Teen dramas ruled the early 2000s, and One Tree Hill remains one of the most unforgettable. Even years after it went off the air, fans still rave about the show’s drama, heartfelt storylines, and, of course, its standout cast.
Created by Mark Schwahn in 2003, One Tree Hill focused on half-brothers Lucas and Nathan Scott, exploring family rivalries and high school drama, featuring an awesome cast of Hilarie Burton Morgan, Sophia Bush, Bethany Joy Lenz, and more. Even after the finale, the cast has kept their bonds strong through reunions and projects like the Drama Queenspodcast.
1. Bethany Joy Lenz
As Haley James Scott, Lenz played the show’s lovable nerd who married Nathan and balanced life as a wife, mother, and singer. Off-screen, Lenz embraced her musical talents, releasing five albums and performing on stage. She also made appearances in several Hallmark Channel movies, including Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and American Gothic. Like her co-stars, Lenz is a host on the Drama Queens podcast, keeping the OTH spirit alive while sharing her experiences with fans.
2. Lee Norris
Best known as Minkus on Boy Meets World, Lee Norris proved his range by taking on the role of Marvin “Mouth” McFadden on OTH. As Mouth, he delivered heartfelt moments as the basketball-obsessed sideline reporter who worked hard to find his place in the world. After the show ended, Norris reprised his Minkus role on Girl Meets World and took on more mature parts, including a guest role on The Walking Dead. More recently, things have been pretty quiet for him, as he’s probably choosing to keep a lower profile.
3. Chad Michael Murray
Before joining OTH, Murray was already a teen heartthrob thanks to roles in Gilmore Girls and Dawson’s Creek. As Lucas Scott, he brought depth and angst to the show, making him a fan favorite. During his time on the series, he starred in hit movies like House of Wax and A Cinderella Story. After leaving OTH, Murray shifted to Hallmark Channel films, embracing roles in feel-good romances that showcased his charm. On TV, he landed recurring roles on Riverdale and led the cast of Sullivan’s Crossing. Now a father of three, Murray has been happily married to Sarah Roemer since 2015.
4. Hilarie Burton Morgan
Burton Morgan went from MTV VJ to TV star with her role as Peyton Sawyer, the brooding, artsy cheerleader with a love for music and drama. After leaving OTH in season 6, she appeared on iconic shows like White Collar, Grey’s Anatomy, and Lethal Weapon. She’s also become a bestselling author with her memoirs The Rural Diaries and Grimoire Girl.Married to actor Jeffrey Dean Morgan since 2019, the couple shares two children and runs a spirits company, MF Libations. Burton Morgan also co-hosts the Drama Queens podcast, where she reconnects with fans and revisits her OTHdays.
5. Sophia Bush
Bush played Brooke Davis, the ultimate high school “Queen B,” who transformed into a savvy entrepreneur. Fans loved watching Brooke’s journey from a party girl to a confident woman who found love and family with Julian. Since OTH, Bush has starred in films like John Tucker Must Die and leading Chicago P.D. for four seasons. Aside from acting, she’s also known for her activism, focusing on women’s rights and environmental issues. On the personal front, Bush had recently split from her husband, Grant Hughes, in 2023 and came out as queer when she announced she was dating soccer star Ashlyn Harris in 2024.
6. James Lafferty
James Lafferty captured hearts as Nathan Scott, the bad boy who became a loving husband and father. After OTH,Lafferty transitioned into films, appearing in Oculus and Small Town Crime. He also moved to the other side of the camera, directing episodes of The Royals and co-creating Everyone Is Doing Great with his OTH co-star Stephen Colletti. The comedy series gave fans a glimpse into the lives of former actors trying to find their footing. Off-screen, Lafferty found love with Alexandra Park, whom he met while working on The Royals. The couple married in Hawaii in 2022 after years of dating.
7. Bevin Prince
Bevin Prince played Bevin Mirsky, a spirited cheerleader who brought humor and heart to the show. After OTH, Prince stepped back from acting and focused on things like opening her own cycling studio in Wilmington, North Carolina. In 2022, Prince tragically lost her husband, Will Friend, to a lightning strike. Despite the tragedy, Prince has bounced back and continued to inspire her fans.
