Entertainment TV Scripted TV Shows 11 Photos of a Young Chad Michael Murray That Will Kick Your Weekend Off Right From 'Freaky Friday' to 'One Tree Hill,' the actor has been riding the heartthrob wave for more than two decades (just check out his latest calendar) By Alexandra Schonfeld Alexandra Schonfeld Alexandra Schonfeld is a features writer at PEOPLE. She has been working at PEOPLE since April 2022. Her work previously appeared in Newsweek. People Editorial Guidelines Published on November 14, 2024 12:09PM EST Comments Chad Michael Murray in 2001. . Photo: Frank Trapper/Corbis via Getty Chad Michael Murray's heartthrob status has been certified since day one. Years before he was posing shirtless with a turkey in the pages of Netflix's oh-so-very sexy (and just a tiny bit silly) 2025 calendar, Murray was landing crush-worthy roles in everything from Freaky Friday to One Tree Hill. As we gear up for yet another swoon-inducing roles in Netflix's Christmas rom-com The Merry Gentlemen, we thought it was a good time to look back at Murray's journey to hunky superstardom. From hitting a Teen PEOPLE party in classic Y2K attire to hitting the links in his golfing best, read on to see some of best throwback photos of Chad Michael Murray. 01 of 10 Red Carpet Gaze Chad Michael Murray in 2002. Frank Trapper/Corbis via Getty When fans began swooning over Murray as the love interest in Freaky Friday opposite Lindsay Lohan in 2003, he was sporting period-appropriate floppy blonde locks — perfect for a running a hand through broodingly. 02 of 10 Career Kick Off Chad Michael Murray in 2001. Frank Trapper/Corbis via Getty Amid his Gilmore Girls fame, Tristan — we mean Murray — attended the 2001 premiere of The Score sporting signature surfer boy style in a rope necklace. 03 of 10 Classic Look Chad Michael Murray in 2003. Barry King/WireImage The graphic tee, the soulful gaze, this look feels very signature 2000s Murray (so fittingly, he's at the 2003 Teen Choice Awards). 04 of 10 All in the Details Chad Michael Murray in 2004. Brian ZAK/Gamma-Rapho via Getty He was not afraid to accessorize during a One Tree Hill fan event at the FYE Music Store in New York City in 2004. 05 of 10 One Tree Hunks James Lafferty and Chad Michael Murray in 2004. Jesse Grant/WireImage And speaking of One Tree Hill, a buzz-cut sporting Murray was joined by his costar James Lafferty at the 2004 Teen Choice Awards. 06 of 10 Wax On, Wax Off Chad Michael Murray in 2005. George Pimentel/WireImage While doing press for the 2005 movie House of Wax, Murray sported a Canada-themed cap while visiting MuchMusic Studios with the cast. 07 of 10 Suited Up Chad Michael Murray in 2005. Kevin Mazur/WireImage Though he could rock a T-shirt and jeans, he cleaned up nice too, at the WB Upfronts in 2005. 08 of 10 Starry Eyed Chad Michael Murray in 2005. SGranitz/WireImage Does it get more early 2000s than this look? For Teen PEOPLE's second annual Young Hollywood issue party, Murray showed up in a brown cap and Y2K shades paired with an ever-so-slightly unbuttoned shirt. 09 of 10 Soft Smile Chad Michael Murray in 2006. Peter Kramer/Getty In 2006, Murray's hair looked, shall we say, quite sexy pushed back, with his skull printed scarf at TRL in New York City. 10 of 10 Perfect Shot Chad Michael Murray in 2008. Harry How/Getty In 2008, Murray hit the links for 49th Bob Hope Chrysler Classic sporting a pair of classic aviator shades. Close