Biography
Possessing the sort of moody good looks that can melt the hearts of teenage girls everywhere, actor Chad Michael Murray impressed television audiences early on with his role on the popular family drama series
Gilmore Girls. Later breaking into feature territory with roles in the apocalyptic Megiddo: Omega Code 2 and
Freaky Friday, the up-and-comer seemed poised to become the next
Josh Hartnett. Born and raised in Buffalo, NY, Murray gave his family a taste of his talent early on when the assured young entertainer kept them in stitches with a series of amusing skits and songs. A career in high-school athletics was cut short when the gridiron runner was sidelined with a serious football injury, and it was during his recovery that a nurse persuaded Murray to pursue a career in modeling. Subsequently awarded a modeling scholarship from a nearby Buffalo agency, Murray was spotted by a Hollywood talent scout during a convention in Orlando and convinced to try his hand at acting. With high school behind him and stars in his eyes, the handsome young model made for the West Coast while supporting himself with a series of modeling jobs. As with many L.A. newcomers, Murray's early career consisted mainly of supporting performances in such shows as
Diagnosis Murder, and in 2001, his profile was given a considerable boost with roles on both
Dawson's Creek and
Gilmore Girls. A feature debut in
Megiddo was quick to follow, and in 2003, Murray strapped on the famous identity-concealing mask for the lead in the made-for-TV remake
The Lone Ranger. A role opposite teen sensation
Lindsay Lohan in the Disney remake
Freaky Friday offered Murray some prime exposure, with
One Tree Hill finding him returning to the small screen as a basketball-playing teen who shares a dark secret with his estranged brother. After appearing opposite
Lizzie McGuire star
Hilary Duff in the romantic teen comedy
A Cinderella Story (2004), Murray moved into darker territory with the horror remake
House of Wax (also 2004). ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide