Chad Michael Murray’s Family, Relationships, and Friendship Circle: The Full Story
Chad Michael Murray has always spoken about how important family, relationships, and friends are to him. From his early days in Buffalo to his life in Hollywood, these themes show up both on-screen and off. He is known for keeping his personal life grounded and prioritizing those closest to him.
Family Life
Chad Michael Murray was born on August 24, 1981, in Buffalo, New York. His childhood was shaped by his interest in sports and reading. Raised by his father, he grew up as one of five siblings.
He attended Clarence High School, where he played football and read a lot. Growing up in a big family in western New York helped shape his values and work ethic.
Murray married his current wife, Sarah Roemer, in January 2015. Sarah Roemer is also an actress and the two met in 2014 while working together on the TV series Chosen. Their professional paths crossed on set, quickly turning into a personal connection.
They held a private ceremony and have two children together. Their son was born in 2015, and their daughter in 2017. Both children are biological. Sarah Roemer continues her acting career while balancing family.
| Name | Relation | Birth Year |
|---|---|---|
| Sarah Roemer | Wife | 1984 |
| Son | Son | 2015 |
| Daughter | Daughter | 2017 |
Relationships Over the Years
Chad Michael Murray’s relationships have often attracted public attention. Early in his career, he married Sophia Bush, his One Tree Hill co-star, in April 2005. Sophia, an American actress, has a background in theater and television.
Their marriage lasted only five months. The two separated and finalized their divorce in December 2006. The short-lived nature of their union was widely reported, but they continued their careers separately.
After that, Murray began dating Kenzie Dalton, whom he met on the set of One Tree Hill when she worked as an extra. They got engaged in April 2006. Kenzie was a model and aspiring actress at the time. Their engagement lasted for seven years before ending in August 2014.
Following the breakup, Murray dated his Chosen co-star Nicky Whelan for about six months in 2014. Nicky Whelan is an Australian actress known for her work on American and Australian TV. The relationship ended before he met his future wife.
| Name | Relationship Type | Time Period |
|---|---|---|
| Sophia Bush | Ex-Wife | 2005–2006 |
| Kenzie Dalton | Ex-Fiancée | 2006–2014 |
| Nicky Whelan | Ex-Girlfriend | 2014 |
Friends and Close Connections
Strong friendships have been a steady part of Murray’s life. He became close friends with Hilarie Burton during their time filming One Tree Hill. Their bond began on set, based on mutual support and long hours working together.
He also maintains a good friendship with James Lafferty, another One Tree Hill cast member. Shared experiences of early fame and the demands of being on a hit show helped shape these lasting friendships.
While some friends have come and gone over the years, others have remained consistent presences. Friendships formed through work have often grown into deep, supportive connections.
| Name | Known Since | Profession |
|---|---|---|
| Hilarie Burton | 2003 | Actress |
| James Lafferty | 2003 | Actor |
