Sophia Bush and Chad Michael Murray Reflect on Short-Lived Marriage: 'We Were Young'

Chad Michael Murray Addresses Sophia Bush Marriage 19 Years Later I Was a Baby

Sophia Bush and Chad Michael Murray SGranitz/WireImage/Getty Images

Chad Michael Murray admits that he was too young when he tied the knot with Sophia Bush in 2005.

"I was just a baby back then. I didn't really know much about life," Murray, who is now 42 years old, shared with The Cut in a profile released on Tuesday, May 21. "I moved out there and thought, 'What should I do next? Oh, get married? That sounds exciting!'"

He got married to his One Tree Hill costar and onscreen love interest, Bush, at the age of 23 in April 2005. However, just five months later, they surprised fans by announcing their breakup. Bush filed for an annulment in February 2006, citing “fraud.” Despite this, the request was denied, and they were granted a divorce in December 2006.

Now 41, Bush agrees with Murray's view that they were too young to get married. She expressed, “I was a very naïve 21-year-old kid, and that’s all there is to it,” in a podcast episode with Michael Rosenbaum in August 2021. Reflecting on her past, she tries to make light of her youthful mistakes but avoids discussing history involving others. She emphasizes that she does not hold any ill feelings towards her past.

Chad Michael Murray Addresses Sophia Bush Marriage 19 Years Later I Was a Baby

Chad Michael Murray and Sophia Bush Gregg DeGuire/WireImage/Getty Images

The actress has been open about starting therapy after their marriage, and Murray also finds counseling beneficial.

In a profile for The Cut, Murray shared that he began to face mental health challenges as his fame grew rapidly. He revealed that he was "far more fragile than I ever let on" during the early years of One Tree Hill, a show he starred in for seasons 1-6 out of its 9-season run from 2003 to 2012. Murray started experiencing panic attacks around the time he got married.

At the age of 23, while in Miami for an event, I found myself confined to my hotel room. I was experiencing anxiety attacks and felt like the walls were closing in on me. I still struggle with agoraphobia, a condition that makes me fearful of leaving familiar surroundings.

As the divorce proceedings were nearing completion, I sought solace in Christianity to bring stability into my life. Feeling dissatisfied with the direction I was heading, I turned to faith for guidance. I started attending church regularly and even got a cross tattooed on my left wrist as a symbol of my commitment to moving forward in faith.

He also began attending therapy to work on himself. His motivation was his now-wife Sarah Roemer. Murray always envisioned a future with a wife and kids, and now they are a reality. The couple tied the knot in 2015 and now have three children.

On the other hand, Bush married Grant Hughes in 2022 but ended up filing for divorce a year later. She has been in a relationship with soccer player Ashlyn Harris since the fall.

Editor's P/S:

The article highlights the regrets and lessons learned by Chad Michael Murray and Sophia Bush regarding their brief marriage in 2005. Both actors acknowledge that they were too young and immature to handle the responsibilities of matrimony. Murray's frank admission of his emotional fragility and mental health struggles during that time adds depth to his perspective. The article also touches on the aftermath of their split, with Bush seeking therapy and Murray finding solace in faith.

It is interesting to note that despite the tumultuous nature of their relationship, both Murray and Bush have moved on with their lives and found happiness with other partners. Murray's journey of self-improvement through therapy and his commitment to his family serve as an inspiring example of personal growth. Bush's openness about her own experiences and her decision to prioritize her well-being are also commendable. Their stories offer valuable insights into the complexities of relationships, the importance of self-care, and the resilience of the human spirit.