RSS Feeds
'OC' Alumni Report: Drugs, Rehab And One Silver Lining
Posted by Molly Friedman at 7:15 AM on April 9, 2008
Just five years ago it was all smiles for the ladies of The OC, what with the joy of being "discovered" and booking magazine covers and enjoying all-around adoration from Hollywood and growing fan bases. But things have taken a turn for the drug-and-flop-filled worse since the show's demise. From Mischa Barton and Samaire Armstrong's recent personal issues to Rachel Bilson's film career, we checked in on the female alum to see if anyone's star is still burning bright.
You may have heard about Mischa's run-in with the law this past December, when the chronic-loving actress was busted for a DUI during the holidays. Now Barton is looking to avoid jail time by taking a plea, meaning a small fine plus three years of probation. As for Samaire, the Dirty Sexy Money star quietly underwent outpatient rehab for "personal issues" back in October, and though she just discontinued treatment, she'll only be returning to the ABC show in a part-time gig. As for Rachel, she recently starred alongside current boyfriend Hayden Christensen in Doug Liman's critical disappointment Jumper. In addition to striking out in her two big screen efforts, she also has to deal with those pesky FOD rumours about her boyfriend.
The only female star who's managed to stay out of the tabloids and steer clear of career suicide? The easily forgotten Shailene Woodley, who played Mischa's boarding school brat sister Kaitlin for only one season. She's signed on for the Juno-inspired Molly Ringwald sitcom being produced for ABC by Seventh Heaven creator Brenda Hampton. Perhaps staying in Orange County only one year was a blessing in disguise.
Comments (AU Comments · US Comments)
There are currently no AU comments for this post.
Benovite
Posted 8:01 AM 9/4/08
Oops a bit too much space there me thinks.
Benovite
Mokers
Posted 8:01 AM 9/4/08
Don't forget Navi Rawat (Theresa), who has sandwiched in four seasons of Numb3rs between Feast and Feast 2.
Mokers
Benovite
Posted 8:00 AM 9/4/08
I think the article should have went something like this:
From Mischa Barton
and Samaire Armstrong's recent
personal issues to Rachel Bilson's film
career, we checked in on the female
alum to see if anyone's star is still
burning bright.
.
.
.
.
Nope, it's all darkness and sorrow, folks.
Benovite
Benny
Posted 7:55 AM 9/4/08
Hmmm...
This is a strange piece. The worst thing that could happen to any of these girls careers right now would be the presence of exactly this kind of article on a Hollywood website, which I'm sure you recognise. Apart from that I would say they're all doing pretty well, all things considered.
Firsty, Rachel Bilson. I would think being in a large, commercially successful studio picture like Jumper would be seen as a good thing, regardless of whether it's a 'critical disappointment'. And rumours about Darth Vader's sexuality are hardly hurting her career.
Secondly, why is Samaire Armstrong (who is awesome) not allowed to have 'personal issues'? She's working on a TV show, and has been doing so pretty steadily since the O.C. Her private life will effect her career only negligibly, and she'll bounce right back.
Finally, Mischa Barton. Okay, the DUI is embarrassing... but it's hardly a standout offense given the company she keeps. The thing thet'll hurt her most is typecasting... or if she makes similar mistakes in the future, which she hopefully will not.
I kind of think you're drawing a long bow here Molly. And it begs the question... why did you write this?
Benny
rabbitboy
Posted 7:34 AM 9/4/08
You mean Mischa's starring role in the upcoming Finding t.A.T.u. doesn't qualify as a success?
rabbitboy
hack-a-rific
Posted 7:30 AM 9/4/08
Damn, I thought you were talking about LC, Lo, Kristin and the rest of the gang from Laguna...I've been wondering if LC's lil sis ever grew out of that 'awkward' phase (I'm trying to be nice).
hack-a-rific
distractedbyshinyobjects
Posted 8:31 AM 9/4/08
@Benny: I think Samaire's 'personal issues' were probably a meth habit. You should have seen her in person when she was on the OC - her face was destroyed, looked like someone had taken a roto-tiller to her cheeks.
What about Autumn Reeser? She played Taylor for at least 2 (maybe 3, can't remember) seasons. She was awesome and she has managed to stay out of trouble (as far as anyone knows).
distractedbyshinyobjects
coodlebump
Posted 8:30 AM 9/4/08
Olivia Wilde now has a role on House. Although I guess she wasn't on the show that long.
coodlebump
Benovite
Posted 8:56 AM 9/4/08
Mischa could never top a moment like this-
+ Watch video
Benovite
secretagentman
Posted 8:53 AM 9/4/08
@Benny: Jumper was not a commercial success. They still haven't made their money back on what was supposed to be a three picture deal.
Also, the one woman Molly should have profiled is Kelly Rowan, who is marrying a billionaire this summer. And he's not over 60 or a troll. Score for Kristen!!
secretagentman
nolongerinacubiclebutstillawhore!
Posted 8:40 AM 9/4/08
Look! Mischa has watery eyes and a frowny face! Awwww....she's acting you guys.
nolongerinacubiclebutstillawhore!
MrRewrite
Posted 8:34 AM 9/4/08
interesting, the guys seem to be doing better, or some of them, at any rate
MrRewrite
major disaster
Posted 8:33 AM 9/4/08
This is just weird - how do you consider Shailene Woodley a star of the show? According to IMDB, she was only in 6 episodes, and if I remember correctly, she hardly had any lines. And she was replaced by a different actress later in the show's run (when the character actually became significant). I mean, hey, if you're going to consider her a "star," might as well consider the day players too - I'm sure there are plenty who have gone on to more prominent roles somewhere.
major disaster
MissFiFi
Posted 10:24 AM 9/4/08
@Benovite: WOW did you just bring me back! haha It amazes me out how I got that feeling all over again being immensely embarrassed for Brian.
MissFiFi
spanktastic
Posted 10:35 PM 9/4/08
Like reality is soooo Harsh.
spanktastic
pumpkinsoup
Posted 12:23 AM 10/4/08
I have a huge girl crush on Rachel Bilson. She's cute, and she seems fun, and I'm surprised she hasn't broken out into a bigger star. She's certainly more appealing than, say... Kate Hudson.
It's a shame about Samaire Armstrong's drug habit. I've heard the same rumours at you, @distractedbyshinyobjects. Wasn't she let go from the O.C. for the same reason? Between Entourage and Dirt Sexy Money she's had a lot of chances. Sad.
Mischa Barton can't fade a way quickly enough as far as I'm concerned. Blech!
pumpkinsoup
Doug6
Posted 11:19 AM 9/4/08
It seems Mischa had a more promising film career BEFORE "The O.C." She should have held out for a Hollywood film instead of saying yes to so many direct-to-video projects.
Rachel Bilson is completely lovable and gorgeous and should be a star for a long time. "The Last Kiss" and "Jumper" were both good choices to begin her film career, working with strong casts, a screenplay by an Oscar winner (Paul Haggis), and a blockbuster director (Doug Liman). How many pretty young TV stars start off in (and get stuck in) the horror genre?
Doug6