Biography
- 1988
The Right Girl
Bilson is born into a Hollywood family: father Danny is a writer-director-producer, grandfather Bruce is a director and her great-grandmother was a screenwriter. At 7, her father directs her in The Wrong Guys with comedians Louis Anderson and Richard Lewis.
- 1999
A Lucky Break
During a brief stint at San Diego's Grossmont College, Bilson begins auditioning for commercials and pilots. After a failed audition for an Everwood role, the aspiring actress is recommended to series creator Josh Schwartz who is casting for The OC, a drama revolving around the lives of four teens living in California's well-heeled Newport Beach enclave.
- 2003
Newport Beach, 92660
The OC premieres, drawing comparisons to Beverly Hills, 90210 for its portrayal of Southern California's elite. Bilson plays Summer, a spoiled teen who lives the high life with best friend Marissa (Mischa Barton) and schoolmates Seth (Adam Brody) and Ryan (Ben McKenzie). The petite brunette tells Cosmo that Summer was originally a bit part intended for a tall, blonde, but she parlays it into a starring role.
In Love With Adam Brody
While their OC characters bicker and flirt onscreen, Bilson and Brody begin their own romance. Though reps first deny the relationship, the pair are soon spotted together everywhere from the Viper Room to walking their puppy, a pit bull terrier named Penny Lane.
- 2005
Kiss and Tell
Bilson films The Last Kiss, an adaptation of the original Italian hit, L'Ultimo Bacio. She stars as feisty undergrad Kim who woos Zach Braff. Director Tony Goldwyn has nothing but praise for Bilson, saying on the film's site, "[She] is an incredibly sexy, beautiful young woman, but she also has so much intelligence, wit and substance to her."
And The Winner Is...
Bilson scores three awards at the 2005 Teen Choice Awards including Choice TV Drama Actress. She accepts her second award with costar Brody for Choice TV Chemistry while beating out established Hollywood stars Lindsay Lohan, Jessica Simpson and Eva Longoria for the Choice Female Hottie award.
- 2006
Jumping Out
Bilson signs on to lead opposite Hayden Christensen in Jumper a sci-fi drama also starring Samuel L. Jackson and Jamie Bell about a boy who discovers the ability to teleport. A week later, despite reports that their relationship is on the rocks, Bilson and Brody are seen holding hands on location in Toronto, where Jumper is being filmed. Bilson's rep also confirms that the two are still together.
Breaking Up With Brody
Though it looks as though Summer and Seth are a match made in TV heaven, Bilson calls it quits with Brody after more than three years together. "It was a typical romance and they just grew apart," a source tells PEOPLE. "They’ve been on and off for awhile now." In January, FOX announces its decision to cancel The OC after a steady decline in ratings in its fourth season.
- 2007
Back with Schwartz
After making her second appearance in PEOPLE's Most Beautiful issue (sans makeup), Bilson guest stars on the new NBC comedy Chuck (pictured with star Zachary Levi). "Having worked with her for four years, I know how funny Rachel is," Josh Schwartz, creator of the show and The OC, says. "For a first-year series, it's really hard to get big-name guest stars, so we're all really excited and grateful that she could do this."
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Photo Credits
BIOGRAPHY (top to bottom): WB/Everett; Nina Prommer/Globe; Dreamworks/Everett; Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic; SPLASH NEWS; Mike Guastella/WireImage; NBC
- Name
- Rachel Bilson
- Birth Date
- August 25, 1981
- Birth Place
- Los Angeles, Calif.
- Heart Monitor
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Hayden Christensen, boyfriend (2007 to present)
Adam Brody, ex-boyfriend (2003 to 2006)
