11 Photos of a Young Chad Michael Murray That Will Kick Your Weekend Off Right
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.
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Red Carpet Gaze
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.
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Career Kick Off
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.
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Classic Look
The graphic tee, the soulful gaze, this look feels very signature 2000s Murray (so fittingly, he’s at the 2003 Teen Choice Awards).
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All in the Details
He was not afraid to accessorize during a One Tree Hill fan event at the FYE Music Store in New York City in 2004.
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One Tree Hunks
And speaking of One Tree Hill, a buzz-cut sporting Murray was joined by his costar James Lafferty at the 2004 Teen Choice Awards.
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Wax On, Wax Off
While doing press for the 2005 movie House of Wax, Murray sported a Canada-themed cap while visiting MuchMusic Studios with the cast.
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Suited Up
Though he could rock a T-shirt and jeans, he cleaned up nice too, at the WB Upfronts in 2005.
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Starry Eyed
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.
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Soft Smile
In 2006, Murray’s hair looked, shall we say, quite sexy pushed back, with his skull printed scarf at TRL in New York City.
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Perfect Shot
In 2008, Murray hit the links for 49th Bob Hope Chrysler Classic sporting a pair of classic aviator shades.
Source: People
