Chad Michael Murray recalls life-threatening illness at age 15: “I was on my deathbed”

Chad Michael Murray reflects on his two-month hospitalization at 15 after suffering internal bleeding and nearly dying

Actor Chad Michael Murray is opening up about a harrowing health crisis he experienced as a teenager, revealing that a two-and-a-half-month hospital stay at age 15 nearly took his life.

During a recent appearance on the Great Company podcast (August 8), the 43-year-old actor shared that his medical emergency began when his intestines twisted unexpectedly. “I was 15, and my intestines had twisted,” Murray explained. “I was hospitalized for two and a half months. It was a lot.”

The situation quickly turned life-threatening. Murray suffered internal bleeding, resulting in the loss of 50 percent of his blood. “I was on my deathbed,” he said, adding that his memories of the ordeal are limited due to being “in and out of consciousness.” He vividly recalled seeing his father and a priest at his bedside while a nurse administered a life-saving blood transfusion.

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Jamie Laing (@jamielaing)

Doctors performed multiple surgeries during his hospitalization, including one to stop the internal bleeding and another to clean out coagulated blood around his organs. “My organs shut down because you have blood all coagulated around them,” Murray said.

While the experience was physically and emotionally traumatic, it also became a turning point in his life. Two nurses who cared for him, Sandy and Alana, played a pivotal role in inspiring his future career. Alana suggested he try modeling, which eventually led to acting. “I love film and television,” Murray recalled telling her. “I want to give this gift to other people.”

Upon discharge, Murray had lost over 60 pounds and struggled with his appearance, remembering the shock of seeing his frail reflection for the first time. “I cried. I couldn’t believe that I was looking back at that guy,” he said.

The experience also deepened his faith and strengthened his relationship with his father, who visited him daily despite raising five children alone. “That’s when our relationship really bonded,” Murray reflected.