11 Photos of a Young Chad Michael Murray That Will Kick Your Weekend Off Right

Mar. 15, 2025

Chad Michael Murray in 2001.Photo:Frank Trapper/Corbis via Getty

Frank Trapper/Corbis via Getty

Chad Michael Murray’s heartthrob status has been certified since day one.Years before he was posing shirtless with a turkey in the pages of Netflix’soh-so-very sexy (and just a tiny bit silly) 2025 calendar, Murray was landing crush-worthy roles in everything fromFreaky FridaytoOne Tree Hill.As we gear up for yet another swoon-inducing roles in Netflix’sChristmas rom-comThe Merry Gentlemen, we thought it was a good time to look back at Murray’s journey to hunky superstardom.From hitting aTeen PEOPLEparty in classic Y2K attire to hitting the links in his golfing best, read on to see some of best throwback photos of Chad Michael Murray.

Chad Michael Murray’s heartthrob status has been certified since day one.

Years before he was posing shirtless with a turkey in the pages of Netflix’soh-so-very sexy (and just a tiny bit silly) 2025 calendar, Murray was landing crush-worthy roles in everything fromFreaky FridaytoOne Tree Hill.As we gear up for yet another swoon-inducing roles in Netflix’sChristmas rom-comThe Merry Gentlemen, we thought it was a good time to look back at Murray’s journey to hunky superstardom.

From hitting aTeen PEOPLEparty in classic Y2K attire to hitting the links in his golfing best, read on to see some of best throwback photos of Chad Michael Murray.

01of 10Red Carpet GazeChad Michael Murray in 2002.Frank Trapper/Corbis via GettyWhen fans began swooning over Murray as the love interest inFreaky Fridayopposite Lindsay Lohan in 2003, he was sporting period-appropriate floppy blonde locks — perfect for a running a hand through broodingly.

01of 10

Red Carpet Gaze

Chad Michael Murray in 2002.Frank Trapper/Corbis via Getty

When fans began swooning over Murray as the love interest inFreaky Fridayopposite Lindsay Lohan in 2003, he was sporting period-appropriate floppy blonde locks — perfect for a running a hand through broodingly.

02of 10Career Kick OffChad Michael Murray in 2001.Frank Trapper/Corbis via GettyAmid hisGilmore Girlsfame, Tristan — we mean Murray — attended the 2001 premiere ofThe Scoresporting signature surfer boy style in a rope necklace.

02of 10

Career Kick Off

Chad Michael Murray in 2001.Frank Trapper/Corbis via Getty

Amid hisGilmore Girlsfame, Tristan — we mean Murray — attended the 2001 premiere ofThe Scoresporting signature surfer boy style in a rope necklace.

03of 10Classic LookChad Michael Murray in 2003.Barry King/WireImageThe graphic tee, the soulful gaze, this look feels very signature 2000s Murray (so fittingly, he’s at the 2003 Teen Choice Awards).

03of 10

Classic Look

Chad Michael Murray in 2003.Barry King/WireImage

Barry King/WireImage

The graphic tee, the soulful gaze, this look feels very signature 2000s Murray (so fittingly, he’s at the 2003 Teen Choice Awards).

04of 10All in the DetailsChad Michael Murray in 2004.Brian ZAK/Gamma-Rapho via GettyHe was not afraid to accessorize during aOne Tree Hillfan event at the FYE Music Store in New York City in 2004.

04of 10

All in the Details

Chad Michael Murray in 2004.Brian ZAK/Gamma-Rapho via Getty

Brian ZAK/Gamma-Rapho via Getty

He was not afraid to accessorize during aOne Tree Hillfan event at the FYE Music Store in New York City in 2004.

05of 10

One Tree Hunks

James Lafferty and Chad Michael Murray in 2004.Jesse Grant/WireImage

Jesse Grant/WireImage

06of 10Wax On, Wax OffChad Michael Murray in 2005.George Pimentel/WireImageWhile doing press for the 2005 movieHouse of Wax, Murray sported a Canada-themed cap while visiting MuchMusic Studios with the cast.

06of 10

Wax On, Wax Off

Chad Michael Murray in 2005.George Pimentel/WireImage

George Pimentel/WireImage

While doing press for the 2005 movieHouse of Wax, Murray sported a Canada-themed cap while visiting MuchMusic Studios with the cast.

07of 10Suited UpChad Michael Murray in 2005.Kevin Mazur/WireImageThough he could rock a T-shirt and jeans, he cleaned up nice too, at the WB Upfronts in 2005.

07of 10

Suited Up

Chad Michael Murray in 2005.Kevin Mazur/WireImage

Kevin Mazur/WireImage

Though he could rock a T-shirt and jeans, he cleaned up nice too, at the WB Upfronts in 2005.

08of 10Starry EyedChad Michael Murray in 2005.SGranitz/WireImageDoes it get more early 2000s than this look? ForTeen PEOPLE’s second annual Young Hollywood issue party, Murray showed up in a brown cap and Y2K shades paired with an ever-so-slightly unbuttoned shirt.

08of 10

Starry Eyed

Chad Michael Murray in 2005.SGranitz/WireImage

SGranitz/WireImage

Does it get more early 2000s than this look? ForTeen PEOPLE’s second annual Young Hollywood issue party, Murray showed up in a brown cap and Y2K shades paired with an ever-so-slightly unbuttoned shirt.

09of 10Soft SmileChad Michael Murray in 2006.Peter Kramer/GettyIn 2006, Murray’s hair looked, shall we say, quite sexy pushed back, with his skull printed scarf atTRLin New York City.

09of 10

Soft Smile

Chad Michael Murray in 2006.Peter Kramer/Getty

Peter Kramer/Getty

In 2006, Murray’s hair looked, shall we say, quite sexy pushed back, with his skull printed scarf atTRLin New York City.

10of 10Perfect ShotChad Michael Murray in 2008.Harry How/GettyIn 2008, Murray hit the links for 49th Bob Hope Chrysler Classic sporting a pair of classic aviator shades.

10of 10

Perfect Shot

Chad Michael Murray in 2008.Harry How/Getty

Harry How/Getty

In 2008, Murray hit the links for 49th Bob Hope Chrysler Classic sporting a pair of classic aviator shades.

source: people.com