Movies

Chad Michael Murray fell in love with dance on ‘The Merry Gentlemen,’ but it also terrified him

BBG News

In reflecting upon Chad Michael Murray‘s captivating journey, I find myself awestruck by his resilience and adaptability. From humble beginnings to Hollywood stardom, his life story is a testament to the power of determination and the butterfly effect.

In New York, Chad Michael Murray is currently pondering something deeply. His index finger rests thoughtfully on his well-defined jawline as he attempts to recall the number of times he appears shirtless in “The Merry Gentlemen.” He’s unsure about the exact count, but he believes it should be made into a fun challenge. (My count suggests it’s at least nine instances.)

Each time Chad misplaces his tee-shirt, take a drink of wine, beer, or enjoy a cookie, he chuckles on Zoom, while his other hand casually sweeps back the gold strands of hair behind his ear.

Relaxing at the Plaza Hotel in New York City, Murray, who sports a touch of scruff and some gray, remains strikingly similar to his previous personas, such as the charming lead character Lucas Scott from “One Tree Hill” and the troublemaker Tristan Dugray from “Gilmore Girls”. At 43, he’s developed a more rugged appearance which seems to suit him perfectly for his latest part in the movie “The Merry Gentlemen”, a blend of “Magic Mike” and Christmas spirit.

In the upcoming Netflix film, set to air on Wednesday, the protagonist, a dancer named Ashley (played by Britt Robertson), comes back to her small town and endeavors to rescue her parents’ nightclub. To achieve this, she initiates a themed male revue for holidays. The character of Luke, portrayed by Murray, assumes the role of a contractor-turned-entertainer who becomes Ashley’s romantic interest.

When someone mentions Christmas, it’s not usually the first thing associated with it that you might think of is strip clubs, he jokes.

Murray felt no apprehension about showing off his abs in the movie; instead, it was the dancing part that made him uneasy. He might have even glanced at “Magic Mike” to prepare for the role. He explains, however, that he does dance, just not professionally – only at home and on special occasions like weddings.

Instead of Luke’s education being typical, it was accelerated significantly. On average, Murray dedicated six hours daily, up to four days weekly, to mastering country western, hip-hop, and jazz styles. An unexpected source of joy for him was the intensive 12-hour-a-day dance practice, performed semi-nude in front of a team. However, it’s Murray himself who is most shocked to admit that he developed a deep affection for dancing.

In “The Merry Gentlemen,” it wasn’t by chance that Murray’s character was named Luke, a moniker also held by several of his past characters, such as in “Mother of the Bride” this year. As he sat at the table for this production, he initially considered another name, possibly Bob, but it didn’t seem to fit. Among the three options he suggested, one was Luke. During the process, Murray, a devout Christian, learned that the name Luke signifies “light.

As a cinephile, I find it serendipitous. My primary ambition as an artist lies in illuminating lives, providing joy, amusement, and a brief respite from the monotonous routines of everyday existence – a temporary escape into another world.

Since his childhood, a strong desire for escaping reality has been what propelled Murray forward. Raised in Buffalo, New York, alongside five other siblings, he primarily grew up under the care of his father. They lived frugally, often struggling to make ends meet or even worse. As a means of escape, TV was particularly cherished by Murray and his siblings.

As a 6, 7, and 8-year-old kid, I often imitated Jim Kelly of the Buffalo Bills during halftime shows by dressing up in my old Buffalo helmet and his jersey. I would even mimic interviews as if I were doing live commentary on the game, which fueled my curiosity about television and film.

At fifteen, Murray spent over two months at the hospital due to a twist in his intestines that necessitated an urgent operation followed by post-operative internal bleeding. During his recuperation, he found clarity about his life’s purpose. His caring nurse, who was also a model, suggested modeling as a potential career path for him. However, Murray aspired to be an actor instead.

She told him, “You could transition into acting by first trying modeling. It’s something you can do. Just get out of that bed. I’ll arrange it for you once you’re ready.” He paused before continuing, and as promised, she followed through with her words.

Murray claims that a pivotal moment in his life occurred when he turned 18, as it led him to participate in a modeling convention. There, he crossed paths with an agent who motivated him to move to Los Angeles, where he started modeling for companies such as Skechers, Tommy Hilfiger, and Gucci.

By the year 2000, he had secured a recurring role in the TV series “Gilmore Girls” as Tristan. However, his character was sent to military school in North Carolina during Season 2. He shares, “They asked me to stay and become a regular at the end of Season 1, but I was young and eager for the chance to do something on my own.” Not long after, he got another recurring role in “Dawson’s Creek” as Charlie Todd, a womanizer who dates Jen Lindley, played by Michelle Williams.

Three years following his debut on the WB, he secured the lead character of Lucas Scott in the melodramatic teen series “One Tree Hill.” During this period, he wed his co-star Sophia Bush, but their union lasted only five months, ending in 2006. Simultaneously, during his tenure on “One Tree Hill,” he bagged two significant roles: one as Jake, the biker-loving, Britney Spears-singing love interest of Lindsay Lohan’s Anna in “Freaky Friday”; and as star quarterback Austin Ames opposite Hilary Duff in “A Cinderella Story.

In “A Cinderella Story,” Murray played a key role in altering the storyline concerning Austin’s football team, the North Valley Frogs. He explains, “Originally, they were going to lose, but I couldn’t accept that. So, I suggested, ‘You know, he’s a noble person. And I realize he’s smitten, [yet] he would hand over the ball to his good friend, Jake.’

With those roles, Murray shot to fame as an undeniable star and heartthrob. He was a constant in the tabloids and every teenage girl’s infatuation, with his captivating smile, rebellious allure, and tattoos. However, Murray confesses that he struggled to manage the limelight.

He admits there wasn’t a guide or plan (a playbook), at least not back then. Murray also mentions that he struggled to assert “no” healthily and was working too hard, burning out. The most important lesson he took away? With a wry chuckle, he says, “What did Chad want to do?” It turns out, he was actually speaking about his past self in the third person.

Currently, Murray prefers not to be in the limelight. With his three children – a son and two daughters – whom he shares with wife Sarah Roemer, his priorities have shifted. “I aspire to be a devoted father, continue my work, and assist others in creating an outstanding production that brings happiness to everyone,” he explains.

He was particularly attracted to holiday films such as “The Merry Gentlemen” and Hallmark’s “Write Before Christmas,” “Love in Winterland,” and “Road to Christmas.” Murray carefully considers the roles he accepts, taking into account how they may impact his family.

He mentions the importance of considering the potential outcomes when choosing between Movie A and Movie B, taking into account the experiences and emotions that their children might face. This is something he and his wife often deliberate on thoroughly, always making decisions as a family unit. No matter where they are filming, they always travel together. (He notes that they are in New York with him at present.)

In the TV series “Sullivan’s Crossing,” his present position has been the long-awaited response to two years of heartfelt hopes. As he puts it, “I desired a show that didn’t have me as the top priority.” Now, he enjoys coaching his son’s football team, accompanying his daughter to dance classes, and driving his children to school. For half a year, his family resides contentedly in Halifax, Canada, where the series is filmed.

In the upcoming year, you’ll find Jamie Lee Curtis’ co-star from “Freaky Friday,” Murray, reprising his character for the sequel titled “Even Freakier Friday.” As he steps back into the role, Murray muses, “I wonder where on earth is Jake now?” He remains tight-lipped about his character’s storyline but emphasizes the time gap between the films. “There have been whole lifetimes in between,” he remarks. “We have children and grandchildren now. Jamie [Lee Curtis] even won an Academy Award.

Is there a possibility that Jake might perform another cover song, similar to the one in the first movie? He’s not definitively saying no. “We’ll have to wait and see,” he notes. That off-key rendition of “…Baby One More Time” is etched vividly in his memory, he admits. The scene was a brainchild of director Mark Waters, who aimed to recreate the charm of John Cusack’s boombox moment from “Say Anything.

Previously completed work of his remains uncertain as a revival of “One Tree Hill” is rumored, with original cast members Chad Michael Murray, Hilarie Burton, and Danneel Ackles reportedly involved. Upon hearing the news, Murray reached out to James Lafferty, who portrayed Nathan Scott in the series. According to Murray, they are not moving forward as no one has contacted them with plans for a revival, stating “We’re not doing it because nobody has ever called and said ‘We’re doing this,’ so we’re not doing it.

However, he expresses they both concurred that reviving “One Tree Hill” was a positive move. He admits it’s for the fans’ sake, he mentions. Just as we were talking about it, Lafferty messages Murray. “Looks like the cat’s out of the bag,” he chuckles, showing his phone screen with the message to the camera for me to see.

Murray takes a relaxed approach when it comes to deciding his future projects. He views himself as a go-with-the-flow type of person who believes in the butterfly effect. With the career trajectory he’s already had, his proudest role has been that of a father. Once his children grow older, he might consider new challenges such as starring in a psychological thriller or an independent film. If someone offered him a chance to act alongside Meryl Streep today, he’d be thrilled and would probably get a little excited (he jokes about possibly wetting himself).

For now, his future is a blur — and that’s OK with him.

“I truly feel like I’m just getting started,” Murray says.

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2024-11-20 14:34

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