Chad Michael Murray may have achieved teen heartthrob status early in his career, but there was a moment he was ready to walk away.

In a conversation with Interview published Wednesday, the Merry Gentlemen star reflected on being at the center of mega fandom after starring on One Tree Hill for seven seasons, as well as films such as A Cinderella Story and Freaky Friday. At the time, Murray not only experienced stardom, but also tried to navigate it while growing up, which almost felt like too much.

“There was a moment where I was quitting. I was done. I just couldn’t do it anymore,” he said. “It was right after I left One Tree Hill, and it wasn’t because of the fandom. It was because, when you’re 18 to 25, these formidable years where you’re really cutting your teeth on life experiences and your brain isn’t fully developed,...