Hilarie Burton is a well-known American actress, television host, author, and producer who rose to fame in the early 2000s. Best remembered for her iconic role as Peyton Sawyer on the hit TV series One Tree Hill, Burton has built a long and successful career in Hollywood. Over the years, she has expanded her influence beyond acting into writing, producing, and activism, earning both financial success and public admiration.
This article explores Hilarie Burton’s net worth, who she is, her age, personal background, family life, father, siblings, marriage, relationships, and children in detail.
Who Is Hilarie Burton?
Hilarie Ros Burton, professionally known as Hilarie Burton Morgan, is an American actress and former MTV host. She first gained national attention as a VJ on MTV’s popular show Total Request Live (TRL). Her friendly personality and on-screen confidence made her a fan favorite, which soon opened doors to acting roles.
Her breakthrough came in 2003 when she was cast as Peyton Sawyer on the teen drama series One Tree Hill. The show became a cultural phenomenon and turned Burton into a household name. Her portrayal of Peyton, a complex and emotionally driven character, received praise from critics and audiences alike.
After leaving One Tree Hill, Burton continued to build her acting career with roles in several television shows and films, proving her versatility and long-lasting presence in the entertainment industry.
Hilarie Burton Age and Early Life
Hilarie Burton was born on July 1, 1982, in Sterling, Virginia, United States. As of 2026, she is 43 years old.
She grew up in a close-knit family and was raised in a supportive environment that encouraged creativity and independence. Burton attended Park View High School in Virginia, where she participated in student government and extracurricular activities. Later, she enrolled at Fordham University in New York City, where she studied communications and media.
Her journey into television began unexpectedly. She was invited to be a guest on MTV’s Total Request Live, and her performance impressed producers so much that she was hired as a permanent host. This opportunity marked the beginning of her entertainment career.
Career Journey and Achievements
MTV and Early Fame
Burton’s first major role was as a host on MTV’s TRL. She interviewed celebrities, presented music videos, and connected with a young audience during the peak of MTV’s popularity. Her time at MTV gave her national exposure and media training that would later help her in acting.
One Tree Hill
In 2003, she joined the cast of One Tree Hill. The show ran for nine seasons and became one of the most successful teen dramas of its era. Burton starred for six seasons and was one of the core cast members. Her character, Peyton Sawyer, became one of the most beloved figures on the show.
Other TV and Film Roles
After leaving One Tree Hill, Hilarie Burton appeared in several popular television series:
- White Collar as Sara Ellis
- Grey’s Anatomy
- Lethal Weapon
- Forever
- Council of Dads
She also acted in movies such as:
- Our Very Own
- Solstice
- The List
Author and Producer
Burton later expanded into writing and published her memoir “The Rural Diaries: Love, Livestock, and Big Life Lessons Down on Mischief Farm.” The book became well-received and reflected her life away from Hollywood, focusing on family, farming, and personal growth.
She has also worked as a producer and advocate for women in the entertainment industry.
Hilarie Burton Net Worth
Hilarie Burton’s estimated net worth is between $5 million and $8 million as of recent reports. Some sources also state that her combined net worth with her husband Jeffrey Dean Morgan is around $10 million.
Sources of Income
Her wealth comes from several streams:
- Television acting roles
- Film appearances
- Hosting jobs
- Book sales
- Producing projects
- Brand partnerships and appearances
Her most profitable years were during her time on One Tree Hill and later through consistent TV work on shows like White Collar and Lethal Weapon. Additionally, her memoir and public speaking engagements have added to her income.
Unlike many celebrities, Burton has chosen a quieter lifestyle, investing in family life and farming rather than luxury excess.
Hilarie Burton Family Background
Hilarie Burton comes from a supportive and loving family. Her upbringing played a major role in shaping her grounded personality.
Father
Her father is James William “Bill” Burton, a former U.S. Army veteran. His military background influenced Burton’s values of discipline, resilience, and independence. She has spoken about her father with pride in interviews, describing him as a strong role model.
Mother
Her mother, Lisa Kay Burton, worked as a real estate agent. She was actively involved in raising the family and supporting Hilarie’s early ambitions.
Family Values
Burton often credits her parents for teaching her the importance of hard work, humility, and family loyalty. These values later influenced her decision to step back from Hollywood’s spotlight and focus more on personal life.
Brothers and Sisters (Siblings)
Hilarie Burton is the eldest of four children in her family. She has three younger brothers. She does not have any sisters.
Growing up as the oldest sibling helped shape her sense of responsibility and leadership. She has described herself as protective and nurturing toward her brothers. Though her siblings live private lives away from media attention, Burton occasionally shares stories and photos that reflect a strong family bond.
Relationships and Love Life
Before her marriage, Hilarie Burton was linked to a few people in the entertainment industry. One of her early known relationships was with Ian Prange, an assistant director on One Tree Hill. Their relationship was relatively private and did not last long.
However, her most significant and life-changing relationship began in 2009 when she met actor Jeffrey Dean Morgan.
Married To: Jeffrey Dean Morgan
Hilarie Burton is married to Jeffrey Dean Morgan, a famous American actor known for his roles in:
- The Walking Dead
- Supernatural
- Grey’s Anatomy
- Watchmen
The couple met in 2009 through mutual friends and quickly formed a deep connection. Unlike many Hollywood couples, they chose to live away from Los Angeles, settling on a farm in upstate New York.
Although they were together for nearly a decade, they officially married on October 5, 2019, in a private ceremony attended by close family and friends.
Their relationship is admired for its stability, mutual respect, and strong family focus. They often speak openly about supporting each other’s careers and prioritizing their children.
Hilarie Burton Kids
Hilarie Burton and Jeffrey Dean Morgan have two children.
Son: Augustus “Gus” Morgan
- Born in 2010
- Their first child
- Burton has described Gus as curious, creative, and deeply connected to nature
Daughter: George Virginia Morgan
- Born in 2018
- Their second child
- Named after family members, reflecting the couple’s appreciation for heritage
The family lives on a farm where they raise animals and grow food. Burton frequently shares how motherhood changed her perspective on life and career. She often chooses projects that allow her to spend more time with her children.
Life on the Farm and Personal Philosophy
One of the most unique aspects of Hilarie Burton’s life is her decision to move away from Hollywood and settle on a farm. She and her husband run Mischief Farm, where they focus on sustainable living, animal care, and community involvement.
Her memoir highlights this transition from celebrity life to rural simplicity. She believes that happiness comes from family, purpose, and meaningful work rather than fame alone.
Burton is also outspoken about women’s rights, workplace respect, and personal empowerment, using her platform to advocate for positive change.
Public Image and Legacy
Hilarie Burton is admired not only for her acting but also for her honesty and courage in speaking about difficult topics, including challenges in the entertainment industry. She represents a generation of actresses who matured with their audience and successfully reinvented themselves.
Her legacy includes:
- A successful TV career
- A respected memoir
- A strong family-centered lifestyle
- Advocacy for safer work environments in Hollywood
Final Thoughts
Hilarie Burton’s journey from an MTV host to a respected actress, author, and mother shows her versatility and strength. With an estimated net worth of millions, she has achieved financial success while maintaining a grounded and meaningful life. Her story proves that fame does not have to define one’s identity and that personal happiness can be found beyond the spotlight.
At angliatimes, we celebrate inspiring stories like Hilarie Burton’s because they show how talent, family values, and determination can shape a successful and fulfilling life. From her early MTV days to her current life on a peaceful farm with her husband and children, Burton’s life continues to inspire fans worldwide.
Through this detailed look at Hilarie Burton net worth, age, family, father, siblings, marriage, and kids, readers of angliatimes can better understand the woman behind the fame and appreciate the balance she has achieved between career and personal happiness.
