‘We might not want to be the biggest show, or we might not ever become the biggest show, but we will always become somebody’s favourite show’. Chances are if you were a teenager in the mid to late 2000’s, One Tree Hill was the show you tuned into week after week. The show would have broke your hearts a million times over. However, it also gave you hope that something better was always just around the corner. The show premiered in 2003 and ran for nine seasons, making it the fourth longest running show on the CW.
One Tree Hill was centred around the two ‘Scott’ brothers, the relationships they had with their families, their love interests and their love for basketball. The show followed the characters as they grew up from teenagers at high school to adults starting their own families and thriving in their careers. From watching the show, we also learnt how to follow our own dreams and passions.
Music also played a massive role in One Tree Hill, and introduced us to so many incredible artists. From Gavin Degraw who sang the famous theme tune to guest appearances from Fall Out Boy and Sheryl Crow. Regular cast members including Kate Voegele and Tyler Hilton also found success in their careers after appearing on the show.
‘It’s the oldest story in the world. One day you’re seventeen and planning for someday, and then quietly and without you ever really noticing, someday is today. And that someday is yesterday. And this is your life’ – Nathan Scott.
If you miss One Tree Hill just as much as we do, then keep reading. We will let you know what all your favourite cast members are up to now.
Chad Michael Murray (Lucas Scott)
Chad played Lucas Scott for six seasons, with a one off appearance in season nine. At the beginning of the show Lucas was best friends with Haley, and had a love for literature as well as basketball. We saw him struggle with the death of his uncle Keith, and the tough relationship he had with his father Dan. He also had serious relationships with Peyton and Brooke, with us unsure who he would end up with. Were you team Leyton or team Brucas?
Before One Tree Hill he was one of the most famous members of the cast. Known for his roles in Dawson’s Creek, Gilmore Girls, Freaky Friday and A Cinderella Story. Since the show he has had various roles including Jacob in Chosen, Jack in Agent Carter and Jamie in the film To Write Love On Her Arms.
James Lafferty (Nathan Scott)
James played Nathan Scott for all nine seasons of the show. Although Nathan started off as a bad boy, his love for Haley and the way in which he changed his life around made us all fall for him. Unlike Lucas, Nathan only had eyes for one girl – Haley James. The couple got married and had Jamie when they were still at high school, however their love stood the test of time. Nathan’s passion was basketball and we saw him achieve his dreams when after many setbacks, he finally reached the NBA.
James was only seventeen when he joined One Tree Hill but had already landed roles in Once and Again and A Season on the Brink, among others. Since the show he has directed episodes of The Royals and starred as Mr Nash in Crisis and Kyle in Underground. He has also played the lead role in the film Waffle Street.
Hilarie Burton (Peyton Sawyer/Scott)
Hilarie played Peyton Sawyer for six seasons of the show. Peyton was dating Nathan at the start of the series, however, her love of art and music saw her strike up a connection with Lucas. This ran the length of the series with Lucas always ‘saving’ Peyton. We saw Peyton struggle with the death of her birth parents, fight a stalker pretending to be her brother and almost die on her wedding day. However, we also saw Peyton follow her dreams and open her own record company, helping to discover up and coming artists.
Before One Tree Hill, Hilarie was well known as a presenter for MTV. After leaving the show, she went on to star in a number of shows and films. These include the role of Sara on White Collar, Lauren on Grey’s Anatomy and Samantha on Hostages. She has also had a role in Extant alongside former co-star Tyler Hilton.
Bethany Joy Lenz (Hayley James/Scott)
Bethany played Haley James for all nine seasons of the show. Haley was a school tutor and best friends with Lucas when the show started. Their friendship was tested, however, when Haley fell in love with Nathan. Although Haley and Nathan’s relationship did survive (we all knew it would) they did face a few hurdles over the years. Music was Haley’s main passion and we saw her talent showcased at various concerts throughout the series. We also saw Haley struggle with the death of her mother later in the series.
Since the series ended, Bethany has gone on to star in various shows. These include Cassie in Dexter, April in American Gothic and Stephanie in Agents of S.H.E.I.L.D. She is currently playing the part of Morgan on Colony. As well as her acting, Bethany has also been working on new music. She released a much anticipated EP Get Back To Gold in 2014, and is now touring as part of Joy Lenz and The Firepit Band. They are expected to release an album later this year.
Sophia Bush (Brooke Davis/Baker)
Sophia played Brooke Davis for all nine seasons of the show. Brooke was Peyton’s wild and energetic best friend, who grew up without her parents being around. She was also one third of the famous love triangle alongside Peyton and Lucas. Throughout the series, we saw Brooke’s ambition and love for fashion as she started her own company Clothes over Bros. She struggled with wanting to start a family, and at one point looked after baby Angie, and then teenager Sam. She ultimately ended up happily married to Julian, with two twin boys.
Sophia has been one of the most successful in forging a career for herself outside of the show. She went on to star as Erin in Chicago P.D., Chicago Fire, Chicago Med and Law and Order: Special Victims Unit. Sophia is also known for her activism, winning the Do Something Twitter Award in 2011. She has been involved in many campaigns including the ‘Live Below The Line’ campaign, and fundraisers to raise awareness of the effect on the environment of the Deepwater Horizon Oil spill.
Austin Nichols (Julian Baker)
Austin joined the cast in season six, and played Julian Baker until the series ended. He originially showed up to produce a film adaptation of Lucas’ novel, with Lucas being unaware of his history with Peyton. However, Julian fell for Brooke and the couple eventually got together, marrying and having twins later in the series.
Before his role in One Tree Hill, Austin had already landed himself a number of huge roles. These included the part of J.D in The Day After Tomorrow alongside Jake Gyllenhaal. Since the show he has appeared as Spencer in The Walking Dead and Tommy in Ray Donovan. He is currently playing the role of Sam in Bates Motel. Like Sophia, he is also known for his activism work, and was heavily involved in the fundraisers for the Deepwater Horizon Oil spill.
Paul Johansson (Dan Scott)
Paul played Dan Scott for all nine seasons of the show. Dan was the father of Lucas and Nathan, and one of the key characters to the entire show. Lucas and Nathan had different mothers, and as a result, Dan never accepted Lucas as his son. Nathan grew up living with his mother and father, however, Dan pressured Nathan throughtout his life, eventually forcing Nathan to move out. After killing his brother Keith in one of the most heart-wrenching episodes of the show, we thought we would never forgive him. However, Dan spent many years after his release from prison trying to seek redemption and in his final scenes had his family around him.
Before One Tree Hill, Paul had various roles including Greg in Santa Barbara, Austin in Lonseome Dove and John in Beverly Hills, 90210, as well as many others. Since the show ended he has played Ferg in Mad Men, and made appearances in Once Upon A Time, Beauty and the Beast, CSI and Criminal Minds. He has also starred in a number of films.
Jackson Brundage (Jamie Scott)
Jackson was one of the youngest cast members and played Jamie Scott from season five onwards. Jamie was the son of Nathan and Haley and was doted on by all of their friends who he saw as aunties and uncles. Jamie aspired to be like Nathan, and at the end of the series we see that he went on to beat Nathan’s scoring record.
Since One Tree Hill ended Jackson went on to star as Joe in See Dad Run and as Foo in Harvey Breaks. With Jackson only having turned sixteen a few months ago, we cannot wait to see what else he achieves in his career.
Lee Norris (Marvin ‘Mouth’ McFadden)
Lee played Marvin ‘Mouth’ McFadden for all nine seasons of the show. Mouth was part of the group who hung out at the river court in the first season. He also commentated on basketball games with Jimmy Edwards. He found it hard to deal with Jimmy’s death and did not want him to be seen as a monster. After he graduated from college, Mouth fell in love with Millicent and achieved his dream of being a sports broadcaster.
Before the show Lee played Chuckie in The Torkelsons and Almost Home, as well as Stuart in Boy Meets World. Since One Tree Hill ended, Lee reprised his role as Stuart in the sequel Girl Meets World. He has also appeared in Gone Girl in 2014.
Shantel VanSanten (Quinn James)
Shantel joined the show at the beginning of season seven, playing Haley’s older sister Quinn James. Quinn was a photographer who was in a broken down marriage when she arrived in Tree Hill. She eventually divorced her husband David and decided to stay in Tree Hill. Quinn fell in love with Clay, and in the last episode of the show we see them getting married, with Quinn adopting Clay’s son.
Shantel’s first appearance in the industry was on the NBC show Sports Illustrated: Swimsuit Model Search. She also appeared alongside Mischa Barton in the film You and I. Since One Tree Hill ended Shantel has had roles in various shows. These incude Jessica in Gang Related, Vera in The Messengers and Patty in The Flash. Shantel is currently starring as Julie in Shooter.
Robert Buckley (Clay Evans)
Robert joined the cast in season seven to plays Nathan’s sport agent Clay Evans for the final three seasons. We learn that Clay was previosuly married to Sara who he had a son (Logan) with. Sara died suddenly and struggling to deal with her death, Clay blocked the memories of Logan out. Clay falls in love with Quinn and at the end of the series, they get married before adopting Logan.
Before One Tree Hill, Robert was in various films and television shows. These included Michael in Fashion House, Matthew in American Heiress and Kirby in Lipstick Jungle. Since the show ended he has starred as Brian in 666 Park Avenue and Peter in Heart of Dixie. He is currently playing the role of Major Lilywhite in iZombie.