Sophia Bush is an American actress, activist, and entrepreneur who rose to fame playing Brooke Davis on the hit television series One Tree Hill. In 2024, she publicly came out as queer and confirmed her relationship with former U.S. Women’s National Team soccer star Ashlyn Harris, marking a significant new chapter in her personal and public life.
Born in Pasadena, California, on July 8, 1982, Bush built a career that spans over two decades. Beyond acting, she has become a prominent voice for progressive causes, co-founding the nonprofit voting initiative I Am a Voter and using her platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, women’s health, and political engagement.
Her professional life has evolved from teen drama stardom to leading roles in network television, podcasting, producing, and even venture capital. This article provides a comprehensive look at her biography, career highlights, relationship with Ashlyn Harris, net worth, and current activities.
Who is Sophia Bush?
Known For
Brooke Davis in One Tree Hill
Relationship
In a relationship with Ashlyn Harris (as of 2024)
Net Worth
Estimated $11 million–$15 million
Activism
Co-founder of I Am a Voter
Key Insights at a Glance
- Sophia Bush came out as queer in 2024 and is in a relationship with former professional soccer player Ashlyn Harris.
- Her career spans television (One Tree Hill, Chicago P.D., Good Sam) and film (John Tucker Must Die, The Hitcher).
- She is an outspoken activist for voting rights, LGBTQ+ equality, and women’s health.
- She hosts the podcast Work in Progress and produces content through her production company.
- Bush has diversified her income beyond acting into podcasting, directing, producing, and serving as a GP at a VC fund.
- She learned to negotiate better pay and build wealth through multiple income streams after realizing One Tree Hill paychecks “weren’t what you think.”
Snapshot Facts
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sophia Anna Bush |
| Birthdate | July 8, 1982 (age 42 in 2024) |
| Birthplace | Pasadena, California, USA |
| Height | 5 ft 4 in (1.63 m) |
| Years Active | 2001–present |
| Spouse | Chad Michael Murray (m. 2005; div. 2006) |
| Partner | Ashlyn Harris (since 2024) |
| Children | None |
| Education | University of Southern California (BA) |
| Notable Roles | Brooke Davis (One Tree Hill), Erin Lindsay (Chicago P.D.) |
What are Sophia Bush’s most famous movies and TV shows?
Sophia Bush’s breakout role came in 2003 when she was cast as Brooke Davis on the WB/CW drama One Tree Hill. She played the character for all nine seasons until the series ended in 2012. During her time on the show, she also directed three episodes, including the penultimate episode of season 9.
After One Tree Hill, Bush took on a major primetime role as Detective Erin Lindsay on NBC’s Chicago P.D. from 2014 to 2017. She also starred in the CBS medical drama Good Sam in 2022.
Film and Voice Work
Bush has appeared in several films, including the teen comedy John Tucker Must Die (2006) and the horror remake The Hitcher (2007). She has also done voice work in animation, though specific voice roles are not extensively documented in the available sources.
A 2025 interview description notes that Bush has expanded beyond acting into podcasting, directing, producing, and serving as a general partner at a venture capital fund. This diversification has been a key part of how she has built her income beyond traditional acting salaries.
Is Sophia Bush married to Ashlyn Harris?
Sophia Bush is in a relationship with Ashlyn Harris, a two-time World Cup winner and former goalkeeper for the U.S. Women’s National Team. The relationship became public in 2024, when Bush confirmed it and came out as queer in a personal essay published by Glamour.
Bush had previously been married to One Tree Hill co-star Chad Michael Murray from 2005 to 2006. She later married Grant Hughes in 2022 and filed for divorce in 2023. Harris had separated from her wife, fellow soccer star Ali Krieger, around the same time.
Who is Ashlyn Harris?
Ashlyn Harris is a retired professional soccer player who won two FIFA Women’s World Cups with the U.S. national team. In interviews, she has spoken openly about her relationship with Bush, calling her “the best thing” in her life. Harris has also discussed the financial realities of women’s professional soccer, noting that players “never made enough money” to take a break in retirement.
Does Sophia Bush have any children?
According to available sources, Sophia Bush does not have any biological children. Future plans regarding children have not been publicly discussed.
While Bush and Harris are in a confirmed relationship, there has been no public confirmation of a marriage certificate. Whether they are legally married remains unclear based on available information.
What is Sophia Bush’s net worth?
Estimates of Sophia Bush’s net worth vary by source. A People post citing a 2024 estimate places her net worth between $11 million and $15 million. Other sources have suggested a range of $8 million to $10 million, but the higher figure appears to be the most recent publicly available estimate.
Bush has built her wealth through multiple income streams. In addition to her acting work on One Tree Hill and Chicago P.D., she has earned income from podcasting, directing, producing, and serving as a general partner at a venture capital fund. She has spoken about learning to negotiate better pay and building wealth through these diversified sources.
Regarding her One Tree Hill salary specifically, Bush has said in a 2025 interview that the paychecks “weren’t what you think,” and that residuals in the streaming era have changed actor income. An exact salary figure for the show has not been verified from the available sources.
What is Sophia Bush doing now?
Sophia Bush remains active across multiple fronts. She continues to host her podcast Work in Progress, which features conversations with activists, changemakers, and cultural figures. She also develops content through her production company.
Activism and Advocacy
Bush co-founded the nonprofit I Am a Voter, which focuses on civic engagement and voter participation. She has been a vocal advocate for voting rights, LGBTQ+ equality, women’s reproductive rights, and environmental awareness. She has worked with organizations including Time’s Up and Planned Parenthood, and appeared at the Women’s March in 2018.
In November 2024, she signed an exclusive partnership with Washington Speakers Bureau focused on economic growth, women’s empowerment, and community engagement.
Social Media Presence
Bush maintains an active presence on social media. Her Instagram handle is @sophiabush, where she has over 5 million followers as of 2024. She is also on TikTok at @sophiabush, with over 1.1 million followers and 19.9 million likes as of late 2024.
Timeline of Key Events in Sophia Bush’s Life
- 1982: Born in Pasadena, California.
- 2003–2012: Stars as Brooke Davis in One Tree Hill.
- 2005: Marries Chad Michael Murray; divorce finalized in 2006.
- 2014–2017: Stars as Erin Lindsay in Chicago P.D..
- 2020: Launches podcast Work in Progress.
- 2022: Stars in CBS medical drama Good Sam.
- 2024: Comes out as queer and confirms relationship with Ashlyn Harris.
What is confirmed and what remains unclear about Sophia Bush’s personal life?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Sophia Bush is in a relationship with Ashlyn Harris (confirmed via multiple interviews and social media). | Whether she and Ashlyn Harris are legally married (no public confirmation of a marriage certificate). |
| She was previously married to Chad Michael Murray from 2005 to 2006. | Future plans for children (not publicly discussed). |
| She does not have any biological children. | Exact net worth figures vary by source; estimates range from $11M to $15M. |
Why did Sophia Bush’s coming out matter?
In April 2024, Bush published a personal essay in Glamour publicly identifying as queer and revealing her relationship with Ashlyn Harris. The essay highlighted her journey of self-discovery and received widespread support from fans and fellow celebrities.
Bush’s activism has been a major part of her public identity for years. She co-founded the nonprofit I Am a Voter and has been a vocal advocate for voting rights, LGBTQ+ equality, and women’s reproductive rights. She also uses her platform to promote civic engagement and progressive causes.
After One Tree Hill, Bush transitioned from teen drama to leading roles in network TV and launched a successful podcast and production company. This career reinvention has allowed her to remain relevant in the entertainment industry while pursuing her advocacy work.
What do the sources say about Sophia Bush?
“I’m finally able to live my truth, and it feels like the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”
— Sophia Bush, Glamour personal essay, April 2024
“Sophia Anna Bush is an American actress and activist.”
— Wikipedia, Sophia Bush page
“She is best known for her role as Brooke Davis on One Tree Hill (2003-2012).”
— People.com, Sophia Bush profile
What is the bottom line on Sophia Bush?
Sophia Bush is a multifaceted actress, activist, and entrepreneur whose career has evolved significantly since her breakout role on One Tree Hill. In 2024, she publicly came out as queer and confirmed her relationship with former soccer star Ashlyn Harris. She continues to work in entertainment through podcasting and production while maintaining a strong commitment to activism, particularly around voting rights and LGBTQ+ equality. For similar biographical profiles, see Ginnifer Goodwin – Biography, Husband, and 2025 Updates and Adelaide Kane – Age, Biography, Reign Roles and 2026 Updates.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sophia Bush
How tall is Sophia Bush?
Sophia Bush is 5 feet 4 inches (1.63 m) tall.
What is Sophia Bush’s Instagram handle?
Her Instagram handle is @sophiabush. She has over 5 million followers as of 2024.
Did Sophia Bush date anyone else from One Tree Hill?
She dated and later married co-star Chad Michael Murray, but they divorced in 2006. No other confirmed relationships with cast members.
What awards has Sophia Bush won?
She has won several Teen Choice Awards for One Tree Hill and was nominated for a People’s Choice Award. She also received the Vanguard Award from GLAAD in 2024.
Is Sophia Bush on TikTok?
Yes, her TikTok handle is @sophiabush, with over 1.1 million followers and 19.9 million likes as of late 2024.
What is Sophia Bush’s birth name?
Her full birth name is Sophia Anna Bush.
Where did Sophia Bush go to college?
She attended the University of Southern California, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree.
What is I Am a Voter?
I Am a Voter is a nonprofit organization co-founded by Sophia Bush that focuses on civic engagement and voter participation.
How many seasons of One Tree Hill was Sophia Bush in?
She appeared in all nine seasons of One Tree Hill, from 2003 to 2012.
Did Sophia Bush direct any episodes of One Tree Hill?
Yes, she directed three episodes of the series, including the penultimate episode of season 9.
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