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Rachel Bilson

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Rachel Bilson
Bilson in 2017
Born
Rachel Sarah Bilson[1]

(1981-08-25) August 25, 1981 (age 43)
Los Angeles, California, U.S.
EducationGrossmont College
OccupationActress
Years active1997–present
Partners
Children1
FatherDanny Bilson
RelativesBruce Bilson (grandfather)

Rachel Sarah Bilson (born August 25, 1981)[2] is an American actress. Born to a Californian show-business family, Bilson made her television debut in 2003, and then landed the role of Summer Roberts on the prime-time drama series The O.C. Bilson then made her film debut in The Last Kiss (2006) and later starred in the science-fiction-action film Jumper (2008). From 2011 to 2015, she starred as Dr. Zoe Hart on The CW series Hart of Dixie.

Early life

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Bilson was born in Los Angeles,[2] the daughter of Janice Stango, a therapist,[3][4] and Danny Bilson, a writer, director, and producer.[2] She has an older half-brother[citation needed] and two younger[5] half-sisters, Hattie and Rosemary.[6] Her mother is an Italian-American who was raised Catholic, and her father is Jewish; she has said that she grew up in a "Chrismukkah household".[7][8]

Bilson's father comes from a show business family; he is the son of Mona (Weichman) (1933–2023) and producer-director Bruce Bilson (b. 1928).[9] Her British great-grandfather, George Bilson (1902–1981), who was born into an Ashkenazi Jewish immigrant family in Leeds, England, worked for RKO Pictures after emigrating to the United States,[3] heading the movie trailer department,[6] and her great-grandmother, Hattie Bilson (1907–2004), was a screenwriter[6] whose credits included Pal, Canine Detective (1950).

Career

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Bilson in 2006

Bilson attended Grossmont College, a community college in a suburb of San Diego, taking her father's advice to pursue a professional acting career.[9] She then made several appearances in commercials, including advertisements for Subway restaurants, Raisin Bran, and Pepto-Bismol.[9]

She made her TV acting debut in 2003, appearing in one episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and 8 Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter. Bilson was subsequently cast in The O.C., which debuted in August 2003. Her character, Summer Roberts, was initially intended to appear in only a few episodes but became a series regular after a successful run, as Summer's romance with Seth Cohen (Adam Brody) became a noted aspect of the series.[10]

At the 2005 Teen Choice Awards, she collected three awards: "Choice Hottie Female", "Choice TV Actress (Drama)", and "Best Onscreen TV Chemistry" (jointly won with Adam Brody).[11] In 2005, Maxim magazine named her sixth in their annual "Hot 100 List";[12] in 2006, the publication awarded her #14.[13]

The UK edition of FHM Magazine named her 28th in the 2006 100 Sexiest Women in the World list,[14] while the US Edition Ranked her 77th in 2005.[15] Bilson was also named one of People magazine's "World's Most Beautiful People" in 2006.[16] Before appearing in Maxim, Bilson had turned down requests to appear seminude in men's magazines, specifying that she feels that her body "is sacred" and "not there for the whole world to see".[17]

Bilson's film debut was in The Last Kiss, a romantic comedy-drama also starring Zach Braff in 2006. She played a college student who seduces Braff's character. One review of the film noted that Bilson played the role with "surprising depth",[18] although another critic described her role as "Glenn Close in Fatal Attraction as an airhead valley girl with a hot bod".[19]

In late 2006, Bilson was cast in the film Doug Liman's thriller Jumper, as the replacement for actress Teresa Palmer; the film was released on February 14, 2008.[20] She appeared in a two-episode arc on The O.C. creator Josh Schwartz's NBC comedy, Chuck,[21] and in the film New York, I Love You. She appeared in the 100th episode of How I Met Your Mother ("Girls Versus Suits") as Ted Mosby's latest love interest and the Mother's roommate.[22]

In September 2008, she started shooting the indie romantic film Waiting for Forever, directed by James Keach. In September 2009, Bilson appeared as a celebrity guest judge in the third episode of Project Runway (season 6). Bilson starred in the 2011 indie film L!fe Happens. In 2011, Bilson began starring in The CW series Hart of Dixie, executive produced by The O.C. creator Josh Schwartz. On May 7, 2015, the CW officially canceled the show after four seasons.[23] In 2017, Bilson joined the cast of CMT's Nashville which reunited her with her former The O.C. co-star Chris Carmack.[24]

Bilson starred in the ABC drama series Take Two which premiered in June 2018;[25][26] however, on November 21, 2018, ABC cancelled the series after one season.[27]

In April 2021, Bilson and her former The O.C. co-star Melinda Clarke launched a podcast titled Welcome to the OC, Bitches!.[28][29][30] The podcast focuses on the hosts and guests re-watching and discussing episodes of The O.C..[29] Several notable guests have appeared on the podcast such as Mischa Barton, Adam Brody, Peter Gallagher, Josh Schwartz, Jem, Bonnie Somerville and Elizabeth Gillies.[31][32]

In May 2022, Bilson and longtime friend Olivia Allen launched another podcast called Broad Ideas with Rachel Bilson.[33] On each episode, Bilson and Allen interview one or more people from the entertainment industry in a casual, conversational format. The first guest on the show was Kristen Bell, and other notable guests have included Aubrey Plaza, Zooey Deschanel, Elisha Cuthbert, Mena Suvari, and Seth Meyers.[34]

Fashion design

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Bilson has been recognized by several media sources as being a "fashion junkie".[35][36][37] She has described herself as having a "vintage" sense of style and has noted Kate Moss and Diane Keaton as inspirations.[37]

Bilson approached DKNY Jeans in late 2007 with a view to design a clothing line with the fashion brand.[38] Together they created Edie Rose. The collection was launched in September 2008. Her idea was to keep fashionable items accessible to young women by keeping the prices of each piece under $100.[39] An advertising image was released in July 2008 which featured Bilson modelling her Edie Rose collection.[40]

Bilson stated that she wanted to keep her fashion line "as separate as possible from Rachel Bilson, the actress. I'm hoping people will appreciate it for the clothes, not the person behind them."[41] Much of her fashion collection was lost when her home was burglarized in May 2009.[42] Bilson's fashions and sense of style made her the unwitting target of the Bling Ring, who burglarized her home on several occasions.[43][44]

In 2011, Bilson collaborated with her personal stylist, Nicole Chavez, and shoe industry leader Steve Madden, to launch the footwear destination ShoeMint, an "online customized shoe shopping experience".[45]

In 2013, Bilson designed a shirt for Invisible Children.[46]

Personal life

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Bilson and Adam Brody, her co-star on The O.C., dated from 2003 to 2006.[47]

In 2007, Bilson began a relationship with actor Hayden Christensen, with whom she had co-starred in the film Jumper.[3] By January 2008, the pair had been seen and photographed together around Los Angeles for almost a year, without confirming a relationship.[48] In February 2009, Bilson appeared publicly with what seemed to be an engagement ring, though no official announcement was made.[49] In August 2010, Bilson's representative confirmed there had been an engagement that had since been called off, giving no other details.[50] The two reconciled three months later,[51] and had a daughter in October 2014.[52] Bilson and Christensen separated in September 2017.[53]

Bilson and Christensen are both supporters of the No Kids Policy, a celebrity coalition which seeks to prevent children of celebrities from being photographed without parental consent.[51]

Filmography

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Film

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Year Title Role Notes
2003 Unbroken Rachel Film short
2006 The Last Kiss Kim Nominated—Teen Choice Award for Choice Movie Breakout – Female
2008 Jumper Millie Harris Teen Choice Award for Choice Movie Actress – Drama/Action Adventure
2009 New York, I Love You Molly
2010 Waiting for Forever Emma Twist
2011 Life Happens Laura
2013 The To Do List Amber Klark
2014 American Heist Eyewitness Cameo

Television

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Year Title Role Notes
1998 It's True! Jenna Episode: "The Rats of Rumfordton"
2003 8 Simple Rules Jenny Episode: "Career Choices"
2003 Buffy the Vampire Slayer Colleen Episode: "Dirty Girls"
2003–2007 The O.C. Summer Roberts Won – Teen Choice Award for Choice TV Actress Drama
Teen Choice Award for Choice TV Actress – Drama/Action Adventure
Teen Choice Award for Choice TV Chemistry (shared with Adam Brody)
Nominated – Teen Choice Award for Choice Breakout TV Star – Female
Teen Choice Award for Choice TV Actress – Drama/Action Adventure
2004 That '70s Show Christy Episode: "5:15"
2007 Chuck Lou Palone Episodes: "Chuck Versus the Truth"/"Chuck Versus the Imported Hard Salami"
2010–2014 How I Met Your Mother Cindy 4 episodes
2011–2015 Hart of Dixie Zoe Hart Lead role
Nominated – Teen Choice Award for Choice TV Actress Drama
2012 Gossip Girl Herself Episode: "New York, I Love You XOXO"
2016 Drunk History Constance Kopp Episode: "Siblings"
2017 Nashville Alyssa Greene Recurring role (Season 5; 5 episodes)
2018 Take Two Sam Swift Main role, 13 episodes
2019 Drunk History Helen Callaghan Episode: "Baseball"
2019 Lovestruck Daisy Valentine Lead role[54]
2023 Accused Alison Episode: "Danny's Story"

Music video

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Year Title Artist Role
2000 "Sorority Crime Fighters" Nibblebox Jenny
2005 "Not That Kinda Girl" JoJo N/A

References

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  1. ^ "Bilson's back". Irish Independent. February 15, 2008.
  2. ^ a b c "Rachel Bilson: Biography". People. Archived from the original on August 29, 2016. Retrieved September 4, 2016.
  3. ^ a b c Elsworth, Catherine (February 17, 2008). "Rachel Bilson: The OC star lands on her feet". The Daily Telegraph. UK. Archived from the original on May 30, 2011. Retrieved May 22, 2014.
  4. ^ Silverman, Stephen M. (February 22, 2007). "Rachel Bilson: My Mom Gave Me Advice". People. Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved September 4, 2016.
  5. ^ Gostin, Nicki (November 11, 2011). "Rachel Bilson Talks 'Hart Of Dixie,' Kugel And Justin Bieber". Huffington Post.
  6. ^ a b c "Rachel Bilson: Biography". TV Guide. Retrieved September 3, 2016.
  7. ^ "Rachel Bilson's Cozy Chicken Sputnik". Dashrecipes.com. October 6, 2011. Retrieved February 29, 2012.
  8. ^ "Rachel Bilson Down for OC Reunion, Looks Back at Infamous Chrismukkah Episodes (Exclusive)". toofab.com. December 11, 2020.
  9. ^ a b c Bried, Erin (May 2006). "Just beachy". Self: 36–38.
  10. ^ O'Toole, Lesley (October 31, 2006). "Rachel Bilson: She's the one". The Independent. London, UK. Archived from the original on September 30, 2007. Retrieved January 20, 2007.
  11. ^ "Teen Choice awards". Melbourne: TheAge.com. August 15, 2005. Retrieved January 20, 2007.
  12. ^ "Maxim Magazine Unveils Their "Hot 100" for 2005; Eva Longoria Crowned #1 This Year" (Press release). Maxim. May 10, 2005. Retrieved January 20, 2007.
  13. ^ "Maxim Magazine Unveils Their 'Hot 100' for 2006" (Press release). Maxim. May 15, 2005. Archived from the original on December 12, 2006. Retrieved January 20, 2007.
  14. ^ "FHM 100 Sexiest Women in the World 2006". MyKensington.co.uk. 2006. Archived from the original on January 18, 2007. Retrieved January 20, 2007.
  15. ^ "FHM 100 Sexiest Women 2005". FreeJose.com. 2005. Retrieved January 20, 2007.
  16. ^ "2006's World's Most Beautiful People". People Magazine. 2006. Retrieved June 8, 2020.
  17. ^ "Rachel Bilson Believes Her Body Is Sacred & Only for Boyfriend To See". StarPulse.com. October 10, 2006. Retrieved January 20, 2007.
  18. ^ Wang, Li (September 15, 2006). "Goofy Braff gets serious for mature take on modern relationships". PennLive.com. Retrieved January 20, 2007.
  19. ^ Verniere, James (September 15, 2006). "Boys don't cry". The Boston Herald. Archived from the original on October 20, 2006. Retrieved January 20, 2007.
  20. ^ Tyler, Josh (October 16, 2006). "Rachel Bilson Is A Jumper". Cinema Blend. Retrieved January 20, 2007.
  21. ^ "Rachel Bilson ('The O.C.') to guest-star as potential love interest in multi-episode arc on NBC's new action-comedy series 'Chuck'" (Press release). NBC. September 13, 2007. Retrieved February 1, 2008.
  22. ^ Joyce Eng (October 2, 2009). "Rachel Bilson Appearing on How I Met Your Mother — As the Mother?". TVGuide. Retrieved October 2, 2009.
  23. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (May 7, 2015). "'Hart Of Dixie' Officially Cancelled After 4 Seasons". Deadline. Archived from the original on May 9, 2015. Retrieved May 7, 2015.
  24. ^ "Rachel Bilson and Empire's Kaitlin Doubleday Are Heading to Nashville". March 9, 2017.
  25. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (November 16, 2017). "'Take Two' Procedural From 'Castle' Creator Starring Eddie Cibrian & Rachel Bilson Gets Straight-To-Series ABC Order". Deadline. Retrieved November 16, 2017.
  26. ^ Gelman, Vlada (June 22, 2018). "ABC's Take Two Premiere: Grade It!". TVLine. Retrieved September 28, 2018.
  27. ^ Goldberg, Lesley (November 21, 2018). "'Take Two' Canceled at ABC as Rachel Bilson Drama Eyes New Life on Streaming". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved November 21, 2018.
  28. ^ Gauk-Roger, Topher (October 26, 2021). "Rachel Bilson Talks 'Emotional' Reunion with The O.C. Costar Adam Brody: He's 'Super Dear to Me'". PEOPLE.com. Retrieved December 29, 2021.
  29. ^ a b Del Rosario, Alexandra (March 25, 2021). "'The O.C.'s Rachel Bilson & Melinda Clarke To Revisit Teen Drama For 'Welcome To The OC, Bitches!' Podcast At Kast Media". Deadline. Retrieved December 29, 2021.
  30. ^ Baila, Morgan. "Two Of The OC's Best Characters Are Reuniting For "Welcome To The OC, Bitches"". www.refinery29.com. Retrieved December 29, 2021.
  31. ^ "'We were pinned as the bitches': the OC and 90210 stars reclaiming their voices". the Guardian. December 15, 2021. Retrieved December 29, 2021.
  32. ^ Samantha Highfill. "The O.C. stars Mischa Barton and Rachel Bilson get emotional rewatching Marissa's death". Entertainment Weekly.
  33. ^ "Rachel Bilson Launches New Podcast "Broad Ideas" – The Rogers Revue". May 31, 2022. Retrieved September 27, 2023.
  34. ^ "Broad Ideas with Rachel Bilson on Apple Podcasts". Apple Podcasts. September 25, 2023. Retrieved September 27, 2023.
  35. ^ Pearson, Ryan (September 20, 2006). "Rachel Bilson, fashion junkie". PE.com. Archived from the original on September 29, 2007. Retrieved January 20, 2007.
  36. ^ Fischer, Paul (August 22, 2006). "Interview: Rachel Bilson "The Last Kiss"". Dark Horizons. Retrieved January 20, 2007.
  37. ^ a b "Rachel Bilson The Last Kiss Q&A". FutureMovies. October 2006. Retrieved January 20, 2007.
  38. ^ "Rachel Bilson to design Edie Rose collection for DKNY Jeans". Sassybella.com. March 13, 2008. Retrieved October 25, 2008.
  39. ^ "Rachel Bilson Launches Edie Rose For DKNY Jeans". Yahoo!. May 22, 2009. Retrieved June 8, 2020.
  40. ^ "Rachel Bilson models her Edie Rose line for DKNY Jeans". Sassybella.com. March 13, 2008. Retrieved October 25, 2008.
  41. ^ Rachel Bilson Edie Rose Interview. Accessed April 10, 2009.
  42. ^ Chiu, Alexis. "Rachel Bilson's L.A. Home Is Burglarized". People.
  43. ^ "Exclusive: Inside Hollywood's 'Bling Ring'". ABC News. March 8, 2010.
  44. ^ Sales, Nancy Jo (February 3, 2010). "Nancy Jo Sales on the Bling Ring". Vanity Fair.
  45. ^ "Rachel Bilson launches a super-stylish shoe range". November 24, 2011.
  46. ^ "Behind The Design // Rachel Bilson Ben Lovett design T-Shirts for". Invisible Children. November 26, 2013. Retrieved June 5, 2017.
  47. ^ Margaret, Mary (December 5, 2006). "Rachel Bilson & Adam Brody split". People. Archived from the original on April 5, 2016. Retrieved June 8, 2020.
  48. ^ Bunim, Juliana (January 10, 2008). "Rachel Bilson Says No to Nudity". People. Archived from the original on January 16, 2008. Retrieved September 4, 2016.
  49. ^ Sacre, Claire (February 26, 2009). "Rachel Bilson Reveals Her Engagement Ring". Elle. UK. Archived from the original on September 4, 2016. Retrieved September 4, 2016.
  50. ^ Chu, Alexis; Shira, Dahvi (August 10, 2010). "Hayden Christensen & Rachel Bilson Call Off Engagement". People. Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved September 30, 2019.
  51. ^ a b "Rachel Bilson and Hayden Christensen welcome daughter Briar Rose". CBS/Associated Press. November 6, 2014. Archived from the original on November 12, 2014. Retrieved September 4, 2016.
  52. ^ Confirmed by Bison's representative in Webber, Stephanie (November 6, 2014). "Rachel Bilson Gives Birth, Welcomes Baby Girl Briar Rose With Hayden Christensen". Us Weekly. Archived from the original on March 20, 2016.
  53. ^ "Rachel Bilson and Hayden Christensen Split". Us Weekly. September 19, 2017. Retrieved December 9, 2017.
  54. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (March 18, 2019). "Rachel Bilson To Star In Fox's Tom Kapinos Pilot 'Lovestruck' In Return To Network". Deadline. Retrieved June 8, 2019.
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