The 2000s heartthrob | Source: Getty Images

Public Perplexed by How This 2000s Heartthrob Looks with Wrinkles and Facial Hair – Then & Now Photos

Jul 28, 2025

07:52 A.M.

This 2000s heartthrob was once the face of teen drama and glossy magazine covers — but now fans are doing double takes at his rugged, matured appearance in 2025. See his full transformation from fresh-faced to nearly unrecognizable.

In the early 2000s, this spiky-haired star was the definition of teen heartthrob. He had the kind of face that dominated high school lockers and teen magazine spreads. Over two decades later, fans are shocked by how much he has changed.

The 2000s heartthrob at the third annual TV Guide Awards in 2001. | Source: Getty Images

With fine lines, styled scruff, and a more mature glow, his current look is a far cry from the baby-faced charmer who once ruled primetime TV. From poster boy to grown man, scroll through his photos over the years.

The famous actor photographed in 2001. | Source: Getty Images

2001

Back in 2001, this fresh-faced teen heartthrob was just beginning to make waves in Hollywood. With his tousled, frosted hair, smooth complexion, and striking blue eyes, he had the kind of effortless good looks that made casting directors take notice.

The famous actor photographed in 2001. | Source: Getty Images

His angular jawline, softly arched brows, and sculpted lips gave him a modelesque appearance that was hard to ignore. There wasn't a trace of facial hair in sight, and his skin had the kind of youthful glow only a 20-something can pull off naturally.

The Hollywood star photographed in 2001. | Source: Getty Images

That year marked a major turning point in his career. After a few smaller roles, he landed a recurring part on the hit show "Gilmore Girls," where he quickly became a fan favorite.

Playing the charming yet rebellious Tristan, he stood out in a cast already full of strong personalities. His screen presence, paired with his looks, positioned him as one of the early 2000s' most promising young stars.

The 2000s heartthrob photographed in 2001. | Source: Getty Images

2002

The Hollywood star at The WB Network's Winter 2002 All-Star party. | Source: Getty Images

The famous actor during "The Rules of Attraction" premiere in Hollywood, California, 2002. | Source: Getty Images

The famous actor at the world premiere of "The Santa Clause 2" in 2002. | Source: Getty Images

2003

The Hollywood star at the 2003 Teen Choice Awards on August 2 in Universal City, California. | Source: Getty Images

The 2000s heartthrob during The WB Network's 2003 All Star party in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images

2004

The famous actor at Planet Hollywood to promote "One Tree Hill" and meet with fans on January 16, 2004, in New York. | Source: Getty Images

The Hollywood star during the "TRL Breakout Stars Week" event on January 16, 2004, at the MTV Times Square Studios in New York. | Source: Getty Images

The famous actor at the premiere of "A Cinderella Story" on July 10, 2004, at the Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

The famous actor at Planet Hollywood during a presentation of memorabilia from his movie "A Cinderella Story" on July 15, 2004, in New York. | Source: Getty Images

The 2000s heartthrob during the 1st Annual Teen People "Young Hollywood" Issue event in West Hollywood, California, 2004. | Source: Getty Images

The famous actor photographed at the FYE Music Store in New York in 2004. | Source: Getty Images

2005

By 2005, this heartthrob's transformation was already underway. The soft, clean-cut teen idol look had begun to evolve into something more rugged and mature. His boyish charm was still there, but now paired with subtle signs of aging and experimentation with facial hair.

The 2000s heartthrob during "The Cast of One Tree Hill Visits MTV's TRL" event on January 25, 2005, in New York. | Source: Getty Images

The once-smooth jawline occasionally bore the beginnings of a goatee or scruff, and he wasn't afraid to switch things up — sometimes showing up with a buzz cut, other times letting his hair grow out into spiked, tousled waves.

The famous actor during The WB Television Network's 2005 All-Star party in Burbank, California. | Source: Getty Images

His skin retained its youthful glow, but there was a noticeable sharpening of features. His cheekbones were more defined, his eyes carrying a hint of edge that hadn't been there just a few years earlier. While the baby-faced aura hadn't completely faded, it was clear he was moving into a new chapter.

The famous actor during The Young Hot Hollywood Style Awards in Hollywood, California, 2005. | Source: Getty Images

That year, the Hollywood star was at the peak of his fame. He had already established himself as a leading man on "One Tree Hill," a role that cemented his status as a mid-2000s icon.

The Hollywood star during the "House of Wax" Los Angeles premiere in Westwood, California, 2005. | Source: Getty Images

The famous actor during Fuse TV's Daily Download with the cast of "House of Wax" at Fuse Studios on May 4, 2005, in New York. | Source: Getty Images

The 2000s heartthrob during "The Cast of 'House of Wax' and Fat Joe Visit MTV's 'TRL'" event on May 5, 2005, at MTV Studios in New York. | Source: Getty Images

The famous actor at the UK premiere of "House of Wax" on May 24, 2005, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images

The Hollywood star during a "House of Wax" press conference in Burbank, California, 2005. | Source: Getty Images

The 2000s heartthrob during the 2nd Annual Young Hollywood event in Hollywood, California, 2005. | Source: Getty Images

2006

The famous actor during MTV's Total Request Live event on November 15, 2006, in New York. | Source: Getty Images

The Hollywood star during the "Home of the Brave" world premiere in Beverly Hills, California, 2006. | Source: Getty Images

2007

The Hollywood star during the 2007 Monte Carlo Television Festival in France. | Source: Getty Images

The famous actor during the 13th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards in Los Angeles, California, 2007. | Source: Getty Images

2008

The famous actor during MTV's Total Request Live event at the MTV Times Square Studios on January 8, 2008, in New York. | Source: Getty Images

2009

The 2000s heartthrob at the TAO Beach event on August 29, 2009, in Las Vegas, Nevada. | Source: Getty Images

2010

The famous actor at the 1st annual Data Awards on January 28, 2010, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images

2011

By 2011, the transformation had become more pronounced. The clean lines of this actor's youthful face had softened ever so slightly, giving way to a more mature, lived-in look.

Fine lines had begun to subtly frame his eyes and forehead, hinting at the passage of time but without diminishing his striking features.

The Hollywood star at The 22nd Annual Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation Benefit at Wadsworth Theater on June 12, 2011, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

His trademark jawline remained intact, but was now often framed by carefully trimmed facial hair — a patchy stubble or a shaped goatee, depending on the occasion.

His hair, once spiked and sun-kissed, had grown longer and darker, styled with a more relaxed, side-swept finish.

The famous actor at the 2011 Sunset Strip Music Festival on August 19 in West Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images

2012

The Hollywood star during a photocall as part of the 52nd Monte-Carlo Television Festival on June 13, 2012. | Source: Getty Images

The 2000s heartthrob at the Playboy and True Blood 2012 Event on July 14 in San Diego, California. | Source: Getty Images

The famous actor at "The Walking Dead" 100th Issue Black-Carpet event on July 13, 2012, in San Diego, California. | Source: Getty Images

2013

The Hollywood star at the Lakers Casino Night on March 10, 2013, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

2014

The famous actor at the Los Angeles premiere of "Cavemen" on February 5, 2014, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images

2015

This actor is none other than Chad Michael Murray, who, by 2015, had an undeniable transformation. The once-boyish actor now sported a fuller face, a short beard, and a quiet confidence that came with age and experience.

That same year, he said "I do" to his "Chosen" co-star Sarah Roemer in a private ceremony, following a romance that began in 2014.

Chad Michael Murray and Sarah Roemer in Studio City on March 03, 2015, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

2016

Chad Michael Murray from a post dated February 10, 2016. | Source: X/Chad Michael Murray

Chad Michael Murray at the 2016 CMT Music Awards at the Bridgestone Arena on June 8 in Nashville, Tennessee. | Source: Getty Images

Chad Michael Murray at the premiere of "Outlaws and Angels" on July 12, 2016, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images

2017

Chad Michael Murray at the premiere of "John Wick: Chapter Two" on January 30, 2017, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images

Chad Michael Murray at the Young Hollywood Studio on November 15, 2017, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

2018

Chad Michael Murray at the 2nd Annual Kodak Auteur Awards on March 1, 2018, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

2019

Chad Michael Murray at a private screening of "Max Winslow and the House of Secrets" at Landmark Theatre on June 18, 2019, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

2020

By 2020, Murray embraced a more rugged, low-maintenance look. His once-boyish features now bore the marks of time — deeper lines, a slightly weathered texture to his skin, and a fuller, salt-and-pepper stubble that framed his face.

Chad Michael Murray from a post dated April 4, 2020. | Source: Instagram/chadmichaelmurray

The piercing blue eyes were still unmistakable, but now paired with a more furrowed brow and a seasoned gaze. Even in casual snapshots, he exuded a grounded charisma.

Whether saluting in a gym selfie or flashing a smirk beneath a trucker cap shared on his Instagram, Murray looked every bit the former heartthrob turned grown-up family man.

Chad Michael Murray from a post dated April 29, 2020. | Source: Instagram/chadmichaelmurray

2021

Chad Michael Murray from a post dated February 27, 2021. | Source: Instagram/chadmichaelmurray

Chad Michael Murray from a post dated March 30, 2021. | Source: Instagram/chadmichaelmurray

Chad Michael Murray from a post dated December 14, 2021. | Source: Instagram/chadmichaelmurray

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2022

Chad Michael Murray from a post dated February 11, 2022. | Source: Instagram/chadmichaelmurray

Chad Michael Murray from a post dated March 22, 2022. | Source: Instagram/chadmichaelmurray

Chad Michael Murray at the Christmas Con New Jersey 2022 on December 10 in Edison, New Jersey. | Source: Getty Images

2023

Chad Michael Murray at the Los Angeles premiere of "John Wick: Chapter 4" at TCL Chinese Theatre on March 20, 2023, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images

Chad Michael Murray from a post dated August 25, 2023. | Source: Instagram/chadmichaelmurray

Chad Michael Murray from a post dated August 30, 2023. | Source: Instagram/chadmichaelmurray

2024

Sarah Roemer and Chad Michael Murray from a post dated January 22, 2024. | Source: Instagram/chadmichaelmurray

Chad Michael Murray at the Los Angeles special screening of "Mother of the Bride" at The Bay Theater on May 8, 2024, in Pacific Palisades, California. | Source: Getty Images

Chad Michael Murray from a post dated July 18, 2024. | Source: Instagram/disneystudios

2025

Fast forward to 2025, and Murray's transformation continues to spark conversation. Now in his mid-40s, the former teen idol sports a tousled head of highlighted hair, a scruffy beard, and more visible signs of aging — including fine lines and a deeper tan.

Chad Michael Murray from a post dated July 22, 2025. | Source: Instagram/chadmichaelmurray

Online reactions to his current look have been mixed, as one person wrote, "He could look better without that hair. He looks like he is trying to hold on [to] youth with an old face and tanned skin."

Another added bluntly, "Jeez... looks nothing like him. Still handsome tho." And then some found the change downright jarring, commenting, "I just had the urge to look up what Chad Michael Murray looks like today... so many wrinkles... Wow my day is ruined."

Chad Michael Murray at the premiere of "Freakier Friday" at El Capitan Theatre on July 22, 2025, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

Still, whether met with nostalgia or surprise, Chad Michael Murray's evolution continues to draw attention, proving that some faces never truly leave the spotlight, no matter how much they change.