Rachel Bilson skyrocketed to the top of celeb hot lists while working her day job as Summer Roberts on “The O.C.” It wasn’t too tough for the L.A.-native actress to play the bratty so-Cal babe on the Fox show, even though she’s nothing like the character in real life. Born in 1981 to a Jewish father and Italian-American mother, it was her father who encouraged her to try acting. In 2003, Rachel appeared as a guest star on “The O.C.” before joining the cast full time after the 15th episode.
Rachel is a favorite with photographers on the red carpet and in photo shoots. Showing up on hot lists like Maxim’s “Hot 100 List” and People’s “50 Most Beautiful People” has become the norm. She’s stated that it’s time to move on from “The O.C.,” perhaps best demonstrating this by splitting from her “O.C” co-star/boyfriend Adam Brody after three years in 2006. That same year she played alongside Zach Braff in “The Last Kiss.” And chances are, she’ll be making the top ranks of more hot lists for all to enjoy year after year.
Iconic Character – Summer Roberts on “The O.C.”
For many fans, Rachel’s role as Summer on “The O.C.” will always be a favorite. We highlihgted this character in our “TV Girlfriends” feature in the “High Maintenance Hotties” catagory. Here’s what we said about the Rachel character:
“Even among the slew of superficial teenagers that inhabit Orange County, California, Summer Roberts stands as the highest maintenance of them all. This brunette beauty is not above putting social status above all else – even her own personal feelings – and is known for throwing fits when things didn’t go her way, but while her gorgeous looks and innocent smile let her get away with it, she’s grown out of her bratty nature somewhat. She’s got a lot more going on upstairs than she lets on (she was accepted to Brown University), and her time dating certified nerd Seth Cohen proves she has overcome her reliance on popularity. That’s not a bad quality for a two-time prom queen to have, and more than enough reason for us to want to date her.”
Summer Roberts at her best
Yes, she looks hot in all the clips . . .
Rachel Bilson on the Screen
Before the debut of the “O.C.” in 2003, Rachel worked some commercials and bit TV roles in “That 70s Show,” “Mad TV,” “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” and “8 Simple Rules…for Dating My Teenage Daughter.” On the big screen, Rachel caught Zach Braff’s fancy in “The Last Kiss.”
Rachel Says
On being single:
“The nights can get lonely, y’know. I’m happy being single, but sometimes you need someone to cuddle.”
On what’s attractive:
“When a guy can make fun of you, that’s attractive. Who knew that teasing could have so much power over women?”
On fame:
“You’ve got to use your celebrity for good stuff, not evil. I think it’s lame when people act as if they’re better than everyone!”