Precocious might be the pre-eminent word to describe the early career of Mischa Barton. Truly, Billy Kent and the filmmakers of “The Oh in Ohio” found perfect casting with Mischa to portray the “precocious” high school student/muse to Paul Rudd. And while Mischa perhaps utilized that description with characters in her early work, the English-born actress has amassed quite a prolific resume – circa two dozen projects by the time she reached her 22nd year in 2008.
Raised in New York, Mischa was a child actress of theatre, performing as big-time as Broadway in things as dense as Shakespeare and Kushner. As she entered her teenage years, Mischa split her time between theatre, modeling and film – making her big screen debut in “Polio Water” in 1995. By 13, Mischa could be seen in “Notting Hill” and “The Sixth Sense.” A pivotal role for Mischa was “Skipped Parts” in 2000, featuring Jennifer Jason Leigh and Drew Barrymore.
Eight episodes on “Once and Again” was a segue into Mischa’s breakout role as Marissa Cooper on “The O.C.,” the popular FOX drama that aired from 2003 – 2006. During the show’s run, Mischa branched out into more complex indie roles in “The Oh in Ohio” and “Octane.” Using “The O.C.” as a stepping stone, Mischa not only grew in celebrity status, but branched her acting talents out in things like “St. Trinians” with Gemma Arterton and “Virgin Territory.” Lately, Mischa has been hampered by missteps in her personal life (some nasty breakups and a DUI), but her forthcoming projects shows she’s plunging into her work. And someone like Mischa Barton needs the work to keep herself interested. It’s what sets her on a greater, genuine plane than most.
Mischa on Video
Mischa Barton and Olivia Wilde
Two hot babes going at it in a great celebrity kiss.
Mischa on Letterman
2006 appearance on “Late Night.”
Today Show Appearance
2006 visit to “The Today Show.”
Mischa on the Screen
She’s Kyra Collins in “The Sixth Sense,” Mary in “Lost & Delirious,” Kristen in “The Oh in Ohio,” Marissa on “The O.C.,” Young Ethel Ann in “Closing the Ring,” Pampinea in “Virgin Territory,” Francesca in “Assassination of a High School President,” and Lana in “You and I.”
Mischa Says
On dating:
“I’m lucky to know you can have more than one soul mate in life. But, like a true actress, I’m always changing the way I feel about who I want to be. Nowadays, I feel I’m settling more into a woman and I am understanding who I am.”
On her April 2008 DUI:
“The thing is, I hate drunk drivers. Living in L.A., I can’t stand them, and that’s why I was so disappointed in myself. I wanted to prove to the court that I would take it completely seriously, so I went to rehab to prove I was sober.”