When it comes to 2000s pop culture, there is no denying that it was truly an era for music, movies, and television shows! One show that stands out, in particular, when it comes to peak 2000s television is none other than the hit CW series, The O.C.   

The show first came about back in 2003 and starred big names such as Mischa Barton, Rachel Bilson, and Ben McKenzie, to name a few, all of whom went on to become quite successful in Hollywood. Despite the show having ended over 14 years ago, fans still keep a special spot for the show in their hearts, so much that they've been asking for a reboot!

While show creator, Josh Schwartz, has made it clear a reboot of the show is a no-go, fans are still keeping their hopes up just in case! Although this doesn't beat a reunion, it never hurts to know what some of our fav The O.C. actors have been up to since the show's end.

10 Mischa Barton

Via Reality Tea

Mischa Barton was easily the star of the show! The actress portrayed the role of Marissa Cooper and did so brilliantly. This was also not Mischa's first go at acting, considering she had played in a number of films, including The Sixth Sense.

Related: Did Mischa Barton Want To Leave The O.C.?

Well, following her time on The O.C., Mischa stepped away from the limelight for quite some time, leading many fans to believe that she had quit acting for good! Well in 2019, it was revealed that Barton would be returning to television, however, in a reality TV setting. The star announced she would be joining the cast of MTV's The Hills: New Beginnings, which she has officially signed on for another season!

9 Rachel Bilson

Via Page Six
Via Page Six

Rachel Bilson played the notorious Summer Roberts! The actress deserved major recognition for making a character who was spoiled, rich, and rude totally likable. During her time on the show, Bilson dated actor Adam Brody, however, the duo split in 2006.

Rachel went on to marry actor, Hayden Christensen, with whom she shares their 7-year-old, Briar Rose. Bilson also went on to act in a number of film and television shows following The O.C. and landed the lead role on Heart of Dixie.

8 Adam Brody

Via The Today Show
Via The Today Show

The beloved Adam Brody portrayed the character, Seth Cohen, who instantly became a fan favorite. Brody practically brought life to the hot geek character who would win just about anyone over with his boyish charm and wit.

Well, after his stellar performance on the hit series, Brody went on to land a few roles in films such as Baggage Claim, Think Like A Man Too, however, it's his marriage to Gossip Girl actress, Leighton Meester that has everyone talking!

7 Ben McKenzie

Via CelebrityNetWorth
Via CelebrityNetWorth

Ryan Atwood was played by none other than Ben McKenzie, the on-screen heartthrob who had us all gleaming at our televisions. The troubled teen gets adopted by the affluent Cohen family, hence his close relationship with Adam Brody's character.

Related: What Happened To 'O.C.' Star Willa Holland

Since leaving The O.C., McKenzie has had quite a thriving acting career! In 2008, he starred alongside legendary actor, Al Pacino in 88 Minutes, before signing on to appear as the lead in the hit series, Gotham.

6 Peter Gallagher

Via CelebrityNetWorth
Via CelebrityNetWorth

Peter Gallagher has been in the business for quite some time! The actor played the role of Sandy Cohen, everyone's favorite on-screen dad. During his time on the show, the actor balanced his marriage and being a father, all while juggling a number of other roles, as well.

After his time on The O.C., Peter went on to appear in several projects including Bad Moms Christmas, Law & Order, The Gifted, and The Good Wife, to name a few, proving that he's still got it!

5 Melinda Clarke

Via BiographyPedia
Via BiographyPedia

The O.C.'s very own, Julie Cooper, was played by none other than Melinda Clarke. While she had her ups and downs with Marissa, it was clear she did everything she could as a mother.

Following her time on the hit series, Clarke went on to have even more success on both the big and small screen. Her biggest roles to follow her time playing Mrs. Cooper were on Entourage, The Vampire Diaries, and Gotham, alongside former O.C. co-star, Ben McKenzie. 

4 Tate Donovan

Via The Today Show
Via The Today Show

Tate Donovan, who played the role of Jimmy Cooper, had been in the business for quite some time, as well. The actor was known for his relationship with Jennifer Aniston back in the 90s, which began following his time appearing on the show, Friends.

Related: Here's Why Adam Brody Doesn't Want To Talk About 'The O.C.'

Well, Tate not only saw even more success on The O.C, but he went on to appear in classics such as Argo, Masters of Sex, MacGyver, and Rocketman. As if that weren't enough, the actor took a swing at directing, which led to his work on shows such as Gossip Girl, and Weeds, to name a few.

3 Kelly Rowan

Via Glamour
Via Glamour

Kelly Rowan deserved mom of the year for the role she played on The O.C as Kirsten Cohen. The caring, sometimes over-involved mom was too kind for her own good, a trait viewers quickly discovered. After the show wrapped, the Canadian-native found herself appearing on a handful of shows inclusive Perception, Jack and Jill vs. the World, and Castle. While the actress remained successful in her professional career, her personal life took a hit after she and ex-hubby, David Thomson announced their split. 

2 Olivia Wilde

Via Deadline

Olivia Wilde, who played the role of Alex Kelly, is easily one of the biggest names to come out of The O.C. The actress is easily one of the most well-known stars in Hollywood today, and rightfully so.

Wilde went on to appear on hit shows such as House, Skin, and films such as Tron: Legacy and Booksmart. The star is also filming Don't Worry Darling alongside Harry Styles, which has been sparking a lot of dating rumors recently.

1 Cam Gigandet

Via WikiOrg
Via WikiOrg

Cam Gigandet had a way of playing the bad guy unlike anyone in Hollywood! The actor portrayed the role of Kevin Volchok who had quite the rebellious side! While his relationship with Marissa spiced things up on the show, fans weren't too crazy for him.

The actor went on to appear in films such as Easy A, and of course the Twilight Saga, in which he appeared alongside Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson, where he played the role of James Witherdale.

Next: Was 'Easy A' Really Just The Prequel For 'Cruella'?