Hilarie Burton – Age, Husband, Kids, Books and 2025 Updates
Hilarie Burton Morgan, known to millions as Peyton Sawyer on One Tree Hill, has built a multifaceted career that spans acting, producing, writing, and activism. In 2025, she continues to balance public projects with a private life centered on her family and a 100-acre farm in upstate New York. This article provides a comprehensive look at her biography, current endeavors, and upcoming work.
Born Hilarie Ros Burton on July 1, 1982, in Sterling, Virginia, she first gained national attention as a VJ on MTV’s Total Request Live. Her role on One Tree Hill from 2003 to 2009 made her a household name. Today, she is an author of two books, a podcast host, and a producer, while selectively returning to television.
What is Hilarie Burton doing in 2025? Current Projects and Life Now
Actress, TV Host, Producer, Author
Peyton Sawyer on One Tree Hill, MTV TRL VJ
July 1, 1982 (Sterling, Virginia)
Active — podcast host, author, actress (select projects)
Key Insights on Her 2025 Activities
- Hilarie Burton has pivoted from mainstream acting to producing, podcasting, and writing, co-hosting the Drama Queens rewatch podcast.
- She balances public life with private farm life in New York, often sharing behind-the-scenes advocacy work.
- Her 2020 memoir The Rural Diaries gives an intimate look at her decision to step back from Hollywood.
- Burton has been outspoken about on-set misconduct and has become a voice for industry reform, particularly around One Tree Hill experiences.
- In 2025, she reprised her role as Lucille Smith in The Walking Dead: Dead City.
- She moderated the 2025 Eleanor Roosevelt Banned Book Awards.
- Her family continues to reside on a 100-acre farm in Dutchess County, New York.
| Full Name | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Hilarie Ros Burton Morgan |
| Date of Birth | July 1, 1982 |
| Age (2025) | 43 years old |
| Spouse | Jeffrey Dean Morgan (m. 2019) |
| Children | 1 son (Gus, b. 2010), 1 daughter (George Virginia, b. 2018) |
| Notable Role | Peyton Sawyer, One Tree Hill (2003–2009) |
| Books | The Rural Diaries (2020), Grimoire Girl (2023) |
| Key Podcast | Drama Queens (co-host) |
In 2025, Hilarie Burton remains active in both the entertainment and literary worlds. She served as a panel moderator at the 2025 Eleanor Roosevelt Banned Book Awards, an event closely aligned with her advocacy work. She also attended the AMC Networks 2025 Upfront Event in New York City alongside her husband, Jeffrey Dean Morgan. Media outlets have highlighted her “whimsical farm lifestyle,” with gardening and fishing as recurring themes in her social media presence.
Burton is a council member on North Carolina’s Film Council and continues her work with ICHH Stories, a platform dedicated to sharing survivor narratives related to sexual misconduct in the entertainment industry.
Who is Hilarie Burton married to? Husband and Family Life
Hilarie Burton is married to actor Jeffrey Dean Morgan, best known for playing Negan on The Walking Dead. The couple was introduced by actor Jensen Ackles of Supernatural fame. They began dating in 2009 and were married in 2014, though some official records list the marriage as October 5, 2019. The discrepancy appears to stem from a ceremonial renewal.
Children and Family
Burton and Morgan have two children together: a son, Gus Morgan, born in March 2010, and a daughter, George Virginia Morgan, born in February 2018. In 2025, their son Gus was noted for shadowing his father on set. Burton is also stepmother to Morgan’s child from a previous relationship.
Where Does Hilarie Burton Live?
The family resides in Pleasant Valley, New York, on a 100-acre farm in Dutchess County. Their property, known as The Mischief Farm, features a variety of animals and has become a central theme in Burton’s writing and social media content.
Burton’s memoir The Rural Diaries: Love, Livestock, and Big Life Lessons Down on Mischief Farm (published May 5, 2020) details her decision to leave Hollywood’s fast pace for a slower, more intentional life in upstate New York. A second memoir, Grimoire Girl: A Memoir of Magic and Mischief, was published on April 25, 2023.
What movies and TV shows has Hilarie Burton been in? Full Filmography
Hilarie Burton’s most famous role is Peyton Sawyer on One Tree Hill, where she was a series regular from 2003 to 2009 (Seasons 1–6). Her performance earned her three Teen Choice Award nominations.
Television Appearances
- One Tree Hill (2003–2009) — Peyton Sawyer
- White Collar (2010) — Sara Ellis (recurring role)
- Castle (2012) — Kay Cappuccino
- Grey’s Anatomy (2013) — Dr. Lauren Boswell
- Hostages (2013) — Recurring role
- Extant (2015) — Recurring role
- The Walking Dead (Season 10) — Lucille Smith
- The Walking Dead: Dead City (2025) — Lucille Smith
- Good Sam (2022) — Gretchen Taylor
- Friday Night in with the Morgans (2021–2024) — Co-host
Film Roles
Burton made her feature film debut in 2005 with the drama Our Very Own, opposite Allison Janney and Cheryl Hines. Other film credits include Normal Adolescent Behavior, Solstice, The List, and the 2020 TV movie Dear Christmas.
What Role Did Hilarie Burton Play on Supernatural?
According to the available research, Burton guest-starred on Supernatural in 2007, playing a character named Carver Edlund. This role is often cited in fan discussions but is not among her most prominent television credits.
Was Hilarie Burton on The Walking Dead?
Yes. Burton guest-starred as Lucille Smith, Negan’s wife, during Season 10 of The Walking Dead. She reprised this role in 2025 for The Walking Dead: Dead City, appearing in the episode titled “Novi Dan, Novi Početak.” This role placed her on screen alongside her real-life husband, Jeffrey Dean Morgan.
Hilarie Burton Career & Life Timeline
- 1982 — Born in Sterling, Virginia
- 2000 — Won MTV’s TRL VJ competition; became host
- 2003 — Cast as Peyton Sawyer on One Tree Hill (6 seasons)
- 2007 — Guest role on Supernatural as Carver Edlund
- 2009 — Left One Tree Hill during season 6
- 2010 — Son Gus born; relationship with Jeffrey Dean Morgan begins
- 2019 — Married Jeffrey Dean Morgan at The Mischief Farm
- 2021 — Published memoir The Rural Diaries
- 2021 — Launched Drama Queens podcast with One Tree Hill co-stars
- 2023 — Published second memoir Grimoire Girl
- 2025 — Reprised role as Lucille Smith in The Walking Dead: Dead City
What We Know vs. What Is Uncertain
| Claim | Status | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Hilarie Burton left acting permanently | Uncertain | She stepped away from Hollywood but continues to take select roles, such as her cameo in The Walking Dead. Her main focus is podcast and farm life. |
| She is married to Jeffrey Dean Morgan | Confirmed | Married in 2014/2019; both share public appearances and family life. |
| She has a memoir | Confirmed | The Rural Diaries published by HarperCollins in 2020. |
| She is returning to One Tree Hill | Uncertain | An untitled sequel is listed on IMDb with Burton as Peyton Sawyer, but production status is unknown. |
What Does Hilarie Burton’s Career Trajectory Tell Us?
Hilarie Burton’s career reflects a broader shift in the entertainment industry toward creator-owned content and mental health advocacy. After rising to fame through MTV and teen drama, she became a key voice in conversations about on-set misconduct, particularly following her own experiences on One Tree Hill. Her pivot to writing, podcasting, and producing demonstrates a move away from traditional Hollywood structures toward independent, values-driven work.
Through her production company Southern Gothic Production (SoGoPro), founded in 2007, she has executive produced True Crime Story: It Couldn’t Happen Here (2021–2024, 20 episodes). Her advocacy work with ICHH Stories and her role on North Carolina’s Film Council further underscore her commitment to industry reform.
What Are the Key Sources for Hilarie Burton Information?
Primary sources for Hilarie Burton’s biography include her Wikipedia entry, which provides a well-cited overview of her career and personal life. The IMDb page offers a complete filmography and production credits. Her official Instagram account serves as a primary source for current events and daily life updates.
“I wanted to tell the story of finding hope and a slower pace in the middle of chaos.”
— Hilarie Burton on writing The Rural Diaries, HarperCollins interview, 2021
Additional authoritative information can be found through the All American Speakers Bureau profile and People.com for entertainment news coverage.
What’s Next for Hilarie Burton?
Looking ahead, Hilarie Burton is expected to continue her Drama Queens podcast alongside her One Tree Hill co-stars. She may develop new projects with SundanceTV and potentially release a follow-up book. While no major acting roles have been announced, her cameos in the Walking Dead franchise are confirmed for 2025. Her advocacy work, particularly through ICHH Stories, is expected to expand.
For readers interested in other actresses from the same era, consider reading Ali Larter – Biography, Net Worth and Career Highlights, who co-starred on One Tree Hill, or Katherine McNamara – Age, Husband, Movies, and TV Shows for a similar biographical overview.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hilarie Burton
What is Hilarie Burton’s net worth?
Estimates vary, but most sources place Hilarie Burton’s net worth between $1 million and $3 million as of 2025, largely from acting, podcasting, and book sales.
Why did Hilarie Burton leave One Tree Hill?
Burton left after season 6 due to reported on-set tension and desire to pursue other projects. She later spoke about the toxic work environment and has been an advocate for change.
What is Hilarie Burton’s connection to The Walking Dead?
She made a guest appearance as Lucille Smith in Season 10 and reprised the role in The Walking Dead: Dead City (2025), appearing alongside her husband Jeffrey Dean Morgan.
Does Hilarie Burton have other children besides Gus?
She is stepmother to Jeffrey Dean Morgan’s child from a previous relationship, and she has a daughter, George Virginia Morgan, born in 2018, in addition to her son Gus.
What did Hilarie Burton do on MTV TRL?
She was a VJ (video jockey) who won a contest to host the iconic daily music show Total Request Live from 2000 to 2003.
What books has Hilarie Burton written?
She has published two books: The Rural Diaries: Love, Livestock, and Big Life Lessons Down on Mischief Farm (2020) and Grimoire Girl: A Memoir of Magic and Mischief (2023).
Is Hilarie Burton still acting?
She takes select roles, such as her cameo in The Walking Dead: Dead City (2025), but her primary focus is on podcasting, writing, and producing.
Where does Hilarie Burton live?
She lives with her family on a 100-acre farm in Pleasant Valley, New York, in Dutchess County.
How old is Hilarie Burton?
She was born on July 1, 1982, making her 43 years old in 2025.
What podcast does Hilarie Burton host?
She co-hosts Drama Queens, a rewatch podcast covering One Tree Hill alongside her former co-stars.
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