Chad Michael Murray Credits Near-Death Experience for Acting Career Launch

Hospitalization at 15 Led to Unexpected Industry Opportunity

Chad Michael Murray recently revealed that a harrowing health crisis at age 15, which brought him to death’s door, ultimately set him on the path to becoming a successful actor.

Life-Threatening Complications

Speaking on the *Great Company with Jamie Laing* podcast, the *Freakier Friday* star recounted being hospitalized for two and a half months due to twisted intestines. The severe condition led to life-threatening complications, including internal bleeding and significant blood loss.

“I was hospitalized for two and a half months. It was a lot. We had surgery. I had internal bleeding, I lost 50% of my blood. I was on my deathbed,”

—Chad Michael Murray

Murray described experiencing periods of unconsciousness and recalled the somber atmosphere of his bedside.

“I just remember seeing my father, the weakest I’d ever seen him, and a priest at the end of my bed, and they’re talking about last rites and all that stuff, and [the nurse, Sandy] gave me a blood transfusion to save my life,” Murray said. ”It saved my life.”

—Chad Michael Murray

A Nurse’s Connection Opens Doors

The *One Tree Hill* alum also shared how another nurse, Alana, whose profession included modeling, provided him with an introduction to the entertainment industry.

“Alana says to me, ‘Oh gosh, you should model,’” he recounted. “I was like, ‘I don’t want to model. I want to be an actor. Like, I love film and television. I want to give this gift to other people.’ And she’s like, ‘Well, you can segue from modeling into acting. Look, when you get out, I’m hooking you up with this modeling company I know.’ And she meant it.”

Murray, who had dropped from 180 to 118 pounds and barely recognized himself in the mirror post-recovery, initially found the physical transformation startling.

From Recovery to Hollywood

The traumatic experience fostered a deeper connection with his faith and his father. Upon his recovery, the modeling company facilitated his attendance at a convention in Orlando. There, a chance acting competition proved to be the catalyst for his move to Los Angeles and securing representation.

Statistics show that medical crises can indeed lead to life-altering decisions. For example, a 2023 study found that individuals who experience a significant health event are more likely to reassess their career paths (Mayo Clinic, 2023).

Chad Michael Murray is currently starring in *Freakier Friday*, the recently released sequel to the 2003 hit comedy.