Chad Michael Murray and James Lafferty Reflect on One Tree Hill
Chad Michael Murray and James Lafferty, who portrayed half-brothers Lucas and Nathan Scott in the hit series One Tree Hill, reunited for an interview with PEOPLE as part of the Sexiest Man Alive issue. The actors reminisced about their time working together on the show, which aired from 2003 to 2012.
Memories from the River Court
It has been over two decades since Murray and Lafferty first appeared as the basketball-playing Scott brothers. Onscreen, their characters often clashed, but offscreen, their friendship has remained strong.
“The only times I couldn’t stop laughing were when I was shooting scenes with him,” said James Lafferty, 40.
“It was only good times,” added Chad Michael Murray, 44. “Really, really good times.”
How They Prepared for Their Roles
Lafferty recalled his experience during the audition process, when basketball skills were key to the role.
“During auditions I had to play one-on-one and failed miserably. I immediately got a basketball coach for the summer,” he said.
Lafferty noted that his background made the part feel authentic: he had played basketball in high school and was close in age to his character at the time.
Reunion and Nostalgia
The two actors reunited not just to celebrate their connection to the series, but also to explore fan-favorite storylines such as the debate between “Naley” and “Leyton.” Their shared laughter and respect have made the bond between them timeless, both on and off screen.
For more on the Sexiest Man Alive issue, including cover star Jonathan Bailey, fans can find the latest edition of PEOPLE on newsstands.
Author’s Summary
Two decades later, Chad Michael Murray and James Lafferty fondly recall their One Tree Hill journey, celebrating friendship, growth, and enduring fan love for the show.