One Tree Hill: Cast, Roles, Net Worth, Height, Families, And Relationships

One Tree Hill (2003–2012) is an American teen drama series created by Mark Schwahn, airing on The WB (later The CW) for nine seasons, totaling 187 episodes.

Set in the fictional town of Tree Hill, North Carolina, it follows half-brothers Lucas and Nathan Scott, whose rivalry on the basketball court and in love lives drives the narrative, alongside friends like Brooke, Peyton, and Haley.

Filmed in Wilmington, North Carolina, it averaged 3–5 million viewers per season, with a 69% Rotten Tomatoes audience score for season 1.

Praised for its emotional depth and character arcs, it faced criticism for predictable plots and a toxic set environment, including allegations against Schwahn for sexual harassment.

Fans on X adore the “Brucas” vs. “Leyton” debate and Haley’s music arc but criticize later seasons’ soap opera excess.

A Netflix reboot, set 20 years later, was announced in August 2024, with Sophia Bush, Hilarie Burton, and Danneel Ackles as executive producers, focusing on Brooke and Peyton as mothers.

The show streams on Hulu and Max.

Main Cast and Their Roles

Chad Michael Murray as Lucas Scott

• Role: Lucas, a brooding, literary basketball player, navigates his rivalry with Nathan, love triangles with Peyton and Brooke, and family drama with mother Karen and father Dan. Left after season 6 due to a pay dispute, returned briefly in seasons 7 and 9. Murray’s “heartthrob” performance was iconic; appeared in ~130 episodes. Salary: ~$22,000 per episode (season 1), ~$100,000 by season 4
• Net Worth: $4 million to $12 million
• Height: 6’0″ (1.83 m)
• Family: Born August 24, 1981, in Buffalo, New York, to Rex Murray (air traffic controller) and an unnamed mother (abandoned family). Four siblings: Rex, Nick, Brandon, Tyler; one half-sister, Shannon
• Relationships: Married Sophia Bush (2005–2006). Married Sarah Roemer (actress) since 2015; one son (born 2015), two daughters (born 2017, 2023)
• Post-Series: Stars in Sullivan’s Crossing (2023–present), Freakier Friday (2025). Hallmark films include Love in Winterland (2020)

James Lafferty as Nathan Scott

• Role: Nathan, the privileged basketball star, evolves from arrogance to a devoted husband to Haley and father to Jamie and Lydia. Appeared in ~180 episodes, credited selectively in season 9. Lafferty’s “layered” arc, from bad boy to family man, was a fan favorite. Salary: ~$100,000 per episode by season 4
• Net Worth: $5 million
• Height: 6’2″ (1.88 m)
• Family: Born July 25, 1985, in Hemet, California, to Jeff (construction) and Angie Lafferty. One brother, Stuart
• Relationships: Single
• Post-Series: Starred in Everyone Is Doing Great (2021–present, also co-created). Directed All American (2023)

Sophia Bush as Brooke Davis

• Role: Brooke, a confident cheerleader turned fashion mogul (Clothes Over Bros), grows from a party girl to a wife (to Julian) and mother of twins. Appeared in 186 episodes, missing only the pilot. Bush’s “vibrant” performance and activism made her a standout. Salary: ~$100,000 per episode by season 4
• Net Worth: $9 million to $11 million
• Height: 5’4″ (1.63 m)
• Family: Born July 8, 1982, in Pasadena, California, to Charles (photographer) and Maureen Bush (manager). Only child. USC graduate (journalism)
• Relationships: Married Chad Michael Murray (2005–2006), Grant Hughes (2022–2023). Dating Ashlyn Harris (soccer player) since October 2023. No children
• Post-Series: Starred in Good Sam (2022). Hosts Drama Queens podcast with Burton and Lenz (2021–present). Upcoming: One Tree Hill reboot (2025)

Bethany Joy Lenz as Haley James Scott

• Role: Haley, Lucas’s nerdy best friend, becomes a musician and Nathan’s wife, mother to Jamie and Lydia. Appeared in all 187 episodes. Lenz’s “soulful” singing and acting, plus her cult memoir, resonated. Salary: ~$100,000 per episode by season 4
• Net Worth: $6 million
• Height: 5’3″ (1.60 m)
• Family: Born April 2, 1981, in Hollywood, Florida, to Robert Lenz (teacher) and Cathie (therapist). Only child
• Relationships: Married Michael Galeotti (musician, 2005–2012); one daughter, Maria (born 2011). Single as of 2025
• Post-Series: Published memoir Dinner for Vampires (2024) about cult experience. Stars in One Tree Hill reboot (2025)

Hilarie Burton as Peyton Sawyer

• Role: Peyton, an artistic cheerleader, navigates loss (her mother’s death) and love with Lucas. Left after season 6 due to toxic set environment; returned for season 9. Burton’s “angsty” role and advocacy against Schwahn were notable. Appeared in ~130 episodes. Salary: ~$100,000 per episode by season 4
• Net Worth: $5 million
• Height: 5’7″ (1.71 m)
• Family: Born July 1, 1982, in Sterling, Virginia, to Bill (military veteran) and Lisa Burton (realtor). Four siblings: Billy, Johnny, Conrad, Maria
• Relationships: Married Jeffrey Dean Morgan (actor) since 2019; met in 2009. Two children: Gus (born 2010), George (born 2018)
• Post-Series: Starred in The Walking Dead (2021). Published The Rural Diaries (2020), Grimoire Girl (2023). Stars in One Tree Hill reboot (2025)

Paul Johansson as Dan Scott

• Role: Dan, the manipulative father of Lucas and Nathan, evolves from villain to redeemed figure. Left in season 7; guest in seasons 8–9. Johansson’s “complex” performance was lauded. Appeared in ~150 episodes. Salary: ~$50,000–$80,000 per episode
• Net Worth: $500,000 to $1 million
• Height: 6’2″ (1.88 m)
• Family: Born January 26, 1964, in Spokane, Washington, to Earl (hockey player) and Joanne Johansson. One brother, Pete. Raised in Canada
• Relationships: Married Gabriela Oltean (divorced, date unknown); one son, Quinn (born 2010). Single as of 2025
• Post-Series: Starred in Tulsa King (2022). Directed Atlas Shrugged: Part I (2011)

Moira Kelly as Karen Roe

• Role: Karen, Lucas’s single mother, runs Karen’s Café and loves Keith Scott. Recurring after season 4. Kelly’s “nurturing” role grounded the show. Appeared in ~90 episodes. Salary: ~$40,000–$60,000 per episode
• Net Worth: $2 million
• Height: 5’4″ (1.63 m)
• Family: Born March 6, 1968, in Queens, New York, to Peter (musician) and Anne Kelly (nurse). Six siblings
• Relationships: Married Steve Hewitt (businessman) since 2000; two children: Ella, Eamon
• Post-Series: Starred in Citadel (2023). Upcoming: The Calling (2025)

Craig Sheffer as Keith Scott

• Role: Keith, Dan’s kinder brother and Lucas’s uncle, loves Karen and mentors Lucas. Exited in season 3; guest in seasons 4, 9. Sheffer’s “likable” role contrasted Dan. Appeared in ~60 episodes. Salary: ~$40,000–$60,000 per episode
• Net Worth: $1 million
• Height: 6’2″ (1.88 m)
• Family: Born April 23, 1960, in York, Pennsylvania. Parents’ names private; one brother, Hogan
• Relationships: One daughter, Willow (born 1993), with ex-partner Gabrielle Anwar. Single as of 2025
• Post-Series: Starred in Yellowstone (2020), Tulsa King (2022)

Barry Corbin as Whitey Durham

• Role: Whitey, the tough but caring basketball coach, mentors the Ravens. Recurring in later seasons. Corbin’s “gruff” wisdom was beloved. Appeared in ~90 episodes. Salary: ~$40,000–$60,000 per episode
• Net Worth: $4 million
• Height: 5’11” (1.80 m)
• Family: Born October 16, 1940, in Lamesa, Texas, to Kilmer (senator) and Alma Corbin. Two siblings
• Relationships: Married Marie Elyse Soape (1965–1970), Susan Berger (1976–1993); two children: Shannon, Christopher. One son, Bernard, with partner Shannon Ross; one son, Jim, with ex-partner
• Post-Series: Starred in Tulsa King (2022), 1883 (2021)

Lee Norris as Marvin “Mouth” McFadden

• Role: Mouth, a loyal friend and sports announcer, loves the Ravens. Norris’s “earnest” role grew from recurring to main. Appeared in ~120 episodes. Salary: ~$40,000–$60,000 per episode
• Net Worth: $1 million to $2 million
• Height: 5’10” (1.78 m)
• Family: Born September 25, 1981, in Greenville, North Carolina. Parents’ names private; no siblings reported. Wake Forest University graduate
• Relationships: Married Andrea Norris since 2011; one child (name, date private)
• Post-Series: Guest-starred in The Walking Dead (2017). Low profile since 2017

Additional Notes

Recurring Cast

Danneel Ackles as Rachel Gatina (seasons 3–7, ~50 episodes): A troubled model. Net worth: $3 million. Height: 5’7″ (1.70 m). Married Jensen Ackles (2010–present); three children: Justice (born 2013), Zeppelin and Arrow (born 2016). Stars in One Tree Hill reboot (2025).

Jana Kramer as Alex Dupré (seasons 7–9, ~40 episodes): An actress and singer. Net worth: $2–$3 million. Height: 5’4″ (1.63 m). Married Mike Caussin (2015–2021); two children: Jolie (born 2016), Jace (born 2018). Married Allan Russell (2024); one son (born 2023).

Robert Buckley as Clay Evans (seasons 7–9, ~50 episodes): Nathan’s agent. Net worth: $5 million. Height: 6’2″ (1.88 m). Married Jenny Wade (2018–present); one son (born 2021).

Shantel VanSanten as Quinn James (seasons 7–9, ~50 episodes): Haley’s sister. Net worth: $5 million. Height: 5’8″ (1.73 m). Married Victor Webster (2021–2023). Single as of 2025.

Jackson Brundage as Jamie Scott (seasons 5–9, ~70 episodes): Nathan and Haley’s son. Net worth: unavailable (child actor). Height: ~5’5″ (1.65 m, estimated as teen). Single; no children. Limited roles post-2015 (Harvey Beaks).

Salaries

Main cast earned ~$100,000 per episode by season 4, with Murray, Bush, Lenz, Lafferty, and Burton at the top.

Supporting actors (Johansson, Kelly, Sheffer, Corbin, Norris) earned ~$40,000–$80,000.

The $3–$4 million per episode budget covered Wilmington shoots and guest stars like Tyler Hilton.

Residuals from Hulu and Max add income.

Casting Insights

Murray was cast first, with Schwahn unsure if he’d play Lucas or Nathan.

Bush’s energy shaped Brooke’s evolution from party girl to mogul.

Lenz’s singing talent was woven into Haley’s arc.

Burton’s TRL hosting aided her Peyton role.

Johansson and Sheffer brought soap opera experience (Santa Barbara, A River Runs Through It).

Toxic set dynamics, including Schwahn’s alleged harassment, led to Murray and Burton’s season 6 exit.

Impact and Legacy

The show’s 69% audience score reflects its relatable themes (love, family, grief).

Fans on Reddit praise the Lucas-Peyton-Brooke triangle and Nathan-Haley’s marriage but criticize seasons 7–9 for losing focus post-time jump.

The Drama Queens podcast (Bush, Burton, Lenz) boosted nostalgia, covering set issues like Schwahn’s alleged coercion for a Maxim shoot.

The reboot, focusing on female perspectives, aims to address past controversies.

Post-Series Careers

Bush leads with Chicago P.D. and activism.

Murray thrives in Hallmark and Sullivan’s Crossing.

Lafferty and Lenz focus on directing and writing, respectively.

Burton balances acting (The Walking Dead) and memoirs.

Johansson, Sheffer, and Corbin take gritty roles (Tulsa King).

Norris and Brundage slowed down, while Ackles, Kramer, Buckley, and VanSanten pursue TV (FBI, The Boys).

Cultural Influence

The show’s voice-overs (often by Murray’s Lucas) and music (Gavin DeGraw’s theme, Lenz’s songs) defined its emotional tone.

The “Brucas” vs. “Leyton” debate still trends on X, with fans split on Lucas’s choice.

The 2008 Sunkist prom episode in Honey Grove, Texas, and 2010 Life Unexpected crossover showed fan engagement.

Schwahn’s allegations tainted its legacy, but cast friendships (e.g., Drama Queens) endure.

Conclusion

One Tree Hill’s cast, led by Murray’s Lucas, Lafferty’s Nathan, and Bush’s Brooke, crafted a teen drama classic with heart and flaws.

Net worths range from $500,000 (Johansson) to $11 million (Bush), reflecting varied post-show paths.

Personal lives, from Murray’s family to Bush’s activism, add depth.

Despite set controversies, its emotional stakes and reboot plans keep it alive, streaming on Hulu and Max.