Hilarie Burton is best known as Peyton Sawyer on the hit series One Tree Hill, but her career began much earlier as a host on MTV’s Total Request Live. Over the past two decades, she has evolved from a television star into an author, podcaster, and activist, all while building a quiet life with her family on a farm in New York.
Born in Virginia in 1982, Burton rose to fame during the early 2000s as a teenage host on MTV. She later transitioned to acting and landed one of the most iconic roles in teen drama history. In recent years, she has stepped back from the spotlight to focus on her family, her farm, and her advocacy work.
This article covers everything you need to know about Hilarie Burton, including her age, husband, children, career highlights, and what she is doing in 2026.
Who Is Hilarie Burton?
Full Name
Hilarie Ros Burton (also known as Hilarie Burton Morgan)
Born
July 1, 1982 (Age 43 in 2026)
Known For
Peyton Sawyer on One Tree Hill, Hosting MTV’s Total Request Live
Spouse
Jeffrey Dean Morgan (married 2019)
- Hilarie Burton transitioned from MTV host to TV star on One Tree Hill, later becoming an author, podcaster, and farm owner.
- She has been outspoken about workplace misconduct on the set of One Tree Hill, contributing to broader industry conversations about safety.
- Burton currently lives on a farm in New York with her husband, actor Jeffrey Dean Morgan, and their two children.
- Her memoir, Rural Diaries, details her move from Hollywood to farm life and her journey of healing.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Birth Name | Hilarie Ros Burton |
| Birth Date | July 1, 1982 |
| Age (2026) | 43 years old |
| Birthplace | Sterling Park, Virginia, USA |
| Spouse | Jeffrey Dean Morgan (m. 2019) |
| Children | 2 (son Gus, daughter George) |
| Notable Role | Peyton Sawyer (One Tree Hill, 2003–2012) |
| Other Key Role | Host, Total Request Live (MTV, 2000–2004) |
| Book | Rural Diaries (2020) |
| Podcast | Drama Queens (co-host) |
| Activism | Victim advocacy; I Choose Happiness stories |
| Current Residence | New York farm (The Mischief Farm) |
Who Is Hilarie Burton Married To? Does She Have Children?
Hilarie Burton is married to actor Jeffrey Dean Morgan, best known for his roles on The Walking Dead and Supernatural. The two began their relationship in 2009 and were married in a small ceremony in 2019. They had already built a life together long before the wedding, with Burton taking on her husband’s surname publicly as Hilarie Burton Morgan.
The couple has two children. Their son, Augustus “Gus” Morgan, was born in 2010, followed by a daughter, George Virginia Morgan, in 2018. The family lives on a 100-acre property in New York’s Hudson Valley, known as Mischief Farm.
Hilarie Burton and Jeffrey Dean Morgan were together for a decade before officially marrying. Their relationship began in 2009, and they welcomed their first child in 2010, yet the wedding did not take place until 2019.
How Did Hilarie Burton Meet Jeffrey Dean Morgan?
Burton and Morgan met through mutual friends in the entertainment industry. Both were established actors, and their connection quickly turned into a long-term partnership. They have collaborated professionally on occasion, including a shared appearance connected to The Walking Dead.
What Is Hilarie Burton Known For? Top Movies and TV Shows
Hilarie Burton’s career spans television, film, and digital media. Her most recognizable work remains her role as Peyton Sawyer on One Tree Hill, but she also built a following early on as a VJ for MTV.
What Role Did Hilarie Burton Play on One Tree Hill?
Burton played Peyton Sawyer, a central character on The CW’s One Tree Hill, from 2003 to 2012. Her character was a passionate artist and music lover who dealt with themes of loss, friendship, and love. The role made her a household name among teen drama fans.
Was Hilarie Burton a Host on Total Request Live?
Yes. Before her acting career took off, Burton was a VJ for MTV’s Total Request Live (TRL) from 2000 to 2004. She became one of the most recognizable faces on the channel during the early 2000s, interviewing major pop stars and hosting live segments.
What Role Did Hilarie Burton Play on Supernatural?
Burton made limited guest appearances on Supernatural during its third season. She played different characters in two episodes — a waitress and a nurse. Some sources may suggest a larger role, but her involvement was brief and did not extend beyond these cameo appearances.
What Movies Has Hilarie Burton Been In?
Burton has appeared in several films, primarily in independent and made-for-television productions. Her filmography includes titles such as The List, Our Very Own, and episodes of series like White Collar and Grey’s Anatomy. Most of her screen work occurred before she shifted focus to family and farm life.
Burton’s career spans acting, producing, podcasting, and authorship. After One Tree Hill, she stepped back from regular roles to focus on her family, her farm, and her podcast Drama Queens.
What Book Did Hilarie Burton Write?
Hilarie Burton published her memoir, Rural Diaries: Love, Livestock, and Big Life Lessons Down on Mischief Farm, on May 5, 2020. The book recounts her journey leaving Hollywood behind and building a life on a farm in New York with her family.
In Rural Diaries, Burton writes about parenting, marriage, loss, and the healing power of nature. The book offers a personal look at her decision to prioritize her family and mental health over the demands of the entertainment industry.
As of early 2026, there have been no official announcements about a second book, though Burton continues to share farm and family updates through her podcast and social media.
What Is Hilarie Burton Doing in 2026?
As of 2026, Hilarie Burton remains active in advocacy, podcasting, and farm life. She co-hosts the Drama Queens podcast alongside her One Tree Hill co-stars Sophia Bush and Bethany Joy Lenz. The podcast offers behind-the-scenes commentary on the series and has generated renewed fan interest since its launch in 2021.
Burton has not taken on major acting roles in recent years. She continues to live at Mischief Farm in the Hudson Valley, where she and her husband raise their two children. Her public profile focuses on activism, particularly around workplace safety and victim advocacy through her I Choose Happiness platform.
Future acting projects or a new book have not been confirmed, but Burton has not ruled out returning to the screen.
Published estimates of Hilarie Burton’s net worth range from $3 million to $6 million. These figures are speculative, as Burton has not made any verified financial disclosures. No reliable source provides a confirmed net worth for 2026.
Hilarie Burton: Key Life and Career Milestones
- 1982: Born on July 1 in Sterling Park, Virginia.
- 2000–2004: Host and VJ for MTV’s Total Request Live (TRL).
- 2003–2012: Stars as Peyton Sawyer on The CW’s One Tree Hill.
- 2007–2008: Guest role as recurring character on Supernatural (played various roles).
- 2019: Marries actor Jeffrey Dean Morgan in a small ceremony.
- 2020: Publishes memoir Rural Diaries.
- 2021–present: Co-hosts Drama Queens podcast with Sophia Bush and Bethany Joy Lenz.
- 2022: Publicly speaks out about alleged misconduct by One Tree Hill creator Mark Schwahn.
- 2026: Active in advocacy, running The Mischief Farm, continuing Drama Queens podcast; selective acting roles.
Clarifying Common Questions and Rumors
| Topic | Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|---|
| Birth name | Confirmed. Hilarie Ros Burton. She also uses Hilarie Burton Morgan. | None. |
| Role on Supernatural | Confirmed. She appeared in two episodes in season 3 playing different characters. | Some sources incorrectly list a larger role; it was a limited guest appearance. |
| One Tree Hill allegations | Confirmed that Burton spoke out against showrunner Mark Schwahn, alleging harassment. | Specific unverified accounts exist, but Burton’s statements are on the record. |
| Net worth 2026 | Estimates vary widely (reported $3–6 million from acting, books, podcast). | No verified financial disclosure; figures are speculative. |
| Future projects | She continues her podcast and farm work; no major acting roles announced as of early 2026. | Acting returns or new book releases are unconfirmed. |
From TRL to Tree Hill: The Evolution of a Star
Hilarie Burton became a household name as a host on Total Request Live, transitioning to acting with the iconic role of Peyton Sawyer. Her departure from One Tree Hill remains one of the most discussed behind-the-scenes stories in teen drama history.
Burton’s 2020 memoir Rural Diaries marks a clear pivot from celebrity culture to intentional, grounded living. Her activism through I Choose Happiness stories and her outspokenness about #MeToo issues have given her a distinct voice in the post-One Tree Hill era.
Co-hosting Drama Queens with other OTH leads has not only revived fan interest but created a space for frank discussion about the show’s legacy, offering original insight that no other content source provides.
Sources and Key References
“Hilarie Burton is an American actor, producer, author, former MTV VJ, and podcaster best known for Peyton Sawyer on One Tree Hill.”
“She got her first big TV break as a VJ on MTV’s Total Request Live (TRL) and later became a host on the show.”
“Between 2021 and 2024, she co-hosted Drama Queens with her One Tree Hill castmates Sophia Bush and Bethany Joy Lenz.”
Summary: Who Is Hilarie Burton in 2026?
Hilarie Burton is a former MTV host turned actress, author, podcaster, and activist. She is best known for playing Peyton Sawyer on One Tree Hill and for co-hosting the Drama Queens podcast. In 2026, she lives on a farm in New York with her husband Jeffrey Dean Morgan and their two children, focusing on family life and advocacy. For more on her personal background, read about Madelaine Petsch – Her Biography, Age, Height, and Movies in 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hilarie Burton
What is Hilarie Burton’s real name?
Hilarie Ros Burton. She also goes by Hilarie Burton Morgan after marriage.
How tall is Hilarie Burton?
She is approximately 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) tall.
Did Hilarie Burton really leave acting?
She stepped back from regular roles to focus on family, farm life, and her podcast, but has not ruled out returning.
How did Hilarie Burton meet Jeffrey Dean Morgan?
They met through mutual friends in the industry and were married in 2019.
Is Hilarie Burton on Instagram?
Yes. Her handle is @hilarieburton.
What is The Mischief Farm?
It is the name of the farm in New York where Hilarie Burton and Jeffrey Dean Morgan live with their children.
What awards has Hilarie Burton won?
She has received Teen Choice Award nominations for One Tree Hill and other fan-voted accolades. For more on similar celebrity profiles, see Kat Dennings – Actress, NBA Star, Gamer and More Explained.
Madeleine Shaw is Politics & Public Affairs Editor at NewsPrism.co.uk, covering Parliament, government policy, elections and public spending.