Chad Michael Murray, known for his roles in popular TV shows, recently shared insights about his relationship with Milo Ventimiglia, a fellow actor from Gilmore Girls. Speaking with PEOPLE, Murray looked back on his time in the television series created by Amy Sherman-Palladino, highlighting the close connections formed with his co-stars.
Discussing his longtime acquaintance with Ventimiglia, Murray said,
“I’ve known Milo for a long time now,”
and added,
“We’ve always crossed paths in and out.”
Despite not working together on Gilmore Girls itself, their friendship has grown beyond the show.
Early Role on Gilmore Girls and Character Background
Murray portrayed Tristan Dugray during Gilmore Girls’ first season, appearing as one of the stylish and somewhat troublesome students at Chilton Prep in the fictional town of Stars Hollow. Tristan’s interactions often included conflicts with Rory Gilmore, played by Alexis Bledel, on whom he had a crush. His character also clashed with Dean Forester, Rory’s boyfriend, played by Jared Padalecki.
Though Tristan was part of the show’s initial storyline, Murray left after the first season, and the character did not return for subsequent seasons. Ventimiglia, on the other hand, joined the cast in the second season as Jess Mariano, Luke’s nephew and another of Rory’s love interests. Despite this timing, the two actors did not share screen time on Gilmore Girls.
Collaboration Beyond Gilmore Girls
While their paths did not cross on Gilmore Girls, Murray and Ventimiglia later worked closely on the series Chosen. This action-thriller features Ventimiglia as a lawyer drawn into a dangerous game run by a secret organization called The Watchers. Ventimiglia also took on a production role for the series.
Murray praised this experience, calling it,
“One of the best jobs I’ve ever done.”
He also revealed a personal milestone from that time, stating,
“I actually met my wife [Sarah Roemer] on that show. So, he and I go way back and I love him like a brother. Good old Milo.”
Memories of Auditioning and Early Career Growth
Reflecting on his start with Gilmore Girls, Murray fondly remembered the audition under Amy Sherman-Palladino’s direction. He shared,
“I remember being in the room. I remember the sun shining in the room through the curtains. And I remember getting the job and just being elated cuz this was the first recurring job that I’d ever received.”
Murray also highlighted how young and inexperienced the cast was during filming:
“We were all like first timers. Alexis was a first-timer. I was pretty young. Jared was a first-timer ’cause Jared, I think he was only 17 years old, maybe 18 when he first started on the show. So, we were all pretty brand new. A little wet behind the ears, as they say.”
He described feeling like an outsider entering a show already in progress:
“I came in early season 1, so, I think even if you’re in episode 2, 3, 4, you still always feel like an outsider, right… You weren’t there for the pilot and you know, they’ve done maybe an episode or two before you got there… I was just trying to do the most I could with every scene.”
Career Highlights and Recent Projects
Although Tristan Dugray’s story didn’t conclude with Rory, the role marked the beginning of Murray’s successful acting career. In the 2000s, he gained recognition in series like Dawson’s Creek and One Tree Hill, along with films such as A Cinderella Story and House of Wax.
After his long run on One Tree Hill, Murray appeared in Chosen, Agent Carter, and Riverdale. Since 2023, he has starred in The CW’s adaptation of Robyn Carr’s Sullivan’s Crossing.
Earlier this year, Murray reprised the character Jake from the 2003 comedy Freaky Friday in the sequel Freakier Friday, directed by Mark Waters and featuring Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan.
Ahead of Freakier Friday’s release, Murray described his vision of Jake‘s character development:
“When I asked the question, ‘Where has he been?’ I always thought Jake had a room somewhere, in the closet of his house, where he’s got this wonderful Tess shrine, and that he’s been in love with her and he keeps a faded photo of her in his wallet, but he still loves it and opens it up from time to time and touches it,”
adding,
“That was all part of the backstory that was going along with who Jake is in this fantasy world that he’s put himself in.”
Critics noted Murray’s performance in Freakier Friday, highlighting his
“same oblivious charm and golden retriever energy that made him so winning two decades ago.”
Enduring Bonds and Legacy with Gilmore Girls Cast
Despite his departure from Gilmore Girls early on, Chad Michael Murray remains warmly connected to the show’s cast and his experiences there. His ongoing friendship with Milo Ventimiglia reflects the lasting personal and professional relationships formed during those formative years on television.
