Did you hear? After six years of angst, heartache, and more angst, Hilarie Burton will make her final appearance as Lucas-lovin’ music mogul Peyton Sawyer on Monday’s season finale of One Tree Hill. (Her leading man, Chad Michael Murray, will bid farewell in the same episode.) On the eve of her swan song, the onetime TRL hostess is setting the record straight about the reason behind her departure, the "hurtful" rumors that precipitated it, and a certain video that left many of her fans going, "Whatchoo talkin’ ’bout, Ms. Hilarie?" (Warning: Potential spoilers about Monday’s finale below.)
There are a lot of rumors flying about why you’re leaving. What’s the truth?
HILARIE BURTON: There really wasn’t a lot of turmoil. It was a fabulous six-year run, which is how long my contract was for, and I feel really lucky to have been a part of the show. So when I hear that there’s turmoil or negotiations based on money it kind of hurts my feelings, because it’s not what’s been going on at all. I think my fan base in particular knows that money isn’t necessarily a big motivator for me, that’s why I work in the world of independent film.
How long have you known that you were leaving?
BURTON: I’ve known for a little while. For me, it was definitely an
emotional decision. And a professional decision as well. I got really,
really lucky. One Tree Hill was my very first television audition; it
was a fairytale. I feel really lucky to have that level of success
right out of the gate.
Just so I’m clear, it was your decision to leave, not the other way around?
BURTON: I think everyone was kind of agreeable about the situation.
There were a lot of really wonderful conversations. It wasn’t a rash
decision; a lot of thought, emotion, and kindness was put into it. I
would hope that that’s the story that gets out — that it was a bunch
of adults being good to each other and being kind about the
decision-making process.
Did The Powers That Be make a concerted effort to get you to re-sign?
BURTON: The conversations that they had with me were very compassionate
and very sweet. They told me that they valued me, and that meant a lot.
And they also wanted me to be happy and challenged and excited. There
was some confusion for a little bit as to what was going on, but
I think everybody’s in a good place now.
Talk to me about the video message you made for your fans back in
February. It seemed like you were maybe saying good-bye. What
point were you trying to get across?
BURTON: The purpose of that video was to dispel the rumors that were
being circulated. I was on your end of it for a very long time when I
worked at MTV, and I understand how the rumor mill works. Everybody
wants a sensational story. People even back then were blaming it on
money, and [on me] being high maintenance… Those rumors were really
hurtful. Of anybody on the show, I was the one who was very excited
about doing all the extracurricular stuff — the mall tours, the radio
tours, going to the upfronts… I loved my involvement with this show,
and I really just wanted my fan base to know that I wasn’t turning my
nose up at this wonderful opportunity I’ve had for the last six years.
There’s an ugly trend where actors think they’ve surpassed the
show that made them or the film that made them and badmouth it. I will
never say a bad word about One Tree Hill. The entire shape of my
world changed because of that show, so I’ll always be very affectionate
toward it.
Have you spoken to Chad recently?
BURTON: I was in L.A. last week and we talked. Chad and I are good
friends. I won’t speak for him, but it was not a rash decision on
either of our parts. He’s very compassionate toward the show and the
fans. It’s not an easy decision, but we’ve got to be grown-ups
sometimes. [CMM's rep declined my interview request, saying, "Chad
is no longer on the show and has no comment regarding the new season."]
What was your last day on the set like?
BURTON: We wrapped together. We were the last two in the last scene,
and we opened up a tab across the street for our crew to say thank you
and cried a bunch.
Lucas and Peyton don’t really get an official sendoff next week. Is that disappointing?
BURTON: It’s like when you leave for college but you know your parents
still have your bedroom set up. You never know if you’re going to have
to come home… I got really lucky with my character; I got a
full-circle story. It was, "Lucas and Peyton: Are they going to be
together? Are they not going to be together?" And as we saw in this
week’s episode, my character got everything she ever wanted.
Might you make the occasional guest appearance?
BURTON: Never say never. They didn’t kill us. There’s nothing vengeful
about it, and I think that’s because as much as we
love them, they love us back.
What are you going to do now?
BURTON: One Tree Hill was a great learning opportunity for me, and I’m
excited to go and apply that elsewhere and see where I end up. I’m
hoping the fans support whatever my next endeavor is. I’m actually
curious what they want me to do… On the blog that I have for my
production company, we’re producing a web series that we’re going to
start shooting on Memorial Day. We’ve also got a television show that we’re
turning into a graphic novel, and we’ve got a film we’re raising money
for. I’m busy. And I’m keeping my business down in North Carolina. I’m
still going to be in the neighborhood; it’ll just be in a different
capacity.
Last question, and it’s a biggie: What happens to Peyton’s record company?
BURTON: Who knows? Maybe she’ll take it with her. I get to be a fan
of the show now, which is cool. I get to sit back and be a fan. I’m personally very
excited to see where it goes. I understand they’re introducing some new
characters… I have no doubt they will come up with something to reinvent
the show yet again.
Comments (1-30) of 205 Add your comment
As much as I love the Characters of Lucas and Peyton, they have run that story into the ground anyway. Would love to see more Brooke and Julian (They are HOT together!) and Nathan and Haley and I love Mia on the show also.
Guess we know now that Peyton won’t die in the finale next week.
Thank you for giving the interview, Hilary. My friends and I will support you in the future. Peyton was our favorite character on OTH. We will miss her terribly. Can’t wait to see what you will do next!!!
Very sad to see them go because they are the show but at least it a mutual decision – except for that nagging Chad video where he said “They don’t want me back”.
I love Hilarie and look forward to seeing what she does now.
Um, you couldn’t wait until AFTER then finale to post this, or at list give a spoiler warning at the top? Now we know she doesn’t die in the finale. Great.
I can’t say if it was there when you read it but there is a spoiler warning. And also did you really think there would be an interview where there wouldnt be spoilers?
Though Lucas and Peyton’s storyline has been stale for quite a while, Hilarie is a wonderful person, and that can be seen in this interview. Peyton was always my favorite character because she brought such heart and realism to the role of a high school student with being overly dramatic or suicidal or trending towards the silly (in the realm of teen soap operas, of course). Hilarie is sweet and wonderful and she will be missed by every fan. She is part of the core of the show.
I’ll miss them on the show, but sounds like they wanted to go. I wish her and CMM luck with future projects, whatever that may be. I loved how she mentions other actors getting to big for their britches. Ain’t that the truth,we all know who they are. Not sure I’ll be sticking with the show, but not really because they are leaving. Although Brooke and Julian are hot together. We’ll see.
She’s the worst actress on OTH, so glad she’s gone! And thanks for ruining the finale for us Hilarie, looks like Peyton won’t be dying.
Is she going to be a politican? Because those were some of the vaguest, side-stepping answers I’ve ever read.
It’s nice that she did the interview and that, regardless what did or did not happen behind the scenes, she is taking the high road. I wish her much future success.
Guess we know now that Peyton won’t die in the finale next week.
Im still sad to see them go
Amanda- I was thinking the exact same thing. So much for the element of surprise lol
An excellent interview…thanks Michael.
I hope her future is as positive as she might wish it to be.
Hil is truly an amazing person. Peyton was by far the best character on the show, and my favorite. I’ll miss her greatly next season, but I’m looking forward to more of her SGP blog/vlog.
Peyton has always been my favorite character. I’m going to miss you so much. Thank you for all those wonderful years you gave us. You’re an amazing person and actress.
Hilarie has just been so amazing over the past 6 years, she’s right, her fans know that its never EVER about money for her and we know that she loves the show, probably more than any of the other cast members. I wish her the best of luck in her other projects and I know her fans look forward these new projects.
I’m also happy that she can leave this show knowing that her character got everything she ever wanted and thus, so did her fans. For that, we are forever grateful.
Hilarie Burton is such an amazing person, thank you for the interview Hilarie & Michael! As for Chad’s Rep’s Comment…..typical CMM….
Thank you very much for this interview. The Hilarie haters were simply too much to handle and I’m glad that with this interview, I can finally say to them: read this, then shut up forever.
She’s the one cast member that was always, always there to promote the show, to meet the fans, to help out at the upfront, etc. She decided to challenge new projects and I think this is a very wise move.
Good luck Hilarie and you know that we’re all with you. We love you, we love Southern Gothic Productions and I cannot wait to see what’s next for you.
It’s nice how she managed to avoid actually saying why she left or who decided that she would be leaving.
It’s too bad she’s leaving, because Peyton is my favorite character and Hilarie’s a really good actress, but it would be disappointing if she were there without Lucas (in spite of my dislike of CMM). I hope she goes on to make some great movies and stuff.
She’s just amazing. I love her.
The show will never be the same without Peyton Sawyer-Scott.
this girl is truly an awesome person. she deserves nothing but the best.one tree hill will suck now but i wont be watching it anymore.
Of course she’s going to side-step the questions about why exactly she left. It wouldn’t be professional for her to discuss things that went on between her and the network.
This interview shows just how classy Hilarie Burton is. It seems that she’s avoiding saying that the network didn’t ask her back — avoiding putting any blame on them so fans won’t be upset. Perhaps she could’ve been much more explicit about what really happened behind the scenes, but it seems she really wants the fans to be happy and continue watching.
She is a class act, and I wish her nothing but great success with her production company.
As for Chad refusing to even comment on the show that’s brought him a great deal of fame and success, well… “never bite the hand that feeds you” comes to mind.
Thanks for this Mike.
Another great interview by Hilarie. She’s truly a class act. Too bad Chad couldn’t find the time to address the situation. Really speaks volumes about his character.
Thank you Hilarie for 6 years of Peyton Sawyer. You will be missed. But we look forward to all your future endeavors.
Peyton is my FAVORITE character and it’s very sad to hear about her leaving. I really really want her to stay. I don’t think the show will be good at all without her, she was the show, and lucas too. hopefully she’ll guest star in a few episodes next season with lucas and the possible baby!!
I’m so gutted, I can’t imagine OTH without Lucas and Peyton. I’ve watched every single episode, but the season 6 finale will most probably be the last one I ever see. All the best Hilarie, Peyton and Lucas TLA.
Hilarie is so classy and respectful to the show that gave her a chance.unlike some person who is turning there nose up and not being thankful.I’m going to miss peyton on the show.how is brooke going to deal without her best friend
Very admirable interview for Hilarie.
Regardless what is said here, it’s very common knowledge she WAS forced out and didn’t have much of a say in the matter, but it’s nice to see her take the high road and not slander the network (and her coworker) that got her fired from her job. She really is the classiest young actor around, and it’s such a shame since she keeps so much out of the public eye that people don’t see it. She’s the most talented actress they have, and I will definitely miss her character. She has such grace, as displayed in this interview, and it’s sad to see bad things happen to good people. She didn’t deserve to get fired.
I join the many who will be saying goodbye to One Tree Hill after this seasons finale. The show isn’t worth it without her character and I won’t support a network who doesn’t care about their viewers.
The best of luck for Hil. She’s an amazing actress and i will support her future projects because i really believe in her talent!
i really hope that CMM and Hilarie realize that them making the “thoughtful” decisions to leave the show just ruined the 7th and final season for everyone involved. it’s not going to be the same show without the two main focus points. lucas, peyton, and the love web they created. it’s really not fair to the fans. they should have just came back for reoccuring roles once in a blue moon for next season. and i hope the writers give peyton’s company to haley – that would be amazing!
Really? So because Chad didn’t respond you know so much about his character. Some of you are just something else.
If Chad were to give an interview I can bet that the same people would be ripping him apart. It’s what you all do.