Chad Michael Murray has opened up about the deeply personal journey that led him to take on a role in SULLIVAN’S CROSSING — and his emotional confession is striking a chord with fans everywhere.

The former teen heartthrob revealed that before signing onto the hit drama series, he spent years praying for the right opportunity. But for Murray, it was never about fame, money, or chasing another headline-grabbing role. Instead, it was about finding a project that matched the man he has become: a devoted husband, a loving father, and someone determined to protect his family’s peace.

Speaking during a recent appearance on the TODAY show, the actor admitted that his decision to join the series came after a long period of reflection and soul-searching.

“I prayed a lot about it,” Murray shared honestly. “A lot of people are manifestation people. I pray. And for two and a half years, I was praying.”

The actor explained that his prayers were centered around his three young children — a son and two daughters — whom he shares with wife Sarah Roemer. The fiercely private couple have chosen not to reveal their children’s names publicly, something Murray clearly takes seriously as part of his effort to shield them from unnecessary attention.

For the ONE TREE HILL star, becoming a father completely changed the way he views Hollywood and the kinds of projects he wants attached to his name.

Murray confessed that he no longer wanted to take on roles that might embarrass his children one day or expose them to awkward situations because of his past work.

“I just wanted to be on something that felt like this,” he explained. “Something that I felt like people could have on in the background and they wouldn’t feel judged.”

Then came the candid remark that instantly caught viewers’ attention.

“Where my son wouldn’t have a picture of Dad’s booty hung up in his locker,” he joked, referring to some of the racier scenes from earlier in his career. “I just didn’t want them to go through that.”

The actor’s honesty offered a rare glimpse into the pressure many celebrities quietly carry when balancing public careers with private family lives. While Murray once became famous for playing swoon-worthy characters that helped define an era of teen television, he says his priorities have shifted dramatically over the years.

Now, he is focused on being present for his children and creating a healthier lifestyle away from the chaos of Hollywood.

Murray admitted that every decade or so, he feels the need to reinvent himself and reevaluate the direction of his life.

“Every probably 10 years or so, I can kind of recreate who I want to be and go after something different,” he said.

And according to the actor, SULLIVAN’S CROSSING arrived at exactly the right moment.

“Right now, this was the perfect place for me to raise kids and get tied into the community,” he explained, before praising Halifax, Nova Scotia, where the series is filmed. “We love that place.”

Rather than constantly chasing bigger projects or leading-man status, Murray says he intentionally wanted a role that would allow him to slow down and focus on family life. One of the biggest attractions of the show was the fact that he was not carrying the entire production on his shoulders.

Speaking previously with Variety, the actor admitted he was searching for a role that “didn’t feel too gratuitous” for this chapter of his life. He also appreciated not being No. 1 on the call sheet, which gave him more flexibility to spend quality time with his wife and children.

Instead of living out of hotel rooms and missing major milestones, Murray says he finally found a balance that allows him to fully embrace fatherhood while still pursuing the career he loves.

The actor described how much it means to be involved in everyday family moments that many performers often sacrifice because of demanding filming schedules.

He proudly shared that living and working in Halifax has allowed him to coach his son’s football team while still maintaining a manageable work schedule.

“Three or four days of work, and then I get to be dad,” he said happily. “It’s great.”

Those extra days at home have also allowed him to witness priceless moments with his children that he refuses to take for granted.

“I got to be there for my daughter’s first steps,” Murray revealed warmly. “I got to take her trick or treating for the first time. And she crushed it!”

The emotional interview also reminded fans of comments Murray made years ago about how deeply fatherhood transformed him as a person.

Back in 2016, he told Entertainment Tonight that becoming a dad completely changed his outlook on life.

“It just changes your perspective on everything,” he said at the time.

Murray described parenthood as the most meaningful experience he has ever had, calling it “the greatest thing that’s ever happened to me.”

The actor added that having children makes him constantly think about the example he is setting and whether his kids will one day be proud of him.

“I think you’re always walking around with the mentality that you want to make sure that they’re proud and represent them well,” he explained. “Just be a great leader.”

And now, thanks to SULLIVAN’S CROSSING, it seems Chad Michael Murray has finally found the perfect balance between Hollywood success and the family-centered life he spent years praying for.