One Tree Hill's Chad Michael Murray and James Lafferty Reflect on the Show's Legacy
Chad Michael Murray and James Lafferty, known for playing half-brothers Lucas and Nathan Scott on the hit series One Tree Hill, spoke with PEOPLE magazine for the Sexiest Man Alive issue. The show aired from 2003 to 2012 and marked its 22nd anniversary since they first appeared on River Court as basketball-playing brothers.
Onscreen Rivalry and Offscreen Friendship
Though their characters often clashed on screen, the real-life relationship between Murray and Lafferty has always been warm and friendly. They frequently made each other laugh 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.”
Reuniting for PEOPLE's Special Issue
The actors reunited to celebrate the Sexiest Man Alive edition of PEOPLE, offering insights into One Tree Hill lore and debating popular fan ships like "Naley" versus "Leyton."
Basketball and Character Preparation
- James Lafferty shared his basketball experience, noting he played in high school and closely related to his character’s age.
- Chad Michael Murray described his audition struggles, saying, "During auditions I had to play one-on-one and failed miserably. I immediately got a basketball coach for the summer."
JAMES LAFFERTY: “I played basketball in high school and I was not much older than the actual character, so it was right up my alley.”
For more content, including cover star Jonathan Bailey, grab the latest PEOPLE issue on newsstands.
Summary: Chad Michael Murray and James Lafferty cherish their bond beyond One Tree Hill, sharing laughs and memories while reflecting on their iconic roles and fan debates.