The O.C. - Where Are They Now?

May 01, 2024

The O.C. was THE teen television drama series for young people growing up in the early 2000’s.

First broadcast on FOX in August 2003, The O.C. focused on the lives and loves of a fictional community in Orange County, California.

Ryan Atwood, a street smart yet troubled young teen, finds himself homeless and alone as a result of a chaotic upbringing and personal inner demons.

Help comes in the form of Sandy Cohen, a lawyer who has represented Ryan in the past following various run ins with the law. The Cohen family welcome Ryan into their home and it is there where he begins his new life.

Viewers were hooked on the lives of characters Marissa Cooper, Seth Cohen, Summer Roberts and Taylor Townsend and the show built up a huge fan base.

This week we’re taking a look at what some of the actors from the show are up to now…

Benjamin McKenzie (Ryan Atwood)

The O.C.: Where Are They Now? 3

Since The O.C. Ben has enjoyed major success on the small screen starring in hit TV shows such as Southland and Batman prequel Gotham.

McKenzie also starred in the movies Decoding Annie Parker, Goodbye World and Some Kind Of Beautiful.

Ben is currently in a relationship with his Gotham co-star Morena Baccarin. The couple welcomed their first child, Frances Laiz Setta Schenkkan, in March 2016.

The O.C. - Where Are They Now? 4

Mischa Barton (Marissa Cooper)

The O.C. - Where Are They Now? 5

Mischa caused quite the controversy when she quit The O.C. at the end of the third season, leaving fans devastated as her character Marissa died in the arms of on/off boyfriend Ryan.

Barton went on to star in 2007’s St. Trinian’s movie remake and a number of horror films such as A Resurrection and L.A. Slasher.

Away from acting Mischa made a number of cameos in some pretty big music videos, most notably James Blunt’s ‘Goodbye My Lover’.

Most recently Mischa took part in the 22nd season of Dancing With The Stars, where she was eliminated in the second week.

The O.C. - Where Are They Now? 6

Adam Brody (Seth Cohen)

The O.C. - Where Are They Now? 8

Seth Cohen became an instant fan favourite with viewers thanks to his socially awkward yet quick-witted behaviour and attitude.

Post The O.C. Adam has starred in a number of different movies and TV shows including 2009’s Jennifer’s Body and 2011’s Scream 4, DirecTV’s Billy And Billie and New Girl on FOX.

Away from the spotlight Adam found love with Gossip Girl star Leighton Meester. The couple married in February 2014 and are parents to daughter Arlo, born on August 4th, 2015.

The O.C. - Where Are They Now? 7

Rachel Bilson (Summer Roberts)

The O.C. - Where Are They Now? 11

Considered by many to have had the most successful career after The O.C., Rachel Bilson has worked consistently in television and movies for the past nine years.

Rachel enjoyed a four episode run in How I Met Your Mother, starred as Dr. Zoe Hart in the CW’s Hart of Dixie, before taking on roles in movies The Last Kiss, Jumper and New York, I Love You.

Outside of acting Bilson has dabbled in design, fashion, writing and styling.

Rachel and her partner Hayden Christensen became parents in 2014.

The O.C. - Where Are They Now? 12

Peter Gallagher (Sandy Cohen)

The O.C. - Where Are They Now? 13

Peter Gallagher has kept busy since The O.C. – he landed minor stints on TV shows Californication and Rescue Me, as well as a small role in the movie Burlesque, which starred Cher and Christina Aguilera.

Gallagher also has a recurring role on HBO’s Togetherness and Covert Affairs.

NEW YORK, NY - MAY 15: Peter Gallagher attends the 2014 NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment Upfronts at The Jacob K. Javits Convention Center on May 15, 2014 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images)