Turn on the television, read the news or log in to Facebook and everyone is currently talking about hurricane Sandy hitting the Northeast. I have a lot of hometown friends who go to school in the area, so I decided to call them and see how they were.
As I caught up with my friends, we began talking about odd hurricane names, and Sandy is definitely one to add on the list. Why would such a violent and devastating natural disaster be named after Seth Cohen's cool and laid-back father?
All throughout high school, my closest friends and I would meet once a week to watch the latest episode of Fox's most popular TV series at the time, "The O.C." We wanted to dress like Marissa, be Summer's best friends, play videogames with Seth, fall in love with Ryan and live in a beautiful mansion next to the ocean with Sandy and Kirsten.
So after four seasons of great "O.C." gossip, where are these actors now?
Mischa Barton
Starring as Marissa Cooper in "The O.C." was Mischa Barton's claim to fame. She quickly became a Hollywood "it girl" and a fashion icon. Everyone loved Marissa, and after she tragically died in a car accident at the end of Season Three, the show was never the same.
Barton's successful career was never the same either. After she left "The O.C." cast, she starred in some minor films, such as "St. Trinian's," "Closing the Ring" and "Assassination of a High School President."
In 2009, she returned to television in Ashton Kutcher's "The Beautiful Life: TBL," but the show did not last long. Mischa Barton is currently performing in the Irish stage production of "Steel Magnolias."
Benjamin McKenzie
Actor Benjamin McKenzie played Marissa's on-again off-again love interest, Ryan Atwood. His character in the show won the hearts of many young female viewers. However, his most recent and successful film projects have expanded his audience and fan base.
After the fourth and last season of "The O.C." McKenzie played LAPD officer Ben Sherman in NBC's drama series "Southland." In 2008, he got his first starring role in feature indie film, "Johnny's Got a Gun," and earned great reviews.
Rachel Bilson
Who didn't like Summer Robert's bubbly personality and relationship with Seth in "The O.C."?
Actress Rachel Bilson became well known in Hollywood by playing Summer in the show, and now she continues to be influential in the film and fashion world.
After "The O.C" ended, Bilson starred in films "The Last Kiss" in 2006 and "Jumper" in 2009. She is currently playing Dr. Zoe Hart on The CW's "Hart of Dixie" series.
Adam Brody
Seth Cohen was my favorite "O.C." character, and it was all due to my never-ending crush with the actor who played him, Adam Brody.
After the show got cancelled, he appeared in several popular films, including "Mr. & Mrs. Smith," "In the Land of Women," "Jennifer's Body," "Cop Out" and "Scream 4."
Peter Gallagher
Last but not least, what is Sandy Cohen up to these days?
Before and after playing a cool California dad and well-known public defender in "The O.C.," Peter Gallagher appeared in various Hollywood films, such as "Mr. Deeds," "Center Stage," "Burlesque" and "Step Up Revolution," among others. He currently plays CIA Clandestine Services Director Arthur Campbell in USA's "Covert Affairs." Looking at the entirety of "The O.C." cast, Gallagher is the most successful in the film and television industry today.
Contact Maria Fernandez at mfernan5@nd.edu
