Thereโs always that one moment that changes everything, a turning point that defines who you are. For beloved actor Chad Michael Murray, that moment came at just 15 years old, when a life-threatening health crisis nearly claimed his life. But the former Hallmark star says the experience ultimately set him on the path to the career he cherishes today.
Murray is opening up about the two and a half months he spent in the hospital as a teenager after a sudden, life-threatening health emergency.
Chad Opens Up About Near-Death Health Crisis as a Teen
(Photo by Presley Ann/Getty Images for Netflix)Speaking on the Great Company podcast on Aug. 8, the “Freakier Friday” star revealed that his intestines twisted, leading to severe internal bleeding.
โI was hospitalized for two and a half months. It was a lot,โ the “Angel Falls Christmas” actor, now 43, recalled, sharing that he was โin and out of consciousnessโ during the ordeal.
Murray underwent surgery after losing 50% of his blood, and at one point, a priest was called to administer last rites.
โTheyโre talking about last rites and all that stuff, and [the nurse, Sandy] gave me a blood transfusion to save my life,โ he said.
Inside Chad’s Multiple Surgeries & a Long Road to Recovery
(Photo by Kate Green/Getty Images for The Walt Disney Company Limited)The “Write Before Christmas” star said he needed a second surgery to โclean upโ his internal organs after his body began shutting down from the trauma. โYouโre in there for two monthsโฆ my organs shut down because you have blood all coagulated around them,โ Murray explained. โThey had to wait till everything healed more.โ
When he finally left the hospital, Murray had dropped from 180 pounds to just 118. โI was a skeleton when I got outโฆ I remember looking in the mirror the first time going, โWho is that?โ Like, I cried.โ
How a Nurse Helped Launch His Hollywood Career
During his recovery, Murray met Alana, a nurse and model, who suggested he try modeling to break into acting. โI was like, โI donโt want to model. I want to be an actorโฆ I want to give this gift to other people,โ โ he recalled. Alana connected him with a modeling agency, a move that eventually led to his acting career.
Faith, Family & a New Outlook on Life
The near-death experience also deepened Murrayโs faith and strengthened his bond with his father, a single parent raising five kids.
โMy dad came to the hospital every single dayโฆ countless nights with me when he had four more kids at home,โ Murray said. โThatโs when our relationship really bonded.โ
Since then, the “Sullivanโs Crossing” star has prioritized clean eating & healthy living to prevent future health scares.
He credits his time in the hospital, watching movies & TV, as a reminder of why he chose acting: โItโs about putting out good love and good energy in the world through my family, God, and my work.โ
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