What Ever Happened To One Tree Hill's Robert Buckley
Once upon a time, in the early days of the 2000s, the CW drama "One Tree Hill" dominated most teenager's TV screen. Set in the fictional town of Tree Hill, North Carolina, the show revolves around two rivaling half-brothers who play on the high school basketball team, which also happens to be the heart and soul of the small town (via IMDb). Although it's been years since OTH was canceled, its lessons on life and love have turned it into a timeless classic still enjoyed by many.
Over the course of the show's nine seasons, viewers watched as characters and storylines came and went. By the seventh season, the teen sensation underwent a massive change. Two of the titular roles, Peyton Sawyer and Lucas Scott, played by Hilarie Burton and Chad Michael Murray respectively, were replaced with a whole new cast of characters (via Screen Rant). One of the beloved new additions to the crew? Robert Buckley.
Buckley took on the role of sports agent Clay Evans, who played the love interest of Quinn James and the best friend of Nathan Scott. While he may have only been on the show for a few seasons, his presence in the OTH universe was memorable, largely due to Buckley's talented performance (via TV Guide). But what has Buckley been up to since his days in Tree Hill? Let's take a closer look.
Robert Buckley reunited with One Tree Hill costars on The Christmas Contract
Much to the delight of "One Tree Hill" fans, many cast members from the CW drama have reunited in Christmas movies. From "The Holiday Fix-Up" to "A Christmas Wish," these festive films have been the perfect way for OTH fans to witness their favorite actors join forces again on-screen. Robert Buckley, who had a leading role in "The Christmas Contract," has been one of many "One Tree Hill" alumni to partake in the holiday fun. "The Christmas Contract" also features Tree Hill natives, Hilarie Burton, Danneel Ackles, Antwon Tanner, Tyler Hilton, and Elisabeth Harnois.
This Lifetime movie follows the recently single Jolie (Burton), who fears running into her ex-boyfriend when she returns home for Christmas. To alleviate the awkwardness, she and her friend's brother Jack (Buckley) agree to "fake date" until the holidays are over (via Lifetime).
Even though Burton and Buckley did not have overlapping roles on "One Tree Hill," the two have become close friends over the years. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, the Virginia-native revealed how "The Christmas Contract" came to be, as well as the surprising reason she agreed to do Christmas movies. "Robert Buckley and I had been trying to do a Christmas movie together for five years," Burton shared. While there were a few hiccups along the way, it worked out for the best, because more of their OTH castmates were able to get involved.
The One Tree Hill alum had a leading role on another CW series
Aside from his leading roles in "The Christmas Contract" and "The Christmas House," Robert Buckley found major success starring in the CW show "iZombie." This series follows Liv Moore, a recently-turned zombie who applies for a job at a coroner's office as a way to discreetly munch on human brains. But there's a catch. Liz absorbs the memories of the brains that she eats, which allows her to assist with the murder cases of the corpses she consumes (as noted by the Hollywood Reporter).
For five seasons, Buckley played Major Lilywhite, an environmental engineer. Previously engaged to Liz, the former college football star is still in love with his ex-fiancee but does his best to bury his feelings so that the two can remain friends.
The CW veteran has also starred on several other TV series including "Chesapeake Shores", "666 Park Avenue", and "Lipstick Jungle" (via IMDb). When he's not taking on his latest project with Hallmark, the actor is spending time at home with his wife, Jenny Wade, and their son (via Hollywood Mask).