Age and Current Status
Hilarie Burton is an American actress and producer best known for her roles as Peyton Sawyer on One Tree Hill and as ADA Alexandra Cabot on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. As of 2025, she is in her early 40s, having been born on July 1, 1982. This places her at approximately 42 years old in the current year. She maintains an active presence in advocacy, podcasting, and limited-series work while navigating the evolving landscape of her public profile.
Career Overview and Key Roles
Burton’s career spans film, television, and digital content. Her breakout role came as Peyton Sawyer on The WB/CW drama One Tree Hill (2003–2009), for which she received consistent viewer recognition. She later portrayed ADA Alexandra Cabot on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (2009–2010, 2022) and recurred on shows such as White Collar. More recently, she has expanded into producing and podcasting, including hosting the series “And Especially You.”
Notable Credits
- Peyton Sawyer — One Tree Hill (2003–2009)
- ADA Alexandra Cabot — Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (2009–2010, 2p22)
- Recurring roles — White Collar, various digital projects
Verified Timeline and Milestones
The following table summarizes key publicly documented career milestones and dates relevant to understanding Hilarie Burton’s professional trajectory. These points are drawn from widely reported credits and network announcements.
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| July 1, 1982 | Birth | Establishes age and contextual timeline for career phases |
| 2003–2009 | One Tree Hill (Peyton Sawyer) | Breakout role; core audience growth |
| 2009–2010 | Law & Order: SVU (ADA Alexandra Cabot) | Transition to procedural drama; expanded recognition |
| 2021 | Podcast “And Especially You” launch | Shift to audio content and personal storytelling |
| 2022 | Law & Order: SVU return (season 23) | Reappearance in a major network drama |
Personal Context and Public Perception
Burton’s public narrative often centers on her transition from teen idol status to a more mature professional presence. She has spoken openly about evolving in front of the camera, choosing roles that allow greater depth, and balancing work with personal priorities. While tabloid commentary has occasionally focused on age in a reductive way, her career choices reflect deliberate moves toward content she feels connected to, including advocacy and storytelling projects aligned with her values.
Context and Perspective
When discussing Hilarie Burton, age is one attribute among many that describe a multifaceted professional life. Fact-based context—verified credits, timelines, and her own public statements—offers a stable foundation for understanding her work. This approach avoids speculative commentary and centers information that remains useful over time, supporting readers in forming their own informed conclusions.
FAQ
Reader questions
How old is Hilarie Burton in 2025?
Based on her birthdate of July 1, 1982, she is approximately 42 years old in 2030 and early 40s in the current context.
What is she best known for?
She is best known for portraying Peyton Sawyer on One Tree Hill and ADA Alexandra Cabot on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.
Is she still acting?
Yes. She has maintained a presence in television and has expanded into producing and podcasting, with appearances in the early 2020s and ongoing digital projects.
Does her age define her career?
No. While age is a factual component of a public profile, her career trajectory is more meaningfully understood through her role choices, professional growth, and advocacy work.