Chad Michael Murray has been spreading holiday joy with his role in Netflix’s The Merry Gentlemen, but the actor recently revealed that his career almost took a drastically different turn after his time on One Tree Hill.

“There was a moment where I was quitting. I was done. I just couldn’t do it anymore,” the 43-year-old actor shared in a candid interview with Interview Magazine on Wednesday, December 11. “It was right after I left One Tree Hill, and it wasn’t because of the fandom. It was because, when you’re 18 to 25, these formidable years where you’re really cutting your teeth on life experiences and your brain isn’t fully developed, you make mistakes.”

Murray rose to stardom as Lucas Scott on One Tree Hill, which premiered in 2003 on The WB/CW and ran for nine seasons. His portrayal of the introspective, basketball-loving teen made him a household name. During this time, he also starred in hit films such as Freaky Friday and House of Wax.

However, the pressures of fame took a toll. Murray explained that being in the public eye, especially at such a young age, was overwhelming. “That was hard for me because there are so many eyeballs on you. And you go to the grocery store and someone points at you, ‘Oh, that’s the guy that’s on the tabloid,’” he said, referencing the scrutiny he faced during his high-profile marriage to One Tree Hill costar Sophia Bush in 2005, which ended in divorce a year later.

“Even if they’re not talking about that, sometimes your head goes to a negative place, and I know mine really did,” Murray continued. “And so I just made a big pivot at that point in my life and said, ‘You know what? This is not what I want.’”

Murray left One Tree Hill after six seasons, choosing to step back from the limelight to focus on personal growth and a fresh perspective on his career. Over the years, he returned to acting on his own terms, taking on roles in projects like Sun Records, Riverdale, and now The Merry Gentlemen, which showcases his passion for storytelling and connection with audiences.

While reflecting on the challenges of navigating fame, Murray noted the importance of life experiences in shaping who he is today. “We still screw up when we’re grown-ups,” he said. “But I think it’s hard for me to see past those moments when you’re not adult enough to understand the scenarios that you’re in.”

Despite the struggles, Murray has found his way back to his craft, balancing a fulfilling career with his family life alongside wife Sarah Roemer, with whom he shares two children. His journey serves as a reminder of the resilience it takes to redefine one’s path in the face of immense pressure.