Chad Michael Murray recounts a harrowing hospital stay at 15, inspiring his Hollywood career despite near-death experience.
Chad Michael Murray revealed the harrowing details of his extended hospital stay as a teenager during an August 8 episode of the Great Companypodcast. At just 15 years old, Murray experienced a serious health crisis when his intestines twisted, leading to a two and a half month hospitalization. The actor described the severity of his condition, noting that he underwent surgery and suffered internal bleeding, losing half of his blood.
Struggles During Recovery and Critical Health Challenges
Murray’s memories of this near-fatal ordeal are limited due to periods of unconsciousness, but he recalls intense moments surrounding his condition. He shared that his vital organs shut down because of coagulated blood, requiring a second surgery to clear the damage. The severity of his situation was underscored by the presence of a priest administering last rites at his bedside.
“I just remember seeing my father, the weakest I’d ever seen him, and a priest at the end of my bed,”
Chad Michael Murray said.
“They’re talking about last rites and all that stuff, and [the nurse] gave me a blood transfusion to save my life. It saved my life.”
The Influence of Nurses on Murray’s Future Career
During his prolonged hospital stay, Murray was encouraged by two nurses, Sandy and Alana, who played a pivotal role in guiding his early aspirations. Alana suggested that he consider modeling as a path into acting. Murray described how she promised to connect him with a modeling agency after his discharge, which proved to be an important stepping stone in his career.
“Alana says to me, ‘Oh gosh, you should model,’”
he recalled.
Image of: Chad Michael Murray
“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.’ She’s like, ‘Well, you can segue from modeling into acting. Look, when you get out, I’m hooking you up with a modeling company I know.’ And she meant it.”
Physical and Emotional Aftermath of Hospitalization
Upon leaving the hospital, Murray’s physical condition had drastically deteriorated. He lost a significant amount of weight, going from 180 pounds to just 118, describing himself as a “skeleton.” The shock of seeing his changed appearance was profound and emotional for the young actor.
“I got out. I went from, like, 180 to 118 pounds. I was a skeleton when I got out,”
he said.
“It was the scariest thing ever. I remember looking in the mirror the first time going, ‘Who is that?’ I cried [and] I couldn’t believe that I was looking back at that guy.”
Deepening Bonds and Spiritual Growth During Crisis
The health scare also strengthened crucial personal relationships for Murray, especially with his father. Throughout the ordeal, his father, who was raising five children alone, visited him at the hospital daily and stayed overnight many times, demonstrating remarkable commitment and support. This period also marked the beginning of Murray’s spiritual journey.
“I started my relationship with God, and my relationship with my father became really close,”
Murray shared.
“My dad [was] raising five kids on his own [and] came to the hospital every single day, and he spent countless nights with me when he had four more kids at home.”
“The man is tough as nails, and he did that for us. I’m overly, like, beyond grateful. That’s when our relationship really bonded.”
Impact of Early Hospitalization on Murray’s Life and Career
Chad Michael Murray’s extended hospital stay during his adolescence not only tested his physical and emotional resilience but also played an unexpected role in shaping his future in Hollywood. The encouragement from the nurses and the deepened family ties contributed to his determination and outlook on life. As he moved forward, this experience served as a foundation for his career and personal growth.
