Sophia Bush has built a remarkable career by bringing depth, warmth, and complexity to every role she takes on.
Whether she’s playing a fiery cheerleader, a tough-as-nails detective, or a compassionate doctor, Bush has a way of making each character memorable and engaging.
Known for her work on One Tree Hill and Chicago P.D., she’s now joining the world of Grey’s Anatomy as Dr. Cass Beckman, a trauma surgeon with a bit of edge.
Bush’s versatility and charisma have captivated fans across genres, and she continues to surprise with new projects and fresh perspectives.
For fans old and new, here are 11 of her essential roles that showcase why she remains a standout in television and film.
Brooke Davis – One Tree Hill (2003-2012)
Sophia Bush’s role as Brooke Davis on One Tree Hill didn’t just launch her career — it made her a fan favorite for life.
Over nine seasons, Bush took Brooke from a fun-loving, misunderstood cheerleader to a fierce, self-made businesswoman.
Through every friendship, heartbreak, and personal win, Bush brought a mix of humor, honesty, and depth that made Brooke unforgettable.
She gave Brooke layers that kept fans hooked, making her one of the most iconic characters on the show and proving Bush could bring serious heart to any role.
Watch One Tree Hill Online
Detective Erin Lindsay — Chicago P.D. (2014-2017)
As Detective Erin Lindsay on Chicago P.D., Sophia Bush brought both grit and heart, playing a tough, complex cop with a rough past.
Her role as Lindsay didn’t stop with Chicago P.D. — she crossed over into Law & Order: SVU and other shows in the Chicago universe, including Chicago Med and Chicago Fire.
In these appearances, she tackled high-stakes cases alongside New York’s SVU team and her fellow Chicago units.
Over four seasons, Bush layered Lindsay’s strength with vulnerability, making her feel raw and real in every scene.
Fans were hooked on her journey, so when Bush left the show in 2017, it hit hard.
Her time on Chicago P.D. made Erin a standout in the Chicago franchise and cemented Bush as an actress who could bring depth to any high-stakes drama.
Watch Chicago P.D. Online
Dr. Sam Griffith — Good Sam (2022)
In the short-lived series Good Sam, Bush played Dr. Sam Griffith, a skilled heart surgeon who juggled professional responsibilities and complicated family dynamics.
Despite the show’s brief run, Bush’s portrayal of Sam showcased her depth, balancing empathy, resilience, and strength in a lead role.
Good Sam added a unique performance to Bush’s career, allowing her to explore a nuanced character who’s as dedicated to her work as she is conflicted by family ties.
Watch Good Sam Online
Beth McIntyre — John Tucker Must Die (2006)
In the teen comedy John Tucker Must Die, Sophia Bush plays Beth McIntyre, one of three high school girls who team up to get revenge on the school’s serial heartbreaker, John Tucker, played by Jesse Metcalfe.
Alongside co-stars Brittany Snow and Ashanti, Bush brings humor, sass, and energy to the film, making Beth a standout with her mix of fierceness and vulnerability.
Her performance adds to the fun, making John Tucker Must Die a memorable addition to her career and a must-watch for fans of high school revenge comedies.
Watch John Tucker Must Die Online
Voyd — Incredibles 2 (2018)
In Incredibles 2, Bush lent her voice to Voyd, an eager young superhero with portal powers who greatly admires Elastigirl.
Her character adds a fun, relatable energy to the story as Voyd tries to balance her excitement about being a superhero with her desire for approval.
Bush brought warmth and enthusiasm to Voyd, making her a memorable addition to the Incredibles universe and proving her talent in voice acting with the same energy she brings to live-action roles.
Watch Incredibles 2 Online
October Bantum — Stay Alive (2006)
Stay Alive gave Sophia Bush a chance to dive into horror as October, a bold goth gamer who finds herself in a deadly video game that kills its players in real life.
Bush’s edgy performance brought a mix of grit and attitude to the role, making October a standout in this unique horror flick.
Stay Alive is an underrated gem in the horror genre, and Bush’s presence added tension and personality to a film that’s as clever as it is creepy — a must-watch for horror fans.
Watch Stay Alive Online
Grace Andrews — The Hitcher (2007)
In The Hitcher, a wild remake of the 1986 classic, Sophia Bush jumps right into the fray as Grace Andrews, whose carefree road trip becomes a fight for survival against Sean Bean’s relentless hitchhiker, John Ryder.
And Bush didn’t just play the part — she dove headfirst into each intense moment, doing her own stunts and embracing every close call.
Her fearless, dig-right-in approach makes The Hitcher a roller-coaster of tension and action, giving fans a thrill ride they won’t soon forget.
Watch The Hitcher Online
Carrie Orr — Point of Origin (2002)
Available to purchase on DVD
In the true-crime HBO film Point of Origin, Sophia Bush appeared as Carrie Orr in a suspenseful story based on real events.
The film stars Ray Liotta as a California arson investigator hunting a serial arsonist during the 1980s.
Although Bush’s role was small, working alongside industry heavyweights like Ray Liotta and John Leguizamo early on hinted at the dramatic intensity she’d bring to later projects.
Point of Origin stands as a significant early entry in her career.
Kathy Popovich — The Narrows (2008)
In the indie drama The Narrows, Sophia Bush starred as Kathy Popovich, the love interest of a young photographer navigating two contrasting worlds in New York City.
Bush’s performance brought emotional depth and sincerity to Kathy, adding layers to a story about love, ambition, and the challenges of growing up.
Acting alongside Vincent D’Onofrio and Kevin Zegers, Bush brought a grounded, heartfelt presence to the film, showcasing her ability to shine in intimate, character-driven narratives.
Watch The Narrows Online
Emma McCoy — Hatfields & McCoys (2013)
Never aired pilot available to watch on YouTube
Sophia Bush originally starred as Emma McCoy in the unaired pilot for a modern-day Hatfields & McCoys series, playing a character caught in the legendary family feud.
Though the pilot never aired, it brought her together with Jesse Lee Soffer, who later became her costar — and love interest — on Chicago P.D. as Jay Halstead.
Their on-screen chemistry as “Linstead” turned them into one of Chicago P.D.’s most beloved couples, sparking a huge fan following and even leading to a real-life romance for a time.
This early project not only foreshadowed Bush’s dynamic TV roles but also marked the start of a fan-favorite partnership.
Mary Kincaid — Table for Three (2009)
In Table for Three, Bush plays Mary, one half of a quirky couple who accidentally turns their friend’s life upside down with their over-the-top antics.
Bush’s role as Mary lets her flex her comedic muscles, bringing playful energy and charm to this romantic comedy.
The film offers fans a glimpse of her humor and timing in a lighthearted role, making Table for Three a fun addition to her list of must-see performances.
Watch Table for Three Online
Other Noteworthy Roles for Sophia Bush Fans
These 11 roles represent some of Sophia Bush’s best-known work, but there’s even more for fans to explore.
She’s popped up in unexpected places, from the hilariously tipsy reenactments on Drunk History to her quirky guest spot on Jane the Virgin — and even a surprising cameo on Mob Wives.
Whether it’s drama, comedy, or something totally out there, Bush’s ability to bring characters to life keeps audiences hooked.
Are there other favorite roles you think should make the list? Let us know in the comments!