One Tree Hill's Chad Michael Murray and James Lafferty Reflect on the Series
Chad Michael Murray and James Lafferty, who portrayed 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 marked 22 years since the actors first stepped onto the River Court as basketball-playing siblings.
On-Screen Rivalry and Off-Screen Friendship
While their characters often clashed on the series, off-camera the two shared a strong bond. James Lafferty, 40, recalls,
“The only times I couldn’t stop laughing were when I was shooting scenes with him.”Chad Michael Murray, 44, adds,
“It was only good times. Really, really good times.”
Reunion and Show Lore
The actors reunited to celebrate PEOPLE's Sexiest Man Alive issue, delving into the show's lore and discussing fan-favorite pairings. Their conversation included thoughts on the popular "Naley" vs. "Leyton" debate among fans.
Basketball and Character Preparation
- James Lafferty played basketball in high school and was close in age to his character.
- Chad Michael Murray struggled during auditions, prompting him to hire a basketball coach for the summer to improve his skills.
For more Sexiest Man Alive content, including cover star Jonathan Bailey, pick up the latest issue of PEOPLE on newsstands Friday.
Summary: Chad Michael Murray and James Lafferty fondly remember their time on One Tree Hill, highlighting their friendship and experiences in bringing their basketball-playing characters to life.