One Tree Hill's Chad Michael Murray and James Lafferty Go Deep on the Show's Lore and Take Sides on Naley vs. Leyton

Chad Michael Murray and James Lafferty Reflect on One Tree Hill

Chad Michael Murray and James Lafferty, who famously played 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 captivated audiences with the complicated relationship between their characters.

Although Lucas and Nathan were often at odds on screen, offscreen the actors share a close friendship filled with laughter. Lafferty, now 40, recalls,

“The only times I couldn’t stop laughing were when I was shooting scenes with him.”

Murray, aged 44, adds,

“It was only good times. Really, really good times.”

Revisiting Their Roles and Experiences

The two former teen heartthrobs reunited for the Sexiest Man Alive issue to discuss the lore of One Tree Hill and share their views on fan-favorite relationships like Naley and Leyton.

James Lafferty on Basketball

James Lafferty shares his background with basketball, which he played in high school, saying,

“During auditions I had to play one-on-one and failed miserably. I immediately got a basketball coach for the summer.”

He adds that being close in age to his character made the role a perfect fit.

Chad Michael Murray on Their Chemistry

Murray reflects on their off-camera connection, emphasizing the joy of working together and the fun they shared during filming.

Additional Information

For more content from the Sexiest Man Alive issue, including an interview with cover star Jonathan Bailey, pick up the latest issue of PEOPLE available on newsstands Friday.

Author's Summary: Chad Michael Murray and James Lafferty celebrate 22 years since One Tree Hill, sharing fond memories and insights into their characters’ complex relationship and behind-the-scenes friendship.

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People.com People.com — 2025-11-06

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