Where Are They Now: The “One Tree Hill” Edition

Whether it was because of the love triangles, the hot cast or the Gavin Degraw theme song, the WB drama One Tree Hill gained quite a fan following—so much so that the show ran for an impressive nine seasons. Created by Mark Schwahn, the show originally revolved around the lives of half-brothers Lucas Scott (Chad Michael Murray) and Nathan Scott (James Lafferty), who began the series as bitter enemies. However, as the series progressed, they evolved into caring and supportive brothers. Of course, the series didn’t only focus on the brothers’ relationship; it also showcased their romances with a number of female characters, including Haley James (Bethany Joy Lenz), Brooke Davis (Sophia Bush) and Peyton Sawyer (Hilarie Burton).

While the first four seasons of the show focused on the characters’ time in high school, Schwahn made the decision at the start of season five to jump forward in time four years to show what their lives were like after college, and then decided to jump forward another fourteen months at the end of season six. After it was confirmed that series regulars Chad Michael Murray and Hilarie Burton would not be returning for the show’s seventh season, the show continued on for only a season and a half more before finally closing its curtains on April 4, 2012.

Although not a lot of time has passed between then and now, many fans are missing their weekly visits to Tree Hill and are hoping for a series revival so that they can find out what their favorite characters are up to now—myself included. While we all wait for that to happen, however, let’s take a look at what our favorite cast members have been doing since the series’ end!

Chad Michael Murray (Lucas Scott)

While Chad Michael Murray’s departure from One Tree Hill was controversial, that didn’t stop the show from inviting him back to appear in the series finale in 2012. Afterwards, he scored roles in the movies To Write Love on Her Arms, Fruitvale Station and The Haunting in Connecticut 2: Ghosts of Georgia and did a guest spot on the show Southland. Some of his other film credits include Cavemen, Tyler Perry’s A Madea Christmas, Left Behind and Other People’s Children. In 2013, he was cast as the recurring character Jacob Orr in the show Chosen, which he followed up with a part in the TV mini-series Texas Rising. He is currently playing Jack Thompson in the show Agent Carter and will be appearing in the upcoming movie Outlaws and Angels.

James Lafferty (Nathan Scott)

The year after One Tree Hill ended, James Lafferty appeared in two movies, Lost on Purpose and Oculus. In 2014, he landed a recurring part on the show Crisis. His other acting credits include the film Waffle Street and the television shows The Royal Hangover and Underground, on which he is currently starring alongside Alano Miller and Christopher Meloni.

Bethany Joy Lenz (Haley James)

After playing responsible and practical Haley James on One Tree Hill, Bethany Joy Lenz took a short break from acting in order to focus on her personal life and explore her musical aspirations. After touring with artists like Michelle Branch and Gavin DeGraw, Lenz returned to acting, landing a guest spot on the show Men at Work and then a regular role on Dexter. Her other television credits are: CSI, Songbyrd, Sock Monkee Therapy and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Fans can expect to see her in the upcoming movie Extortion.

Sophia Bush (Brooke Davis)

Who could forget trouble-making Brooke Davis, who was assertive and sassy in all the right ways? Played by the amazing Sophia Bush, Brooke Davis quickly became a fan-favorite. After One Tree Hill ended, Bush continued to have an impressive television career; she scored recurring roles in the shows Partners and Chicago Fire, as well as brief parts in Chicago Med and Law and Order: SVU. She is currently starring in the Chicago P.D. as the character Erin Lindsay.

Hilarie Burton (Peyton Sawyer)

As the character Peyton Sawyer, eventually Peyton Scott, Hilarie Burton stayed on One Tree Hill until the end of its sixth season in 2009, after which she moved on to new projects. She scored a recurring role as insurance investigator Sara Ellis on the show White Collar and then landed parts in Grey’s Anatomy, Hostages, Forever, Extant and, most recently, Togetherness. She also starred in the movies Black-Eyed Dog and Good ‘Ol Boy. She is currently married to actor Jeffrey Dean Morgan, with whom she has a son.

Antwon Tanner (Antwon “Skills” Taylor)

Skills was another fan-favorite on the show because of his smooth-talking ways and intriguing personality, and no one could’ve played him better than Antwon Tanner. After One Tree Hill ended, Tanner went on to star in the movies One Blood, The Dempsey Sisters, Percentage, Cru, Who Can I Run To, Checkmate and Two-Faced. In 2014, he scored a regular role on the short-lived show Black Jesus. Fans can anticipate seeing him in the upcoming films 7 Faces of Jack the Ripper and Fade Away.

Lee Norris (Marvin “Mouth” McFadden)

Before playing Tree Hill High’s most lovable nerd in One Tree Hill, Lee Norris played another notable nerd: Stuart Minkus in Boy Meets World, a role that he recently reprised in the sequel series Girl Meets World. After One Tree Hill ended, he also starred in the movie Gone Girl.

Danneel Ackles (Rachel Gattina)

Last but not least, we have Danneel Harris (now Danneel Ackles), who played the manipulative Rachel Gattina. After leaving One Tree Hill in 2009, Ackles went on to star in the movies The Back-Up Plan, The Roommate, Mardi Gras: Spring Break and A Very Harold and Kumar 3D Christmas. She also scored a regular role in the short-lived show Friends With Benefits and guest spots on Retired at 35 and How to Live with Your Parents (For the Rest of Your Life). Her most recent acting credit was in the TV movie Baby Boot Camp. She is currently married to actor Jensen Ackles, with whom she has a daughter.