One Tree Hill's Chad Michael Murray and James Lafferty Reflect on the Show's Legacy
Chad Michael Murray and James Lafferty, known for portraying half-brothers Lucas and Nathan Scott on the hit series One Tree Hill, sat down with PEOPLE for the Sexiest Man Alive issue. The show aired from 2003 to 2012, and it has been 22 years since the actors first appeared as basketball-playing brothers on the River Court.
While their characters often clashed on-screen, offscreen their relationship has always been strong. Both actors recall the fun and camaraderie they shared during filming.
“The only times I couldn’t stop laughing were when I was shooting scenes with him,” says Lafferty, 40. “It was only good times,” adds Murray, 44. “Really, really good times.”
Revisiting Their Roles and Personal Experiences
Reuniting for the interview, the former teen stars delved deep into One Tree Hill lore and shared their thoughts on fan-favorite relationships like Naley and Leyton. The discussion was part of the excitement surrounding the latest PEOPLE issue, featuring cover star Jonathan Bailey.
Insights from James Lafferty on Basketball
Reflecting on his audition for the show, James Lafferty shared his experience with basketball:
“During auditions I had to play one-on-one and failed miserably. I immediately got a basketball coach for the summer.”
Lafferty added that playing basketball in high school and being close in age to his character helped him connect with the role:
“I played basketball in high school and I was not much older than the actual character, so it was right up my alley.”
Summary
Chad Michael Murray and James Lafferty cherish their time on One Tree Hill, highlighting both the fun they had offscreen and their genuine connection through basketball and brotherhood.
Author's note: The bond between the actors behind Lucas and Nathan Scott reflects their lasting friendship and deep connection to the show’s legacy.