Every Main Cast Member Who Left “One Tree Hill” Before the Series Finale

An ensemble show’s biggest asset is its star cast. A series like One Tree Hill thrives on the convergence of numerous stories of various diverse characters. From drama and romance to humor and tragedy, the show featured a variety of tropes that were appreciated by the viewers who kept coming back for more.

However, towards the last few seasons of the series, a string of actors started leaving the show. The concern was that these actors formed the central foundation of the series and without them, One Tree Hill wavered to maintain the same popularity. While a few reasons are unknown, there are some actors who were fearless in expressing what made them leave.

Chad Michael Murray

The beloved Lucas Scott on One Tree Hill was played by heartthrob Chad Michael Murray. His trajectory over the course of the show was evident and appreciated by the viewers. From being a nobody in high school to gaining a spot on the basketball team and eventually finding the love of his life, Murray’s Scott comes a long way.

However, he left after the season 6 finale due to contract negotiations that did not go as planned. Reportedly, Murray demanded more money for his burgeoning role but the studio refused to budge and hence the actor chose to depart from the show.

Hilarie Burton

Hilarie Burton played Peyton Sawyer on One Tree Hill. Her character goes on to marry Scott in the series and they eventually have a kid by the end of season 6. While many fans hoped to get a glimpse into their domestic life with a kid, both Murray and Burton left after the season 6 finale.

Word on the street had it that Murray’s exit ruined things for Burton who was not exactly planning on leaving. When Murray’s contract negotiation fell through, Burton also made a decision to leave, though the reason remains largely unknown. She claimed it was a mutual decision between her and the producers but fans don’t seem to believe it.

Paul Johansson

While dramas like One Tree Hill seldom had villains or evil people, Dan Scott, played by Paul Johansson, came the closest. He was always up to no good, causing unnecessary drama and confusion that caused chaos in the other characters’ lives. He was even a bully and murderer in the story.

Johansson was seen in One Tree Hill very often in the first few seasons but he disappeared in the seventh season. He did manage to return in the last season which ultimately showcased his death.

Craig Sheffer

The actor who brought Keith Scott to life on screen, Craig Sheffer, chose to leave One Tree Hill due to a toxic work environment that the series creator created. Fans loved Sheffer as the sweet uncle Keith who everyone looked up to. However, his shocking death in the show left fans devasted and eager to probe into the possible reasons.

Mark Schwahn promised Sheffer that he would be on the show for as long as it ran, but things changed somewhere down the line. Sheffer shared on the Drama Queens podcast that Schwahn started dodging his call until he told him,

He goes, ‘I’ve got some really exciting news for you. It’s gonna be the best season ever.’ I was like, ‘Yeah, I was wondering when you were gonna [call]. I didn’t even get a call, so I didn’t know what was going on. I had my agent call yesterday and nobody returned his call,’” he explained. “He goes, ‘Yeah, so good news and bad news.’ Tells me all about this great thing, [and says,] ‘And then Paul shoots you.’ I go, ‘OK, so I’m dead? Does that mean I don’t get paid anymore?’ He was like, ‘Yeah.’ I was like, ‘Dude, you told me.’ Not only was it cheesy, but the way it was handled. You don’t call me and talk to me about it?

Sheffer was put in a tough position with this move as he was counting on the paycheck he received from the show. Even prior to this, Schwahn had threatened to fire Sheffer on tiny issues that could be easily resolved.