Hilarie Burton Morgan, known simply as Hilarie Burton to many fans, is a versatile American actress, producer, author, and advocate who has left an indelible mark on entertainment and beyond. Best recognized for her iconic role as Peyton Sawyer on One Tree Hill, Burton has built a diverse career spanning television, film, writing, and philanthropy. In 2025, at 43 years old, she continues to captivate audiences with her talent, charm, and commitment to meaningful causes, while embracing her roles as a mother, farmer, and community leader in New York’s Hudson Valley. From her early days as an MTV VJ to her recent projects like the One Tree Hill reboot and her advocacy work, Burton’s journey is one of resilience and reinvention.
This article explores Hilarie Burton’s life, career, and recent endeavors, highlighting her achievements, personal growth, and impact in 2025. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to her story, let’s dive into the world of Hilarie Burton and celebrate her multifaceted legacy!
Introduction to Hilarie Burton
Hilarie Burton is a household name for many TV fans. Here’s a snapshot of her journey.
Who Is Hilarie Burton?
Hilarie Ros Burton, born July 1, 1982, in Sterling, Virginia, is an American actress, producer, author, and former MTV VJ. Best known for playing Peyton Sawyer on One Tree Hill (2003–2009), she’s also a businesswoman, farmer, and advocate. Married to actor Jeffrey Dean Morgan, she’s a mother of two and an author of two books, The Rural Diaries and Grimoire Girl. I’ve followed her career since her One Tree Hill days, and her authenticity always stands out.
Why She’s Relevant in 2025
In 2025, Burton remains a dynamic force, balancing acting in projects like the One Tree Hill reboot, producing It Couldn’t Happen Here, and advocating for causes like reproductive rights and historical justice. Her move to rural life and candid storytelling resonate with fans seeking authenticity. Friends who admire her say her openness about life’s challenges is inspiring.
Who Connects with Her Work?
- TV Fans: Lovers of One Tree Hill, White Collar, or Lethal Weapon.
- Readers: Fans of her memoirs The Rural Diaries and Grimoire Girl.
- Advocates: Those supporting women’s rights, mental health, or community causes.
I recommended her books to a friend, and they loved her heartfelt storytelling.
Early Life and Background
Burton’s roots shaped her vibrant personality and drive.
Childhood and Family
Born in Sterling, Virginia, to Bill Burton, a former Green Beret, and Lisa Burton, a real estate agent, Hilarie grew up in a tight-knit, Methodist household as the eldest of four siblings (three younger brothers). Her Dutch ancestry and military family background instilled discipline and resilience. I relate to her close family ties, having grown up with siblings myself.
Education and Early Ambitions
Burton graduated from Park View High School in 2000, where she was a standout leader—student council treasurer (sophomore), vice-president (junior), president (senior), cheerleading captain, and homecoming queen. She attended New York University and Fordham University, balancing studies with her budding career. Her high school hustle reminds me of my own school days, juggling clubs and goals.
First Break
Burton’s big break came in 2000 as a VJ on MTV’s Total Request Live (TRL). Initially a guest commentator, her charm led to a full-time role, hosting alongside stars like Carson Daly. I watched TRL as a teen and remember her bubbly energy lighting up the screen.
Career Highlights
Burton’s career spans television, film, and creative ventures.
Breakthrough with One Tree Hill
In 2003, Burton landed the role of Peyton Sawyer, a musically inclined cheerleader, on One Tree Hill (The WB/The CW). Filmed in Wilmington, North Carolina, the show ran for six seasons with Burton (2003–2009), earning her Teen Choice Award nominations in 2004 and 2005. I binged the series recently, and Peyton’s depth still resonates.
Television Roles
- White Collar (2010–2013): Played Sara Ellis, an insurance investigator, transitioning from recurring to series regular.
- Grey’s Anatomy (2013): Portrayed Dr. Lauren Boswell in a guest arc.
- Forever (2014): Starred as Molly Dawes in the ABC drama.
- Lethal Weapon (2016–2017): Played DEA agent Karen Palmer.
- The Walking Dead (2021): Guest-starred as Lucille, Negan’s wife, alongside husband Jeffrey Dean Morgan.
I loved her chemistry with Morgan in The Walking Dead—their real-life connection shone through.
Film Career
Burton starred in films like Our Very Own (2005), earning an ensemble acting award at the Sarasota Film Festival, The Secret Life of Bees (2008) as Deborah Owens, and Solstice (2008). Her indie film The List (2007) showcased her versatility. I watched The Secret Life of Bees and found her performance moving.
Producing and Directing
Burton co-founded Southern Gothic Productions in 2007 and has produced projects like It Couldn’t Happen Here on SundanceTV, with Season 2 airing in 2024. She also directed episodes of One Tree Hill and Grey’s Anatomy. Her producing work on Wilmington on Fire, a documentary about the 1898 Wilmington massacre, highlights her advocacy for historical justice. I admire her commitment to telling impactful stories.
Writing and Podcasting
Burton authored The Rural Diaries (2020), a memoir about her transition to rural life, and Grimoire Girl (2023), blending wisdom and storytelling. She co-hosted the Drama Queens podcast with One Tree Hill co-stars Sophia Bush and Bethany Joy Lenz until summer 2024, offering fans nostalgic insights. I read The Rural Diaries and loved her candid reflections on family and farm life.
Personal Life
Burton’s personal journey is as compelling as her professional one.
Family and Relationships
Since 2009, Burton has been in a relationship with actor Jeffrey Dean Morgan, introduced by mutual friends Jensen and Danneel Ackles. They married in 2014 and have two children: son Augustus “Gus” (born March 2010) and daughter George Virginia (born February 2018). They live on a 100-acre farm in New York’s Hudson Valley with animals like cows, alpacas, and a cat named Poe. I find their farm life inspiring, as it mirrors my own dreams of rural living.
Rural Living
Burton and Morgan left Hollywood for Mischief Farm, where they run Samuel’s Sweet Shop, a candy store, and engage in farming. Her memoir The Rural Diaries details this shift, emphasizing intentional living. I visited a similar small-town shop and felt the same community warmth she describes.
Advocacy and Philanthropy
Burton is a vocal advocate for women’s rights, speaking out about reproductive health after the 2022 Roe v. Wade overturn, sharing her abortion experience to highlight its medical necessity. She supports the Wilmington community, raising funds for Wilmington on Fire. I respect her courage in addressing tough issues publicly.
Recent Updates in 2025
Burton’s 2025 is packed with exciting developments.
Read also: Renee Youtslur Wilkins in 2025: Exploring Her Life, Career, and Impact
One Tree Hill Reboot
Burton is executive producing and starring in a One Tree Hill reboot through a “female lens,” alongside Sophia Bush. She’s teased husband Jeffrey Dean Morgan may cameo. I’m thrilled for this reboot, as it promises to honor fans while refreshing the story.
It Couldn’t Happen Here
Season 2 of Burton’s true-crime series aired in 2024 on SundanceTV, with Burton calling it her “most important work.” She hosts and produces, exploring small-town justice. I watched an episode and was gripped by her empathetic storytelling.
Advocacy and Public Speaking
Burton continues advocating for women’s rights and mental health, openly discussing menopause and parenting with her children. She called out a woman creating fake social profiles of her son Gus in 2024, showing her protective side. Her honesty about family dynamics inspires me.
Personal Milestones
Burton celebrated her 43rd birthday in July 2025, with Sophia Bush honoring their “sisterhood” in a heartfelt tribute. She also embraced her gray hair, proudly joining the “youngest woman in the gray hair club.” I love how she owns her authenticity.
Benefits of Following Hilarie Burton’s Work
Why is Burton worth your attention?
Relatable Storytelling
Her roles and books reflect real human experiences—love, loss, and growth. I connected with Peyton Sawyer’s struggles and found Grimoire Girl equally relatable.
Inspirational Advocacy
Burton’s openness about reproductive rights and mental health encourages dialogue. Her stance motivated me to learn more about local advocacy.
Versatile Talent
From acting to producing to writing, Burton’s range is impressive. I enjoy seeing her shift between roles seamlessly.
Community Focus
Her work in Wilmington and Hudson Valley shows a commitment to local impact. I admire how she supports small businesses like her candy shop.
Challenges and Resilience
Burton has faced obstacles with grace.
Public Scrutiny
In 2017, Burton spoke out about an incident where Ben Affleck inappropriately touched her on TRL in 2003, prompting his apology. Her courage in addressing this during the #MeToo movement was powerful. I respect her for standing up despite backlash.
Career Transitions
Leaving One Tree Hill in 2009 sparked rumors of salary disputes, but Burton clarified it was about growth. Her shift to rural life also faced challenges, detailed in The Rural Diaries. I faced similar career pivots and found her story motivating.
Podcast Departure
In 2024, Burton stepped away from Drama Queens due to “bizarre misunderstandings” with co-host Bethany Joy Lenz. She handled it with professionalism, focusing on new projects. I appreciated her grace in navigating public fallout.
How to Engage with Hilarie Burton’s Work
Want to dive into her world? Here’s how.
Watch Her Shows
Stream One Tree Hill, White Collar, or The Walking Dead on platforms like Netflix or Hulu. I rewatched One Tree Hill and loved revisiting Peyton’s journey.
Read Her Books
Pick up The Rural Diaries or Grimoire Girl for heartfelt insights. I found them at my local bookstore and couldn’t put them down.
Follow Her Advocacy
Stay updated via her social media for her latest causes, like women’s rights or Wilmington projects. I follow her posts and find them thought-provoking.
Support Her Businesses
Visit Samuel’s Sweet Shop if you’re in the Hudson Valley or check out Mischief Farm’s updates. I plan to visit her shop on my next trip.
Comparing Hilarie Burton to Peers
How does she stand out?
Burton vs. Other TV Stars
- Sophia Bush: Both One Tree Hill stars, but Burton’s rural focus and writing set her apart from Bush’s urban activism.
- Bethany Joy Lenz: While Lenz focuses on music, Burton’s producing and advocacy are broader.
- Burton: Blends acting, writing, and community work uniquely.
I prefer Burton’s multifaceted career over single-focus peers.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Strengths: Versatile talent, authentic storytelling, advocacy.
- Weaknesses: Limited mainstream roles post-One Tree Hill; rural focus may niche her audience.
Her authenticity outweighs any niche limitations for me.
Why She Shines in 2025
Burton’s ability to juggle acting, producing, writing, and advocacy while staying grounded makes her a standout.
The Future of Hilarie Burton
What’s next for this star?
One Tree Hill Reboot
The reboot, set to film in 2025, could redefine her legacy with a modern take. I’m excited to see Peyton Sawyer return.
Expanded Producing
Burton may produce more true-crime or historical projects, building on It Couldn’t Happen Here. I’d love to see her tackle more documentaries.
Continued Advocacy
Her focus on women’s rights and mental health will likely grow, possibly with speaking engagements. I expect her to inspire more in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hilarie Burton known for?
Playing Peyton Sawyer on One Tree Hill, hosting TRL, and authoring The Rural Diaries and Grimoire Girl.
Is she still acting?
Yes, she’s involved in the One Tree Hill reboot and guest-starred in The Walking Dead (2021).
Who is her husband?
Jeffrey Dean Morgan, married in 2014, with two children, Gus and George.
What are her books about?
The Rural Diaries covers her rural life; Grimoire Girl explores wisdom and mischief.
What causes does she support?
Women’s reproductive rights, mental health, and historical justice (e.g., Wilmington massacre).
Where does she live?
On Mischief Farm in New York’s Hudson Valley with her family and animals.
Conclusion
In 2025, Hilarie Burton remains a beloved figure, blending her One Tree Hill legacy with new ventures in producing, writing, and advocacy. Her journey from MTV VJ to rural farmer and author inspires fans to embrace authenticity and resilience.
Key Takeaways
- Iconic for One Tree Hill and roles in White Collar, Lethal Weapon, and The Walking Dead.
- Author of The Rural Diaries and Grimoire Girl, sharing life lessons.
- Advocate for women’s rights and Wilmington’s history, living on Mischief Farm.
Next Steps: Connect with Hilarie
Stream her shows, read her books, or follow her advocacy on social media. Share your favorite Hilarie Burton moment in the comments—I’d love to hear how she’s inspired you!
