One Tree Hilldebuted in September 2003 on The WB before moving to The CW following a network merger, where it aired until its conclusion in 2012. The show is set in the fictional North Carolina community of Tree Hill. It first explores the lives of two half-brothers, Lucas Scott (Chad Michael Murray) and Nathan Scott (James Lafferty), as they battle for places on their high school’s basketball team, in addition to the turmoil that develops from the brothers' relationships. Over time, the show evolved into an allegory of growing up and the transition from adolescence to adulthood. The show’s opening credits were originally supplemented by Gavin DeGraw’s song “I Don’t Want to Be,” but according to the series creator, Mark Schwahn,the theme was removedfrom the introduction in the fifth season, after much thought, for a variety of reasons.
This series has taken on a life of its own and has become one of the pinnacles of2000s teen television, essentially a time capsule of the era. Throughout its nine-year run,One Tree Hillhas been nominated for and won several awards, most notably, three Teen Choice Awards in 2004, 2008, and 2017. But the question becomes: what are these actors up to these days? Aside from surprising fans when they reunited for a bit of reminiscing in 2020 (perE! News), the cast ofOne Tree Hillhas worked on a variety of shows, movies, and even albums over the years. Here are some of the finest projects they’ve worked on afterOne Tree Hill’scompletion.
Besides a few roles in projects such asFruitvale Station,Tyler Perry’s A Madea Christmas,Chosen, and as war vet Jack Thompson inMarvel’s Agent Carter,Chad Michael Murraybecame the on-screen representation of the legendary serial killer, Ted Bundy. Alongside Murray, Holland Roden and Jake Hays portray the FBI investigators on the hunt.Ted Bundy: American Boogeymanis one of Murray’s most interesting roles postOne Tree Hill. He brilliantly captures Bundy’s suspense and menace without getting corny.
Sophia Bush — One Chicago Universe
From 2013 until 2017,Sophia Bushplayed Erin Lindsay in nearly 100 episodes of theOne ChicagoUniverse, includingChicago P.D.,Chicago Med,Chicago Fire,Chicago Justice, andLaw & Order: Special Victims Unit. Growing up on the streets, being an informant, and finally transferring into police service is a fascinating narrative for her character. Bush does an outstanding job portraying her character’s compassion and understanding for young victims.
Hilarie Burton — Lethal Weapon
Lethal Weaponwas a buddy cop action comedy-drama television series based on the film franchise of the same name. From September 2016 through February 2019, Fox aired the series for three seasons.One Tree HillalumHilarie Burtonportrays Karen Palmer, a DEA agent who occasionally works on drug trafficking investigations with mismatched detective partners Riggs and Murtaugh (Clayne Crawford and Damon Wayans). She is also Riggs' romantic interest.On-set drama from Crawfordcaused changes to the third season and ultimately led to its cancelation.
James Lafferty & Stephen Colletti — Everyone Is Doing Great
James LaffertyandStephen Colletticreated, co-wrote, and executive producedEveryone Is Doing Great, a Hulu sitcom, in which they also star. The show primarily parodies their previous lives viaOne Tree Hillas adolescent heartthrobs.Everyone Is Doing Greatnarrates the storyline of what happened five years after their show’s conclusion. Characters, Seth and Jeremy, who had some success withEternal, a popular television vampire series, set out to recover their prior level of fame and importance. What follows is a painful, yet amusing, journey through life’s perils, with which almost everyone can empathize.
Bethany Joy Lenz — Colony
Bethany Joy Lenzhas only dabbled in television and film since the conclusion ofOne Tree Hill, with parts onDexter,CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.,American Gothic,Pearson, and a variety of TV movies. Her major focus, however, has been on her music career, which she began while onOne Tree Hilland has since released many studio albums and EPs. In 2016, Lenz also established her own jewelry collection with Stillnest. Her most notable on-screen appearance came in Season 2 ofColonywhen she played Morgan Williams, a software programmer who works for The Resistance.
Lee Norris — Girl Meets World
Lee Norrisis arguably best recognized for his role as Minkus, the geeky youngster, in the 1990s blockbuster coming-of-age sitcomBoy Meets World. The sitcom follows Cory Matthews (Ben Savage) and his friends and family as he grows up. Lee Norris would go on to portray a similar character, Marvin “Mouth” McFadden, onOne Tree Hillfor nine years. In 2012, when the Disney Channel sequel/spin-off seriesGirl Meets Worldwas announced, Norris would resume his role as Minkus. The show follows Cory and Topanga’s (Danielle Fishel) daughter Riley (Rowan Blanchard) as she navigates the trials of adolescence, bringing all the teen nostalgia full circle. AfterOne Tree Hill, Norris also appeared inGone Girlas a police officer and inGreyhoundas a courier.
Related:One Tree Hill: Every Season in the Hit Series, Ranked
Danneel Ackles — Supernatural
Danneel Harris, as she was known prior to marrying actor Jensen Ackles, portrayed Rachel Gatina, a character who was introduced as a rival to Brooke Davis, before becoming good friends with Brooke and a friend to Mouth. Her biggest role afterOne Tree Hill’send is a recurring role inSupernatural, alongside her husband, who is one of the stars of the show. Danneel played Sister Jo a.k.a. the Angel, Anael.
Paul Johansson — Van Helsing
Dan Scott, the most malevolent character onOne Tree Hill, is played byPaul Johansson. Since the conclusion of the series, he has continued to appear in a number of TV movies and programs, includingAtlas Shrugged: Part 1,Mad Men,Once Upon a Time, andDetective Knight: Redemption. In 2016, Johansson was cast as Dimitri, a 300-year-old vampire turned before the Rising who has become their calm and methodical leader on SyFy’sVan Helsing, which is inspired by the graphic novel seriesHelsing.
Craig Sheffer — American Horror Story
Before joiningOne Tree Hillas Lucas' trusty uncle Keith Scott,Craig Shefferhad largely worked in movies. Since the show’s conclusion, he’s worked in both television and cinema, landing roles inThe Mark,Code of Honor, andDestruction: Los Angeles. Sheffer’s most noteworthy role is as a fictionalized version of Richard Nixon, the 37th President of the United States, in Season 10 ofAmerican Horror Story. His character must figure out what to do when he discovers that a secret extraterrestrial pact was struck during Eisenhower’s administration, allowing for the abduction of 5,000 Americans each year in return for otherwordly technological advancements.
Barry Corbin — The Closer
Barry Corbinhad a long list of credits before assuming the role of wise Coach Whitey onOne Tree Hill. He began his career in 1974, appearing in films and television shows such asDallas,Boone,River’s End, andNo Country for Old Men. After leavingOne Tree Hillin 2009, he took on various film roles before focusing solely on television. One of Corbin’s most well-known role afterOne Tree Hillis as Clay Johnson inThe Closer.
