Chad Michael Murray Talks 'Sullivan's Crossing'

This interview was performed below the clearance of SAG-AFTRA to do publicity for Sullivan’s Crossing.

All through his time in Hollywood, followers of Chad Michael Murray have recognized him for portraying essentially the most charming and the most well-liked character, particularly in reveals like One Tree Hill and A Cinderella Story. And though Lucas Scott and Austin Ames are beloved by followers, through the years as Chad thought of what he wished to do and who he wished to play, he discovered himself craving to go a bit deeper. What’s extra, he had a need to work on a TV present that allowed him to develop nuances that left viewers desirous to know extra with every installment.

That is the place Sullivan’s Crossing is available in. The collection follows a neurosurgeon named Maggie Sullivan (Morgan Kohan) who flees to her childhood dwelling in Nova Scotia after being sued for negligence at her Boston hospital. The present, which relies on the books from Robyn Carr (who additionally was the mind behind Virgin River), instantly captured audiences, and it rapidly received a season 2 renewal. Because the collection now airs the primary season of episodes within the U.S. on the CW, Chad tells Good Housekeeping how excited he’s to star in one thing extra mature after years of being typecast.

“I believe loads of tasks normally have felt completely different for me over the course of the final 10 years,” he explains over Zoom. “It is a maturation of myself, and it is simply actually fascinating to look at as a human being. Earlier than, I used to be so headstrong and set on trying ahead. Now, it is similar to, ‘Okay, cool — what is going on on proper now?'”

In contrast to his typical boy-next-door persona, of us see a special aspect of Chad in his new function as Cal Jones. From the minute viewers first meet the character in Sullivan’s Crossing, Cal feels each acquainted and elusive on the identical time. He is considerably of a loner, selecting to be by himself after displaying up with out a proof of his previous. Moreover, Cal prefers doing odd jobs round city reasonably than getting concerned with the residents’ on a regular basis life. Because the present progresses, followers see him drawn to Maggie romantically, all whereas hiding his true reasoning behind coming to Sullivan’s Crossing within the first place.

Though Cal definitely has a special vibe than we’re used to seeing from the individuals Chad sometimes performs, the actor notes it was simpler to faucet into this character than followers may assume.

“Cal is only a piece of my very own playbook,” he says. “I do not do effectively in massive crowds … It is an overload of the senses and I am unable to deal with it. So, for Cal, loads of that backstory is planted in desirous to be alone. It is a bit little bit of the place Cal’s introverted and mysterious issues come from. Despite the fact that we do not know that a lot about why he’s the way in which he’s, we’ll come to seek out out extra as we peel the onion.”

What’s extra, he loves how Sullivan’s Crossing permits him to do the 2 issues he adores most: act and be a dad. As he raises his three kids with spouse, Sarah Roemer, Chad emphasizes how being on a family-oriented present is a aware alternative.

“My priorities are utterly completely different than they have been after I was again on the WB,” he provides. “Now, my priorities are my spouse and youngsters. I am positive there is a challenge that might come throughout my desk the place it will make sense, however proper now I am not at a spot the place I need to [change it].”

Because the latter set of episodes airs on the CW, TV-watchers will see extra of Cal’s previous as he turns into an necessary individual in Maggie’s life. Whereas there’s nonetheless quite a bit to discover, Chad says he is pleased with the evolution of his character and the present itself, particularly as he movies season 2.

“[The show] is a journey with actual individuals in actual conditions,” he concludes. “It is grounded tv within the drama style that is really feel good TV. In the event you’re in search of a present, the place you are going to discover somebody you’ll be able to determine with, that is the present for you.”