for six seasons before departing the series ahead of its final three seasons (though he returned for one episode leading up to the finale.)
The actor marriedSarah Roemerin 2014 and they laterwelcomed three children, though the parents arefamously private about their little ones.
02of 22Sophia Bush as Brooke DavisSophia Bush then and now.Warner Bros./Courtesy Everett Collection, Monica Schipper/GettyAs one of her first on-screen credits ever,Bush’sOne Tree Hillrole as Brooke Davis continues to be one of her best-known gigs. Audiences watched Davis fall in and out of love and turn from high school cheerleader to business woman, spanning the course of the show’s nine seasons. While on the show, she landed roles in films likeJohn Tucker Must Die,The NarrowsandTable for Threeand has continued to act since the show wrapped in 2012.Television roles seemed to keep coming Bush’s way and she found her niche in the role of Erin Lindsay, whom she depicted across numerous shows includingLaw & Order: SVU,Chicago Fire,Chicago Med,Chicago Justiceand most regularlyChicago P.D.More recently, she’s starred onLove, Victor,as Dr. Sam Griffith onGood Samand in the filmDeborah.In addition to her work as an actress, Bush has leaned into activism work for causes like human rights and women’s empowerment. In 2017, Bush was one of 18 female cast and crew members who worked onOTH— including Hilarie Burton — whoaccused creator, Mark Schwahn, of sexual harassmentand physical and emotional manipulation. (Schwahn has never spoken about any of the allegations.)In 2021, she and costars Burton and Bethany Joy Lenz launched the podcastDrama Queens, where the three women recap all nine seasons and"reclaim" the show. They’ve brought the show on tour and have welcomed other former castmates along the way.In 2022, Bush marriedGrant Hughes, though the twodivorced 13 months later.
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Sophia Bush as Brooke Davis
Sophia Bush then and now.Warner Bros./Courtesy Everett Collection, Monica Schipper/Getty
As one of her first on-screen credits ever,Bush’sOne Tree Hillrole as Brooke Davis continues to be one of her best-known gigs. Audiences watched Davis fall in and out of love and turn from high school cheerleader to business woman, spanning the course of the show’s nine seasons. While on the show, she landed roles in films likeJohn Tucker Must Die,The NarrowsandTable for Threeand has continued to act since the show wrapped in 2012.
Television roles seemed to keep coming Bush’s way and she found her niche in the role of Erin Lindsay, whom she depicted across numerous shows includingLaw & Order: SVU,Chicago Fire,Chicago Med,Chicago Justiceand most regularlyChicago P.D.
More recently, she’s starred onLove, Victor,as Dr. Sam Griffith onGood Samand in the filmDeborah.
In addition to her work as an actress, Bush has leaned into activism work for causes like human rights and women’s empowerment. In 2017, Bush was one of 18 female cast and crew members who worked onOTH— including Hilarie Burton — whoaccused creator, Mark Schwahn, of sexual harassmentand physical and emotional manipulation. (Schwahn has never spoken about any of the allegations.)
In 2021, she and costars Burton and Bethany Joy Lenz launched the podcastDrama Queens, where the three women recap all nine seasons and"reclaim" the show. They’ve brought the show on tour and have welcomed other former castmates along the way.
In 2022, Bush marriedGrant Hughes, though the twodivorced 13 months later.
03of 22James Lafferty as Nathan ScottJames Lafferty then and now.The WB/Courtesy Everett Collection, Gregg DeGuire/GettyLafferty had just a few screen credits to his name when he landed the role of Nathan Scott onOne Tree Hill. When his time as bad boy basketball player turned loving husband and father came to a close, Lafferty continued to act, appearing in films likeLost on Purpose,OculusandSmall Town Crime. On the small screen, he has landed roles on shows likeCrisis,Underground,The Haunting of HillhouseandThe Right Stuff.More recently, he appeared on an episode ofAll Americanas well as reunited with hisOTHcostar Stephen Colletti forEveryone Is Doing Great, which they wrote and directed together.In 2022, Laffertymarried actress Alexandra Park.
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James Lafferty as Nathan Scott
James Lafferty then and now.The WB/Courtesy Everett Collection, Gregg DeGuire/Getty
Lafferty had just a few screen credits to his name when he landed the role of Nathan Scott onOne Tree Hill. When his time as bad boy basketball player turned loving husband and father came to a close, Lafferty continued to act, appearing in films likeLost on Purpose,OculusandSmall Town Crime. On the small screen, he has landed roles on shows likeCrisis,Underground,The Haunting of HillhouseandThe Right Stuff.
More recently, he appeared on an episode ofAll Americanas well as reunited with hisOTHcostar Stephen Colletti forEveryone Is Doing Great, which they wrote and directed together.
In 2022, Laffertymarried actress Alexandra Park.
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Hilarie Burton as Peyton Sawyer
Hilarie Burton then and now.The WB/Courtesy Everett Collection, AFF-USA/Shutterstock
While appearing on the show she starred in various projects on the side includingThe Secret Life of Bees,and walked away fromOTHafter season 6. Since then, her biggest television role was inWhite Collar, though she also appearedHostages,Grey’s Anatomy,Extant(with husband Jeffrey Dean Morgan and formerOne Tree Hillcastmate Tyler Hilton),Lethal Weaponand an episode ofThe Walking Dead— also with her husband!
She’s starred in her fair share of Christmas movies as well, includingLast Chance for Christmas,The Christmas ContractandA Christmas Wish(in which she reunited withOTHcostars Lee Norris, Barbara Alyn Woods and Hilton). In 2022, she and Bethany Joy Lenz guest-starred together on Bush’s showGood Sam.
In addition to both being working actors, the two purchased a local candy store, Samuel’s Sweet Shop, in Rhinebeck, New York, with longtime friendPaul Ruddandhis wife Juliein 2014.
05of 22Bethany Joy Lenz as Haley James ScottBethany Joy Lenz then and now.Fred Norris/Warner Bros./Courtesy Everett Collection, Steve Granitz/FilmMagicLenz had already been working in the industry when she landed the role as Haley James on the CW series, appearing in the filmThinnerand on shows likeGuiding Light,CharmedandFelicity. She had also begun pursuing a career in music at this time. While filming the series, Lenz began working on a stage adaptation ofThe Notebookwith the support of Nicholas Sparks himself,StarNewsnoted. She also continued making music both as a solo artist and together with her friend Amber Sweeney as a part of the duo Everly.After nine years playing girl next door Haley James (later Haley James Scott), in addition to continuing her acting career, she also continued pursuing music (a talent she shared with her character Haley).She’s been on shows likeDexter,Colony,Grey’s Anatomy,Pearsonand an episode ofGood Samin which she reunited with herOTHgal-pals. Like some of her castmates, she’s also found a niche in Christmas films, appearing in movies likeThe Christmas Secret,Snowed-Inn Christmas,Five Star ChristmasandAn Unexpected Christmas.More recently, she appeared in the filmSo Cold the Riverand the podcast seriesDark Sanctum. In addition to her hosting duties onDrama Queenswith Burton and Bush, she continues to perform music.Lenz shares daughter, Maria, with her ex-husband Michael Galeotti.
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Bethany Joy Lenz as Haley James Scott
Bethany Joy Lenz then and now.Fred Norris/Warner Bros./Courtesy Everett Collection, Steve Granitz/FilmMagic
Lenz had already been working in the industry when she landed the role as Haley James on the CW series, appearing in the filmThinnerand on shows likeGuiding Light,CharmedandFelicity. She had also begun pursuing a career in music at this time. While filming the series, Lenz began working on a stage adaptation ofThe Notebookwith the support of Nicholas Sparks himself,StarNewsnoted. She also continued making music both as a solo artist and together with her friend Amber Sweeney as a part of the duo Everly.
After nine years playing girl next door Haley James (later Haley James Scott), in addition to continuing her acting career, she also continued pursuing music (a talent she shared with her character Haley).
She’s been on shows likeDexter,Colony,Grey’s Anatomy,Pearsonand an episode ofGood Samin which she reunited with herOTHgal-pals. Like some of her castmates, she’s also found a niche in Christmas films, appearing in movies likeThe Christmas Secret,Snowed-Inn Christmas,Five Star ChristmasandAn Unexpected Christmas.
More recently, she appeared in the filmSo Cold the Riverand the podcast seriesDark Sanctum. In addition to her hosting duties onDrama Queenswith Burton and Bush, she continues to perform music.
Lenz shares daughter, Maria, with her ex-husband Michael Galeotti.
06of 22
Barry Corbin as Coach Whitey
Barry Corbin then and now.Warner Bros./Courtesy Everett Collection, Fred Hayes/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty
He also appeared on all four seasons of Netflix’sThe Ranchand in episodes ofBetter Call Saul,Yellowstone,9-1-1: Lone Starand most recentlyTulsa King.
07of 22
Paul Johansson as Dan Scott
Paul Johansson then and now.The WB/Courtesy Everett Collection, MediaPunch/Shutterstock
While Johansson picked up roles on the side during his tenure as both Nathan and Lucas Scott’s biological father, Dan Scott, he has continued to act since the series' finale, appearing on shows likeMad MenandVan Helsing. More recently he has appeared in two of the Bruce Willis ledDetective Knightfilms as Ricky Conlan.
Johansson has one son named Quinn.
08of 22
Antwon Tanner as Antwon ‘Skills’ Tanner
Antwon Tanner then and now.Fred Norris/The CW/Courtesy Everett Collection, AFF-USA/Shutterstock
Tanner had been acting since the 1990s when he landed the role of high school basketball player turned coach Antwon “Skills” Tanner onOne Tree Hill.
After joining the cast ofOTHin 2003, Tanner continued to book projects on the side, including a role inCoach Carter.
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Lee Norris as Marvin ‘Mouth’ McFadden
Lee Norris then and now.Fred Norris/The CW/Courtesy Everett Collection, Tiffany Rose/WireImage
Before appearing in nearly every episode ofOne Tree Hillas Marvin “Mouth” McFadden, one of Lucas’s best friends and basketball aficionado, Norris had already landed recurring parts on shows likeThe TorkelsonsandBoy Meets Worldas a young actor.
SinceOTH,Norris appeared in the filmGone Girland reprised his role as Stuart Minkus on theBoy Meets Worldreboot,Girl Meets World. He also had a brief stint onThe Walking Deadbefore reuniting with hisOne Tree Hillcostars Burton, Tanner, Barbara Alyn Woods and Tyler Hilton inA Christmas Wish.
Norris and his wife, Andrea,share a young son.
10of 22
Moira Kelly as Karen Roe
Moira Kelly then and now.The WB/Fred Norris/Warner Bros./Courtesy Everett Collection, FOX via Getty
In 2003 she jumped into the role as Lucas Scott’s mom, Karen Roe, on the CW series. After season 4, Kelly stopped appearing on the show regularly — only to pop up in a few episodes in later seasons.
Kelly continued to act, appearing in films likeA Smile as Big as The Moon,Taken Back: Finding Haleyand reprising her role as Donna Hayward inTwin Peaks: The Missing Piece. Most recently she starred inMy Southern Family Christmasand is set to appear in the seriesCitadel, per IMDb, starring Priyanka Chopra.
Kelly has two children, Ella and Eamon, with her husband, Steve Hewitt.
11of 22Jackson Brundage as Jamie ScottJackson Brundage then and now.CW/Courtesy Everett Collection, Jackson Brundage/Instagram;Though Brundage had appeared on screen a few times beforeOne Tree Hill, his role as Nathan and Haley’s adorable son Jamie was surely his breakout. As the show wrapped in 2012, he landed his next recurring role on the seriesSee Dad Run.His most recent credit listed on IMDb is the voice work he did for the Nickelodeon showHarvey Beaksin 2015.In 2022, the young actorturned 21.
11of 22
Jackson Brundage as Jamie Scott
Jackson Brundage then and now.CW/Courtesy Everett Collection, Jackson Brundage/Instagram;
Though Brundage had appeared on screen a few times beforeOne Tree Hill, his role as Nathan and Haley’s adorable son Jamie was surely his breakout. As the show wrapped in 2012, he landed his next recurring role on the seriesSee Dad Run.
His most recent credit listed on IMDb is the voice work he did for the Nickelodeon showHarvey Beaksin 2015.
In 2022, the young actorturned 21.
12of 22
Craig Sheffer as Keith Scott
Though Sheffer’s tenure on the show was tragically cut short in season 3, he did pop up at various points during the rest of the series.
After wrapping up his primary duties on the CW series, he continued to act, landing roles primarily in film with a few one-off television parts sprinkled in. In 2010 he appeared on one episode ofPsychand one episode ofCriminal Mindsand later on an episode ofThe Mentalist. His film roles have includedWhile She Was Out,The Mark,The Mark: RedemptionandPalmer.
More recently he played Richard Nixon in three episodes ofAmerican Horror Story: Double Featureand appeared in the 2023 film,Velocity Girl.
13of 22
Barbara Alyn Woods as Deb Scott
Barbara Alyn Woods then and now.The WB/Fred Norris/Warner Bros./Courtesy Everett Collection, Santiago Felipe/Getty
Woods' older daughters, Natalie Alyn Lind andEmily Alyn Lind,followed in their mom’s footsteps and are actresses as well.
14of 22
Austin Nichols as Julian Baker
Austin Nichols then and now.Fred Norris/THE CW/Courtesy Everett Collection, Image Press Agency/NurPhoto/Shutterstock
Most recently, he appeared on the seriesMinxand in the filmMatch.
15of 22
Robert Buckley as Clay Adams
Robert Buckley then and now.Fred Norris/The CW/Courtesy Everett Collection, Paul Archuleta/Getty
In 2018, he revealed that he and Jenny Wadehad tied the knot.The twowelcomed a son in 2021.
16of 22Shantel VanSanten as Quinn JamesShantel VanSanten then and now.Collection Christophel/Alamy Stock Photo, Irvin Rivera/GettyVanSanten had just a few screen credits to her name before landing the role of Quinn James onOne Tree Hill. The actress joined the cast in season 7 as one of Haley’s sisters and eventually tied the knot with Clay.After the show wrapped, the roles kept coming and she appeared in series likeBeauty and the Beast,Gang Related, The MessengersandThe Flash.In 2016, she landed a major role onShooter,which she starred on for three seasons before appearing onThe Boysand three seasons ofFor All Mankind.In 2017, she starred in the Hallmark movie,Love Blossoms, where she met her future husband Victor Webster.More recently, she’s appeared onFBI,FBI: InternationalandFBI: Most Wantedas Special Agent Nina Chase.VanSanten and Webster first got engaged in 2020 and tied the knot in 2021. In April 2023, however, Websterfiled for divorce.
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Shantel VanSanten as Quinn James
Shantel VanSanten then and now.Collection Christophel/Alamy Stock Photo, Irvin Rivera/Getty
VanSanten had just a few screen credits to her name before landing the role of Quinn James onOne Tree Hill. The actress joined the cast in season 7 as one of Haley’s sisters and eventually tied the knot with Clay.
After the show wrapped, the roles kept coming and she appeared in series likeBeauty and the Beast,Gang Related, The MessengersandThe Flash.
In 2016, she landed a major role onShooter,which she starred on for three seasons before appearing onThe Boysand three seasons ofFor All Mankind.In 2017, she starred in the Hallmark movie,Love Blossoms, where she met her future husband Victor Webster.
More recently, she’s appeared onFBI,FBI: InternationalandFBI: Most Wantedas Special Agent Nina Chase.
VanSanten and Webster first got engaged in 2020 and tied the knot in 2021. In April 2023, however, Websterfiled for divorce.
17of 22
Jana Kramer as Alex Dupré
Jana Kramer then and now.Fred Norris/CW/Courtesy Everett Collection, Sam Morris/Getty
Before landing her breakout role as Alex Dupré onOne Tree Hillfrom 2009 to 2012,Kramerappeared in smaller roles on series likeAll My Children,Friday Night LightsandGrey’s Anatomy. She also appeared in Adam Sandler’s filmClickandProm Night.
18of 22
Stephen Colletti as Chase Adams
Stephen Colletti then and now.Michael Tackett/The CW/Courtesy Everett Collection, Gregg DeGuire/Getty
Taylor Swiftfans might also recognize him from her music video forWhite Horsein 2009.
SinceOne Tree Hill, Colletti has starred in films likeAll About Christmas Eve,Celluloid DreamsandSummer Forever.He also appeared on the seriesHit the Floor,and most recently reunited withOTHcostar, Lafferty, for the seriesEveryone Is Doing Great.
19of 22Tyler Hilton as Chris KellerTyler Hilton then and now.Warner Bros./Courtesy: Everett Collection, Linsday Siu/CBS via GettyThe singer-songwriter started his professional music career back in 2000 with the release of his self-titled album. In 2004 he began his tenure onOne Tree Hill,where he would appear off on until 2012 as the arrogant musician Chris Keller.In 2005, he stepped into the role of Elvis Presely in the filmWalk the Lineand as Murphy Bivens in 2007’sCharlie Bartlett(where he met his future wife!). Hilton also starred in aTaylor Swiftmusic video, playing “Drew” in her 2007 music video for “Teardrops on My Guitar.“SinceOne Tree Hill, he has continued to release music and has appeared on the seriesExtantand more recently, starred in three Christmas movies:The Christmas Contract, A Christmas Wish (with some with his formerOTHcostars) andWhen Christmas Was Young.Hilton married Megan Park in 2015 after first meeting on the set ofCharlie Bartlettin 2006. In February 2020,they announced the arrival of their daughter, Winnie.
19of 22
Tyler Hilton as Chris Keller
Tyler Hilton then and now.Warner Bros./Courtesy: Everett Collection, Linsday Siu/CBS via Getty
The singer-songwriter started his professional music career back in 2000 with the release of his self-titled album. In 2004 he began his tenure onOne Tree Hill,where he would appear off on until 2012 as the arrogant musician Chris Keller.
In 2005, he stepped into the role of Elvis Presely in the filmWalk the Lineand as Murphy Bivens in 2007’sCharlie Bartlett(where he met his future wife!). Hilton also starred in aTaylor Swiftmusic video, playing “Drew” in her 2007 music video for “Teardrops on My Guitar.”
SinceOne Tree Hill, he has continued to release music and has appeared on the seriesExtantand more recently, starred in three Christmas movies:The Christmas Contract, A Christmas Wish (with some with his formerOTHcostars) andWhen Christmas Was Young.
Hilton married Megan Park in 2015 after first meeting on the set ofCharlie Bartlettin 2006. In February 2020,they announced the arrival of their daughter, Winnie.
20of 22Bryan Greenberg as Jake JagleskiBryan Greenberg then and now.BEI/Shutterstock, Lexie Moreland/WWD/Penske Media via GettyThe NYU Tisch graduate had landed a few one-off roles on shows likeLaw & Order,The SopranosandBoston Publicbefore securing his first recurring role onOne Tree Hill,where he starred as lovable basketball player Jake Jagielski from 2003 to 2006.Since then, he’s appeared in films likePrime,Bride WarsandFriends with Benefitsand sinceOne Tree Hilllanded roles on the seriesOctober Road,How to Make it in AmericaandThe Mindy Project. Most recently he appeared in Netflix’sYou People.Greenberg married Jamie Chungin 2015, and in 2021 the couple welcomed twin boys.
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Bryan Greenberg as Jake Jagleski
Bryan Greenberg then and now.BEI/Shutterstock, Lexie Moreland/WWD/Penske Media via Getty
The NYU Tisch graduate had landed a few one-off roles on shows likeLaw & Order,The SopranosandBoston Publicbefore securing his first recurring role onOne Tree Hill,where he starred as lovable basketball player Jake Jagielski from 2003 to 2006.
Since then, he’s appeared in films likePrime,Bride WarsandFriends with Benefitsand sinceOne Tree Hilllanded roles on the seriesOctober Road,How to Make it in AmericaandThe Mindy Project. Most recently he appeared in Netflix’sYou People.
Greenberg married Jamie Chungin 2015, and in 2021 the couple welcomed twin boys.
21of 22Danneel Ackles as Rachel GatinaDanneel Ackles then and now.RGR Collection/Alamy Stock Photo, Kevin Mazur/GettyAcklesgot her big break when she landed a recurring role onOne Life to Live,playing Shannon McBain from 1999 to 2004, but really came into the spotlight when she starred as the villainous Rachel Gatina onOTHfor several seasons.Since then, she’s appeared inSupernatural, How I Met Your MotherandFriends with Benefits,as well as in movies likeHarold and Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay.The actress marriedSupernaturalactor Jensen Ackles in 2010. Thecouple share three children together, welcoming their first in 2013 and later expanding to a family of five with the birth of their twins in 2016.Jensen and Danneel launched a production company in 2020.
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Danneel Ackles as Rachel Gatina
Danneel Ackles then and now.RGR Collection/Alamy Stock Photo, Kevin Mazur/Getty
Acklesgot her big break when she landed a recurring role onOne Life to Live,playing Shannon McBain from 1999 to 2004, but really came into the spotlight when she starred as the villainous Rachel Gatina onOTHfor several seasons.
Since then, she’s appeared inSupernatural, How I Met Your MotherandFriends with Benefits,as well as in movies likeHarold and Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay.
The actress marriedSupernaturalactor Jensen Ackles in 2010. Thecouple share three children together, welcoming their first in 2013 and later expanding to a family of five with the birth of their twins in 2016.
Jensen and Danneel launched a production company in 2020.
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Bevin Prince as Bevin
Bevin Prince then and now.Fred Norris/THE CW/courtesy everett collection, Bevin Prince/Instagram
The North Carolina native found her breakout role onOne Tree Hillplaying the aptly named Bevin. She landed a few jobs while working on the show including appearances onHouseandDesperate Housewivesthough after hanging up her pom-poms and wrapping upOTH, she appeared on screen just a few more times.
Instead, her efforts went toward a career in fitness and Prince eventually became a SoulCycle instructor in New York City. She married William Friend in 2016 and during the pandemic, the couple relocated to North Carolina.
source: people.com
