Believe it or not, The O.C. premiered 20 years ago. That means that its cast is all grown up, and many of them have started families.
Since leaving Orange County behind in 2007, so many of the group have gone on to dominate Hollywood and find true love in real life.
As of September 2023, there are 9 actors who played a key role in the show that are parents. We rounded them all up with details for you to learn more!
Benjamin McKenzie
Benjamin McKenzie hit it big playing Ryan Atwood on The O.C. and has gone on to find success with other shows suck as Gotham and Southland. He and his wife Morena Baccarin tied the knot in 2017, and they share three children, including Morena‘s son Julius from a previous relationship!
The couple welcomed a daughter named Frances in March 2016. The family expanded with the birth of their son Arthur in 2021.
Rachel Bilson
Rachel Bilson brought Summer Roberts to life on the show. She continued to act after wrapping on The O.C. and currently co-hosts a podcast about her hit series.
In real life, Rachel gave birth to a daughter named Briar Rose in 2014. She shares Briar with Hayden Christensen, who she dated until 2017. The couple have since split up, but manage to co-parent their daughter as a team.
Chris Carmack
Chris Carmack played Luke Ward on The O.C. and went on to find success on Nashville and, more recently, Grey’s Anatomy where he plays Dr. Atticus Lincoln.
In real life, Chris married Erin Slaver in October 2018. The couple share two daughters – Kai arrived in August 2020 and Cielle in June 2022.
Melinda Clarke
Melinda Clarke played Julie Cooper on the show. You’d also know her from shows like Days of Our Lives and CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. More recently, she co-hosts Rachel‘s O.C.-themed podcast.
In real life, Melinda shares a daughter named Catherine with her ex Ernie Mirich. She arrived in 2000, and the couple split in 2005.
Samaire Armstong
Samaire Armstrong brought Anna Stern to life in the first season of the show and has continued to act since. She gave birth to a son named Calin in 2012.
Peter Gallagher
Peter Gallagher brought Sandy Cohen to life on The O.C. He continued to act after the show ended, landing appearances in the likes of Mr. Deeds and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. More recently, Peter had a role in Netflix’s Grace & Frankie.
In real life, he married his wife Paula in 1983. The couple shares two children – musician Kathryn and son James. He supported his Tony nominated daughter at the 2021 ceremony!
Autumn Reeser
Autumn Reeser brought Taylor Townsend to life on the hit series. You’ll also recognize her from projects like Sully, Entourage and her successful career on the Hallmark Channel.
She shares two sons – Finn, born May 2011, and Dash, born November 2013 – with ex-husband Jesse Warren.
Kelly Rowan
Kelly Rowan played Kirsten Cohen on the show. In real life, she gave birth to a daughter in 2008.
Adam Brody
Fans of The O.C. know Adam Brody as Seth Cohen. Others will recognize him from his more recent work in the DC Universe, where he stars in the Shazam! series.
In real life, he married Leighton Meester in 2014. The couple shares two children – daughter Arlo and son who was born in 2020. We still do not know their son’s name.
On the topic of The O.C., you’ll be surprised to learn that two of the stars were not the first choice for the roles they landed. You also might be interested in seeing how much the members of the cast are worth!
