One Tree Hill: Hilarie Burton On Why Larry Sawyer's Actor Changed!

08 May, 2025

Did you know that the role of Larry Sawyer in "One Tree Hill" was played by two different actors? The seemingly simple casting change actually stemmed from an off-screen dynamic, a revelation that surprised many fans of the show.

Larry Sawyer, the adoptive father of Peyton Sawyer, first appeared in Season 1 portrayed by Thomas Ian Griffith. He was later replaced by Kevin Kilner in Season 3. This switcheroo left many viewers pondering the reasons behind the change. Larry was often absent due to work commitments, yet his relationship with Peyton remained a key element of the series, characterized by frequent conversations and a close bond. Hilarie Burton Morgan, the actress who played Peyton, eventually shed some light on the situation, revealing the behind-the-scenes reasons for the recast.

Category	Details
Full Name	Kevin Kilner
Date of Birth	May 3, 1958
Place of Birth	Baltimore, Maryland, USA
Education	Dulaney High School
Occupation	Actor
Known For	"One Tree Hill" (as Larry Sawyer), "Home Alone 3" (as Jack Pruitt)
Spouse	Unknown
Parents	Dorothea (kindergarten teacher), Edward Kilner (advertising sales and insurance)
Notable Roles	Larry Sawyer in "One Tree Hill", William Boone on "Earth: Final Conflict", Jack Pruitt in "Home Alone 3"
Filmography Highlights	"Final Conflict" (1997-2001), "A Cinderella Story" (2004), "One Tree Hill" (2005-2006), "The 1/2 Hour News Hour" (2007)
Years Active	1997-Present
Reference Website	IMDB

Born on May 3, 1958, in Baltimore, Maryland, Kevin Kilner is an American actor with a notable career in both television and film. His formative years were spent in Baltimore County, attending Dulaney High School. Kilner's parents, Dorothea, a kindergarten teacher, and Edward Kilner, who worked in advertising sales and insurance, provided a stable background for his upbringing. Kilner's portrayal of Larry Sawyer in "One Tree Hill" alongside Chad Michael Murray is perhaps one of his most recognizable roles, capturing the hearts of many viewers. He has also appeared in "Home Alone 3" (1997), where he played Jack Pruitt. His body of work has left a mark on the entertainment industry.

The "switcheroo" with Larry Sawyer in "One Tree Hill" undeniably caused some confusion among the audience, prompting them to question the reason behind the change in actors. This character was initially brought to life by Thomas Ian Griffith, then later taken over by Kevin Kilner. This change, occurring between seasons, was more than just a casting decision; it had a direct impact on how the narrative unfolded, particularly in relation to Peyton's character development. It's common for audiences to form attachments to actors, so a recast of a major recurring character inevitably provokes a reaction.

Before delving further into Larry Sawyer's character, it's crucial to acknowledge the actor who brought depth and authenticity to the role: Robert Wisdom. Wisdom's nuanced performance brought a different layer to the character. Though Kevin Kilner took over the role later, Wisdoms initial portrayal set the stage for the characters complexities.

The role of Larry Sawyer was originally played by Thomas Ian Griffith, an actor born on March 18, 1962, in Hartford, Connecticut. Griffith's early life was shaped by his parents: his father was a college professor and his mother a dance teacher. Griffith's journey as an actor began with training as an opera singer in New York City, under the tutelage of Delia Rigal, a star from the Metropolitan Opera. His diverse background gave him a unique perspective. Griffith, beyond his acting, is also a martial artist.

Category	Details
Full Name	Thomas Ian Griffith
Date of Birth	March 18, 1962
Place of Birth	Hartford, Connecticut, USA
Education	Opera Singer Training
Occupation	Actor, Martial Artist
Known For	"The Karate Kid Part III" (as Terry Silver), "Cobra Kai"
Spouse	Mary Page Keller
Parents	College Professor & Dance Teacher
Notable Roles	Terry Silver in "The Karate Kid Part III" and "Cobra Kai", Larry Sawyer in "One Tree Hill"
Filmography Highlights	"The Karate Kid Part III" (1989), "Cobra Kai" (Season 4)
Years Active	1989-Present
Martial Arts	Tae Kwon Do (Black Belt)
Reference Website	IMDB

Griffiths career took off in 1989 with his role as Terry Silver in "The Karate Kid Part III," a role he later reprised in the fourth season of the Netflix series "Cobra Kai." His passion for martial arts, particularly Tae Kwon Do, started in high school, where he earned a black belt at 18. His background undoubtedly helped him land the part. Thomas Ian Griffith's journey involved a mix of theatrical training and physical discipline. Beyond film, Griffith also found time in the theater, alongside conventional television roles.

The change in the Larry Sawyer role came as a surprise. Hilarie Burton Morgan revealed that the recasting was due to the writers perception of a "flirty" dynamic between Griffith and herself. This was the off-screen dynamic that led to the alteration. The decision was made after season 1. The characters impact was significantly influenced by this decision, altering the narrative trajectory. This seemingly small behind-the-scenes decision had significant effects on the show's direction.

Larry Sawyers character, as portrayed by both Griffith and Kilner, was meant to be a dedicated father figure. His absence from Peyton's life, while understandable given his work, was a key element. In the series, Larry Sawyer is a supportive parent to Peyton. His interactions with her, providing guidance and support through adolescence, gave the character relatability. His role embodies both the trials and triumphs of parenthood, something the audience can relate to.

Actor Larry Joe Campbell, known for his work, mentioned his book. The mention of Campbell and his family serves as a reminder that the world of entertainment also has its share of personal stories. The actor's life in Los Angeles with his wife and five children provides a glimpse into the off-screen lives of those involved in the industry. His experience offers a contrast to the on-screen dramas and relationships that are the focus of shows like "One Tree Hill."

The presence of Brooke Davis, Peyton Sawyer, and Haley James Scott on the show, and their associated character dynamics, is of great importance to the overall storytelling. The Scott family's lineage, including grandparents Royal and May Scott, contributed to the layered family-centric narrative of the show. Each character played an important part in making the series resonate with its audience. Relationships like the one between Peyton and her father, Larry Sawyer, were a core part of the show.

The recurring role of Larry Sawyer also brings to light the dynamic of the actors on the show. This also highlights potential power struggles and different perspectives. The list of characters and their connections, with figures like Mad Jack and Mysterio, underscores the complexity of the storylines. The characters and their interactions with each other contribute to the conflicts and resolutions that keep viewers engaged. The show's universe is built on conflicts.

The character of Larry Sawyer offered many dimensions. His introduction was well-received, noted for its sweetness and humor. Larry's interactions with Peyton, Lucas, and Karen were highlights, with potential explored. The moments where he promised to spend more time at home were significant, though his presence later became less consistent. The shifting portrayals, first by Griffith and then by Kilner, provided different nuances to this character's development.

Kevin Kilners presence as Larry helped to solidify the idea that Peyton was adopted, which was not directly stated in the show, but it was implied. The recasting created a different dynamic. The change of the actors gave the story a new layer. The difference in how each actor approached the character was part of the shows evolution.

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