The Evolution of One Tree Hill’s Stars: Where Are They Now?

Sophia Bush, known for her role in the “One Tree Hill” recap podcast “Drama Queens,” has always supported her fellow actors and friends, celebrating their successes. She has candidly shared her journey with mental health, divorce, and newfound love. Reflecting on her life, she stated in a Glamour essay, “I am so lucky to be here, now… It took me 41 years to find real joy.”

Bethany Joy Lenz portrayed the sweet and fashionable Haley James Scott in “One Tree Hill.” Her simple style evolved over time, and today, Lenz has shifted to a more high-end wardrobe, describing her style as “a little mess, a little sparkle” in an interview with Bello Magazine.

Despite rumored tensions with her co-stars, Lenz has focused on family and her new literary venture, publishing her first book, “Dinner for Vampires: Life on a Cult TV Show,” in 2024. The book recounts her experiences on the show and within a religious cult, which she characterized as a journey of forgiveness filled with heartache and humor.

James Lafferty captured hearts as Nathan Scott on “One Tree Hill,” showcasing his charm and athleticism. Even now, he has retained his captivating looks, returning with a more mature persona and athletic physique, having participated in a photoshoot for American Eagle where he humorously shared his fitness routine with People.

Lafferty has kept his acting career alive and recently starred in “Everyone Is Doing Great.” He expressed his affinity for his role as Nathan, indicating a willingness to return for any future “One Tree Hill” projects, stating, “It’s been a defining aspect of my life,” as he shared with Variety.

Danneel Ackles, who played the enchanting Rachel Gatina, stood out for her fiery red hair and bold personality. After her tenure on the show, she faced hardships due to allegations against the executive producer, but she persevered to carve out her niche in Hollywood.

In addition to garnering success in Hallmark films, she starred with her husband, Jensen Ackles, in “Supernatural.” Ackles has gracefully maintained her signature auburn hair and transitioned into production, running a company with her husband. Passionate about her “One Tree Hill” roots, she expressed her eagerness for any reunion, saying, “I never pass up a chance to work with my ‘OTH’ family,” in a conversation with Rank & Style.

Robert Buckley captured hearts when he joined “One Tree Hill” in 2009, playing the character Clay Evans. His engaging charm and warm smile kept him on the show until its conclusion in 2012. Buckley became a beloved figure and continues to engage with fans and former cast members at various events, including stepping into a co-host role on the “Drama Queens” podcast in 2024. Reflecting on his time, he expressed gratitude for the welcoming nature of the “One Tree Hill” team, stating it made his experience enjoyable and relaxed.

Transitioning to Hallmark films, Buckley’s appealing persona remains unchanged, and he actively participates in “One Tree Hill” fan events, sharing excitement for his engagement in the “Drama Queens” podcast tour.

Stephen Colletti, initially known for his role in “Laguna Beach,” joined “One Tree Hill” in 2007 as Chase Adams. His laid-back charm made a lasting impact on millennial viewers, and he became a series regular by 2012. Colletti fondly remembers the show’s basketball storyline and how it resonated with his peers.

Now more refined in his appearance, he has pursued creative projects, including working alongside former co-star James Lafferty in the series “Everyone is Doing Great.” Filming in Wilmington brought nostalgic memories for Colletti, enhancing the experience of their own creation.

Lee Norris embodied the beloved Marvin “Mouth” McFadden throughout all nine seasons of “One Tree Hill.” His infectious smile and authenticity resonated deeply with fans, enhanced by his roots in North Carolina, where the show was filmed.

Since “One Tree Hill,” Norris has taken on various roles, including a part in “The Walking Dead.” He remains a supportive figure for his former colleagues and has engaged with the “Drama Queens” podcast multiple times, emphasizing how important his character was for fans, representing those often overlooked in traditional high school narratives.

Barbara Alyn Woods played the role of Deb Scott, Nathan’s mother, making a significant impact on “One Tree Hill” across its nine seasons. With her distinctive short blonde hair and fashionable appearance, Woods captivated audiences despite her character’s challenges. She reminisces about the close bond among the cast, stating, “We all kept in touch — unlike other shows where they say, ‘We’re family,’ we actually have,” she told ET.

Since the show ended, Woods has been busy, notably returning in the SyFy series “Chucky.” She continues to support her on-screen son’s endeavors and has shown interest in participating in the upcoming spin-off series. “We’re all on board, we’re all friends; it would be the most fun show anybody has ever been on,” she mentioned to ET.

Known for his role as Dan Scott, Paul Johansson portrayed a complex character who oscillated between kindness and villainy throughout the series. His intense portrayal had a profound impact on him, as he later shared, “I think I was absorbing the energy of the people that were looking at me, and seeing me as something that’s bad,” during the “Trying to Figure It Out with Ally Petitti” podcast (via People). He sought other roles to break free from the confines of his character.

After the series concluded, Johansson embraced a silver-haired look and shared his adventurous lifestyle on social media. However, he has been somewhat hesitant about revisiting his time on “One Tree Hill,” admitting, “I’ve only seen maybe a third of all of the episodes,” during an interview with “The Ravens — A ‘One Tree Hill’ Podcast.” He found joy in the role but acknowledged it required a significant amount of effort.

Jackson Brundage joined “One Tree Hill” as Jamie Scott when he was just seven years old and carried the role through to the series finale. His charming smile and spiky blonde hair won over many fans in this important role. Reflecting on his experience, he stated, “It was my first big experience on an ongoing TV show. It was pretty cool meeting everybody and they were all really nice,” he said during an interview with My Entertainment World.

Post-“One Tree Hill,” Brundage stepped away from acting in 2015. He has focused on sports in high school and has grown into a more athletic version of himself. Nevertheless, he makes an effort to reconnect with former co-stars at fan events, sharing those moments on his Instagram. “I like hanging out with all my cast-mates; they are really fun to work with, really nice people,” he shared with myFanbase.