Adam Brody | Adam Brody Rachel Bilson

Adam Brody and Rachel Bilson - The New Prom Queen

2006-10-27T17:58:00.000-07:00

It's been great to watch Rachel Bilson blossom into a full-fledged adult star! There's just something about The O.C. actress that we really like. She's like Mandy Moore with a bit more spunk.

Adam Brody's girlfriend took a break school and goes to classy in In Style magazine. So pretty!

O.C. stars hit T.O.

2006-10-27T17:57:00.000-07:00

Adam Brody and Rachel Bilson go for a stroll in Toronto. Yes, that was Adam Brody of The O.C. strolling around chilly Toronto on the weekend of Oct. 21-22.
Broadway Star Terrence Mann Joins Musical Theatre Faculty
Two-time Tony Award nominee Terrence Mann, who originated the role of the Beast in the Broadway production of "Beauty and the Beast," is the new Carolyn Plemmons Phillips and Ben R. Phillips Distinguished Professor in Musical Theatre at Western Carolina University.
Hugh Jackman, center stage
After playing a serial killer in a Woody Allen comedy and a mutant mauler in ``The X-Men'' movie series, Hugh Jackman has returned to what he does best: hamming it up on stage.
Productions by 'professionals'
In England, "professional" is a synonym for "not a gentleman." In America, it's a synonym for "not a blithering idiot." Which is why New Jersey's 20-odd designated "professional" theaters -- meaning their actors are partly or entirely equity -- cherish the designation.
'Mary Poppins' Lands on Broadway at New Amsterdam Theatre
Everyone's favorite flying nanny lands on Broadway at the New Amsterdam Theatre when Mary Poppins - a co-production between Disney and Cameron Mackintosh - begins previews at the New Amsterdam Theatre Oct. 14.
Cabrillo Theatre announces new season
Cabrillo Music Theatre, the resident musical theatre company of the Countrywide Performing Arts Center at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, has announced its 2006-07 season.

It's getting a little too soapy at 'The O.C.'

2006-10-27T17:56:00.000-07:00

"I don't do sarcasm anymore," Summer (Rachel Bilson) warns Seth (Adam Brody) on an impromptu trip home to tony Newport Beach from a tree-hugging first few weeks at Brown. "I'm post-ironic."

"You mean earnest?" Seth replies in an exchange from the first episode of "The O.C.'s" fourth season (Fox, 9 p.m. Thursday). He's befuddled — and why wouldn't he be? Straightforwardness has never been the stock in trade of this slick, teen-oriented soap, which has always appeared to be better and more fully realized as a writing exercise than as an actual televised drama.

Unlike, say, "Gilmore Girls," which has relied on complex, true relationships to anchor its flights-of-fancy dialogue, "The O.C." has always settled for brute archetypes, preferring a good brood or a zippy exultation to textured emotional interactions. Otherwise, actual feelings might get in the way of a good pop culture zinger or, worse, a sweet tune from a B-list indie rock outfit.

But things have changed in Newport — Marissa Cooper (Mischa Barton) is dead, killed in a car crash, and five months later her friends are, quite alarmingly, still coping. Out in Providence, R.I., Summer's rejected shaving her legs and regular pedicures and has all but traded in one neurotic clinger, Seth, for another, the earth tone-clad, didgeridoo-jammin' Che (Chris Pratt). Taking another road to clarity, Ryan (Benjamin McKenzie), always a masochist at heart, is now only speaking the universal language of fist-against-face.

The upside to Marissa's death is that it seems to have restored the Cohen family to their rightful places as paragons of nerdily liberal virtue, if only because everyone else is unreasonably disturbed. Their collective undoing last season was, if not wholly credible, still painful to watch, particularly that of Cohen pere et fils — father Sandy (Peter Gallagher) lost sight of his well-cultivated ideals in attempting to manage the Newport Group, the company owned by his wife's late father, while son Seth flubbed his application to Brown, thanks to an extended dalliance with marijuana.

But the Cohens are the core, the only thing preventing the show from sliding completely into Daytime Emmy territory. Marissa's mother, Julie (Melinda Clarke), is still popping a rainbow of pills, and her younger sister Kaitlin (Willa Holland), a new addition to the cast, seems most skilled at elongating her teenage frame for the perusal of others.

In addition to the unsavory plot turns and ham-fisted storytelling-via-lighting, the show has also been reduced to stunt casting — Steve-O, of "Jackass," barely keeps a sober face as a shot-downing Marine in the second episode, and Tia Carrere brings myriad meanings to her new title — dean of discipline at Harbor School — as if the role were cast by the editors of Maxim. (Additionally, teen R&B phenom Chris Brown will have a recurring role later this season as a high school classmate of Kaitlin.)

And the things that made "The O.C." so novel upon its debut in 2003 have, inevitably, become recognizable tropes. When Seth refers to Ryan as looking "strangely like a young Russell Crowe," it feels less like an internal critique (as it might have two years ago) than a nod to the press.

Furthermore, the choices of soundtrack music have become almost abusively literal — note the first episode's recurring use of Placebo's "Running Up That Hill," a spooky version of a spooky Kate Bush song by a spooky singer (which inevitably recalls the late Jeff Buckley's cover of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" that oozed over the closing montage of the first season's final episode). Scriptwriters shouldn't be picketing reality shows — they should be protesting music supervisors.

Fox has hedged its bets on "The O.C." somewhat this year, ordering only 16 episodes of this fourth season (which will air opposite "Grey's Anatomy" and "CSI").

But there may be reason for optimism on the horizon. By the end of the second episode, Ryan's back in the petri dish that is the Cohens' pool house — sulking, to be sure, but also reined in. And as at the beginning of the series, he's just a poor kid getting emotionally manipulated and manhandled by rich folk — the most honestly felt dynamic the show's ever seen.

Bilson and Adam Brody still coupled

2006-10-27T17:55:00.000-07:00

RACHEL Bilson and Adam Brody shopped till they dropped in Toronto last weekend - shooting down rumors that she's now either with Zach Braff or JC Chasez or that they're just generally kaput. Canadian gossip Shinan Govani told us one of "The O.C." couple's stops was 69 Vintage, where they picked up some "old-school tees" and Brody scored "a pair of black dock shoes and grandpa suspenders." Bilson, this month's Cosmo cover girl, is in Canada to shoot her new film "Jumper."

Bilson says private life is just that

2006-10-27T17:53:00.000-07:00

Being photographed and chased by the paparazzi means success for The OC's Rachel Bilson.

Although the 25-year-old Los Angeles-based actor says she does her best to keep her private life out of the spotlight.

"It is very important to me to try to keep relationships as private as possible," said Bilson, who dates her OC co-star Adam Brody.

"Your personal life is the one thing you have for yourself because you are out there for the world to see. People think they know you and everything, so to have that to yourself is very important."

Bilson features in glossy mags the world over and has won a legion of fans for playing Summer Roberts in the hit American TV series based in southern California's Orange County.

While she realises media attention is part of the job, she says her private life is off limits.

"I am in it because I love acting and I love my job and I love working. I am not in it for the celebrity part," she told AAP at the Toronto International Film Festival, where her film, The Last Kiss, premiered in September.

In The OC, Bilson plays the daughter of a rich local doctor, best friend of Marissa Copper (Mischa Barton) and girlfriend of the nerdy Seth Cohen (Brody).

The series has been a big hit around the world and has screened on Network Ten in Australia.

"Especially when you are on television, people feel like they know you because you are in their house every week," said Bilson.

"They can say whatever and they can pick you apart and they can be hurtful. That is why you really have to have a strong energy and try to not pay attention."

Bilson is a Californian native, born and raised in Los Angeles.

Reading The O.C.

2006-10-27T17:52:00.000-07:00

Who doesn't love The O.C.? Much like Beverly Hills 90210, The O.C. features a bunch of spoiled-ish rich kids hanging out, talking a lot and generally being glamorous, but this time in Orange County, California, rather than Hollywood, California - so it's completely different, see? While 90210 lasted out a good few seasons before becoming unacceptably ridiculous, The O.C. only managed one perfect season before jumping the shark.

In its favour The O.C.'s got Seth Cohen (Adam Brody) - darling of geek-loving women everywhere - not to mention Jim Robinson from Neighbours. (Apparently some people find Ryan attractive. I can't see it myself, but those people will probably like the Lads of The O.C. calendar.) While I'm on that subject, there is an unofficial biography of both Adam Brody and Benjamin McKenzie entitled Meet the Boys of Summer.

The official book is called Meet The O.C. Superstars and is apparently "a must" for fans of the show. Amazingly, I can't find an unofficial book.

There are novelisations like Spring Break and the fabulously titled The Summer of Summer (who thinks these things up?) plus, brilliantly, 'Twas the Night Before Chrismukkah but that seems to be about all. Shame.

One Classy Bitch

2006-10-27T17:51:00.000-07:00

Rachel Bilson is a combination of a playful girl in a woman's body. Her career branches from "The OC's" loveable ditz to portraying a real thinking human being in a new flick co-staring Zach Braff. It is beyond time to leave the Stereotypical bubbly beauty and in her new film "The Last Kiss" she takes on the nudity aspect of being an actor.

"Nudity's always a consideration when you're reading a script, and when I got to the bit where it said, 'He takes down her panties,' I kind of blushed. But it's all beautifully done. It's not like I'm flashing my privates all over the place. Men's magazines are always wanting you to pose in really skimpy stuff." Rachel explained.

While she isn't whipping her noonie out for every Tom, Dick, and Harry she believes that only her main squeeze, Adam Brody, gets to see her nude. While the intimate scene in "The Last Kiss" is tastefully done, she feels her body is like a temple and only there to share with someone she loves.

BIlson saves body for brody

2006-10-27T17:49:00.000-07:00

THE OC beauty RACHEL BILSON has slammed girls who pose semi-nude for men's magazines, insisting only her boyfriend ADAM BRODY sees her naked. Bilson is constantly approached to pose in skimpy underwear for the saucy publications, but always refuses because it's not fair on her co-star lover. But Bilson was happy to film an intimate scene with ZACH BRAFF for new movie THE LAST KISS - because it was tastefully done. She says, "Nudity's always a consideration when you're reading a script, and when I got to the bit where it said, 'He takes down her panties,' I kind of blushed. "But it's all beautifully done. It's not like I'm flashing my privates all over the place. Men's magazines are always wanting you to pose in really skimpy stuff. "I think your body is sacred and it's there to share with a loved one. It's not for the whole world to see."

50-State Turnout Turns Out the Stars

2006-10-27T17:47:00.000-07:00

The OC's Adam Brody phones Ohio voters alongside Sherrod Brown during
The 50-State Turnout in NE Ohio

Getting Out the Youth Vote in Ohio:

Students pushed their way through the Kiva Auditorium at the Kent Student Center in an effort to catch a glimpse of actors Luke Perry and Adam Brody, who shared the stage with Brown.
The actors were joining the Democratic congressman on a four-day campus tour of Ohio in his campaign to unseat U.S. Sen. Mike DeWine.
During his remarks to the students, which focused on tuition costs for higher education in Ohio, Brown paid tribute to KSU for its activism.
"Activism on this campus is the tradition you come from," Brown said. "That is your heritage and why you can change this country."
Perry, a Massilon native and star of the 1990s hit Fox television series, Beverly Hills 90210, said he was delivered by Browns father, Dr. Charles Brown. He and Brown shared stories of growing up in Ohio.
"This election is important to me," Perry said. "Ohio needs to become the leader in alternative fuels. Too many Ohioans have gone off to war and died. We need to bring our troops back and have them work towards rebuilding Ohio. That is why we need to support him."
"I fear this government," Perry said. "It is important to make a change. We need to get Congress back to the Democrats or else every last effort will go towards oil, the war and higher tuition."
Brody, a star of the Fox series, The O.C., urged students to vote in the upcoming election.
"You are no longer the future, you are the present," he told students.

Luke Perry and Sherrod Brown supporters rally in Ohio

Clinton lends clout to Brown campaign N.Y. senator bashes Bush, rouses crowd

2006-10-27T17:44:00.000-07:00

By JIM TANKERSLEY
BLADE POLITICS WRITER

AUSTINTOWN, Ohio - The girls swooned for Adam Brody. The banners plugged Sherrod Brown. But the nearly 1,000 people in the Fitch High School auditorium yesterday saved their longest, loudest ovations for the woman who has become the Ohio Democratic Party's most lucrative warm-up act.

Hillary Clinton had them on their feet before word No. 1. In the middle of sentence No. 2, she drew her first "Hillary for president!" shout, which, like all the rest, she ignored.

By the end of her speech introducing U.S. Rep. Brown, the Democratic challenger to U.S. Sen. Mike DeWine (R., Cedarville) this fall, Mrs. Clinton was conducting the crowd in an auditorium-shaking indictment of the Bush Administration.

"We didn't sign up for this huge debt," the senator from New York said, and the cheers began to mount. "We didn't sign up for a war in Iraq that has been marred by strategic blunders and mistake after mistake. We didn't sign up for taking our eye off [Osama] bin Laden in Afghanistan and diverting resources away from that. We didn't sign up for a government that couldn't rescue Americans when a hurricane struck along our Gulf Coast."

Applause swallowed her last three lines.

Potential presidential contenders have lent fund-raising muscle to both parties' Ohio tickets this year. The Republican list includes U.S. Sen. John McCain of Arizona, Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, and former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani - along with President Bush, who has raised at least $4.5 million here on his own.

The Democratic list includes New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, U.S. Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts, and former Virginia Gov. Mark Warner.

Ohio Democrats say none of them approach Mrs. Clinton, who has raised nearly $500,000 in New York and Ohio for Mr. Brown and U.S. Rep. Ted Strickland, the party nominee for governor. Her husband, former President Bill Clinton, raked in $225,000 for Mr. Strickland.

Campaign officials said Mrs. Clinton has raised or donated $14 million for Democratic candidates nationwide in the last two years.

"Hillary and Bill Clinton are the only rock stars we have" as Democrats, said Jim Ruvolo, a party strategist and former Ohio Democratic chairman. "They can raise money because of who they are … That doesn't necessarily mean she's running, but if she does, she's got a lot of IOUs to call in."

Presidential questions dog every Clinton event. Others at the suburban Youngstown rally yesterday - including Mr. Brown of Avon and Mr. Brody, a star of the Fox hit The O.C. - noted Ohio's looming swing status for 2008. Mrs. Clinton said she was more focused on this year.

In an interview with The Blade, Mrs. Clinton said, "It's better for New York and it's better for America if we get a Democratic majority back in [Congress] to restore checks and balances and to prevent this President and vice president from taking such radical positions."

Ohio Democrats welcome her help. Mr. Strickland calls Mrs. Clinton a friend dating back to her push for national health care as first lady.

Mr. Brown told the Austintown crowd that he appreciates Mrs. Clinton's campaign advice.

"She just gets it about what people think and the direction this country needs to go," Mr. Brown said.

Republicans are more critical. State GOP spokesman John McClelland called Mrs. Clinton "everybody's favorite liberal" yesterday and accused Mr. Brown of being "left of Hillary."

Not all Democrats are sold, either. Several party insiders in Ohio say privately they fear Mrs. Clinton is too polarizing to win a general election. Neither Mr. Strickland nor Mr. Brown has endorsed a 2008 candidate yet.

In Austintown, Mrs. Clinton dropped names down to the bishop who led the invocation, praised Mr. Brown for "fighting for 30 years for social and economic justice," and borrowed his line about protecting Americans "who play by the rules," and clapped through Mr. Brown's speech even when he blasted Mr. DeWine for voting to authorize the Iraq war - a vote Mrs. Clinton also made.

In the speech and the ensuing interview, Mrs. Clinton criticized Mr. Bush and Republican leaders on several issues, including:

•Balancing the budget: "We've got to get back to Clinton economic policies. You know, when my husband left office, we had a balanced budget and a surplus. It didn't take long for the Republicans to basically take a wrecking ball to that ... We've got to cut spending, and we've got to begin to move back to sensible, affordable tax policies."

•International trade, a key focus of Mr. Brown's campaign: "I believe in smart trade, and I believe we're not doing enough of that. The Bush Administration hasn't enforced the trade agreements that we've been entering into … Our primary obligation is to maintain the standard of living and quality of life of American workers and citizens, and I agree with Sherrod that we've got to think differently about how to do that."

•Iraq: "I certainly have been appalled at the way [Republicans] have conducted this war they were determined to wage. The Democrats are united in our belief that you can't continue to do more of the same, which is the Bush-Cheney-Rumsfeld strategy. We need a new strategy … to send a very clear message to the Iraqi government that we're not going to be there propping them up, and we'll begin a phased redeployment of our troops to underscore that."

Mrs. Clinton did not talk about the White House, but Mr. Ruvolo said she will get her chance soon enough.

"On Nov. 8," he said, "2008 starts. Then it's a different ballgame."

Contact Jim Tankersley at:
jtankersley@theblade.com
or 419-724-6134.

Ohio Hill Climb

2006-10-27T17:42:00.000-07:00

October 8, 2006 -- AUSTINTOWN, Ohio - Buffeted by Hollywood heartthrobs Luke Perry and Adam Brody, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton lent her own star power to a fellow Democrat yesterday in the crucial presidential battleground state of Ohio.

Clinton, Perry and Brody were on hand to boost Sherrod Brown's chances for the Senate at a massive rally in Austintown - where, many said, New York's junior senator was the main draw.

Clinton was indeed the star attraction, but she made sure to note the presence of Perry, the former "Beverly Hills 90210" star and an Ohio native, and Brody, who stars in "The O.C."

"I am so proud that these two young men, who have made such a mark for themselves, were there," Clinton said.

Noting that Brown's dad was Perry's childhood doctor from birth, she added: "We're all connected."

Brown is in a hard-fought race against Mike DeWine, the Republican incumbent, and each side has been courting a lot of out-of-state talent. This was Clinton's second trip to Ohio this year, aides said.

The same aides insist that Clinton, the Democratic front-runner for 2008, hasn't made up her mind but acknowledge that her trips around the country stumping for others can have a double benefit.

Clinton tried to rally the Democratic troops by charging that Republicans are in denial when it comes to the region's two major issues - jobs and health care.

"It is so discouraging some days to see the state of denial that they are in," she said. "They don't ever want to admit that they made a mistake."

She also took shots at the Republicans for their "blunders" in Iraq and for taking their "eye off" Osama bin Laden and Afghanistan.

But while most people, when asked, said they'd love to see her run for the White House, some questioned whether she could win - not because she voted in support of President Bush's decision to invade Iraq but because she's a woman.

"I would love to have her as president, but I don't know if she'd win," admitted Kadey Kimple, 69. "I think she's such a threat - to men, particularly . . . When some found out I was coming to see her, the conversation went dead. They wouldn't even talk to me about it."

The 'O.C' Returns Thursday, November 2nd on FOX

2006-10-27T17:41:00.000-07:00

The fourth season of THE O.C. will premiere Thursday, Nov. 2 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. This season hits the ground running with THE O.C.'s trademark mix of heart, humor, drama, action and romance.

Josh Schwartz, creator and executive producer of THE O.C., says of the new season: "I'm very proud of these episodes and I think they convey real emotion and drama but also, more importantly, humor and heart. I believe our fans will find this focus on our core characters and their relationships really satisfying. The show has been reinvented; rebooted. Personally, it feels like THE O.C. is back. I hope our fans feel the same way."

When the series returns for Season Four, high school seems like a distant memory to the young graduates, who have been thrust into adulthood after the death of their beloved friend Marissa. The Cohens struggle to keep Ryan focused on the future, fighting the forces that threaten to pull him back into his old life. SANDY (Peter Gallagher) returns to the Public Defender's office, and he and KIRSTEN (Kelly Rowan) find themselves the happiest they have ever been with each other while rising to the challenge of keeping their family together.

SUMMER (Rachel Bilson) has left Orange County and is attending Brown University in Rhode Island, where she has reinvented herself as a left-leaning, tree-hugging activist under the sway of CHE (guest-star Chris Pratt); out are Summer's celebrity gossip magazines and in are her "Chicken-lovers of the world unite!" flyers. Meanwhile, SETH (Adam Brody), lonely in the O.C. and working at a local comic book store, turns to watching golf with DR. ROBERTS (Michael Nouri) and hanging out with the Newpsies for social stimulation.

KAITLIN COOPER (new series regular Willa Holland) returns to the O.C. as the No. 1 troublemaker at The Harbor School. Over the summer she has befriended Luke's younger twin brothers, ERIC (Corey Price) and BRAD WARD (Wayne Dalglish), who worship her. Meanwhile, JULIE COOPER (Melinda Clarke) will do anything – even yard work – to avoid dealing with the loss of Marissa. And TAYLOR TOWNSEND (new series regular Autumn Reeser) is hiding out and speaking French in the O.C. after her mysterious romance in Paris.

Chris Pratt will appear in a multi-episode arc starting on the season premiere, playing Summer's environmentalist activist Svengali, Che. Pratt was last seen on "Everwood" as "Bright Abbott." He was recently on the big screen opposite Amy Sedaris in "Strangers with Candy" and will next appear opposite Cary Elwes in "Walk the Talk." Pratt was born in Minnesota and currently lives in Los Angeles.

Pop/R&B teen sensation Chris Brown, 17, begins production on THE O.C. in late October; episodes featuring Brown will air on FOX later in the season. Brown will play WILL TUTT, a lonely band geek at The Harbor School who befriends Kaitlin Cooper. As their friendship grows, a possible romance blossoms in the O.C. Brown debuted on the music scene with the single "Run It!" and became the first male solo artist to release a single that went straight to the top of the Billboard singles chart. Brown's self-titled debut album was an immediate Top-10 hit and is certified platinum. Brown is from Tappahannock, VA, and has a recording contract with Jive Records. He will make his motion picture debut in 2007 in Sony Screen Gems' "Stomp the Yard."

New Couples on the Horizon

2006-10-27T17:38:00.000-07:00

Holy hook-ups, Batman. There must be something in the water in Los Angeles because there have been some strange rumored pairings lately. First there was Lindsay Lohan and Keanu Reeves. Read on for a couple more weird ones.

According to Life & Style Weekly, Jared Leto has finally gotten over his younger woman stage. The actor, who has been linked to Scarlett Johansson, Ashley Olsen, Lindsay Lohan and Jessica Simpson, is now pursuing Sharon Stone. Last week, Stone and Leto were both on hand for the opening of a new club called Area. An onlooker told the magazine, "Sharon was in full femme-fatale mode, she looked positively radiant and Jared definitely noticed. He sauntered over to her and started chatting her up. She seemed flattered by the attention, and the two were laughing and flirting within seconds. She seemed really attracted to Jared…It kind of looked like they were on a date. The sparks were flying."

Another possible couple to keep a look out for is former 'NSyncer, J.C. Chasez and Rachel Bilson of "The OC." L&S claims that Bilson has taken a liking to Chasez and may run into his arms should things continue to go south with her current boyfriend, and "OC" co-star, Adam Brody. The magazine reports that Rachel hung out with J.C. when they were both in NYC for the VMAs and then had a "double date" with Justin Timberlake and Cameron Diaz a couple of weeks later in Los Angeles. A source for L&S says, "JC's smitten with Rachel." Another informant said, "Rachel feels the same about him and has been rethinking her relationship with Adam. She says it's not healthy to settle down so young, and she wants to see what else is out there

Zach Braff messing with Rachel Bilson and Adam Brody?

2006-10-27T17:36:00.000-07:00

Uh oh. Looks like all's not rosy for O.C. lovebirds, Rachel Bilson and Adam Brody, and according to MSNBC's The Scoop, the culprit behind the troubles may be none other than Rachel's Last Kiss costar, Zach Braff.

Adam Brody and Rachel Bilson have reportedly hit a rough patch. The stars of "The O.C." fell in love while working on the show, and it "looked like they were on their way to getting engaged just a little while back," a source told Star, but "are going through a really difficult period right now."

One reason, according to the insider, may be because of Bilson’s friendship with Zach Braff, her co-star from "The Last Kiss." "Zach calls Rachel a lot and they talk on the phone like girlfriends," says the insider. "But what really eats away at Adam is when Rachel starts talking about how mature Zach is. No guy appreciates his girlfriend comparing him to another guy." . . .Hello!

You know, I'm a big fan of Zach Braff, but if he starts messing with Seth and Summer, he's got it coming. No one messes with Seth and Summer. NO ONE!

Then again, can you really blame him? While I'm sure he's "just being friendly," after seeing these pictures of Rachel Bilson in CS Magazine, I don't think there's any way of keeping things platonic.

Five Minutes with Rachel Bilson

2006-10-27T17:34:00.000-07:00

By AMY LONGSDORF for Impulse

Rachel Bilson ("The O.C.") is saying goodbye to Summer -- at least temporarily -- for a role in a big fall movie.

In "The Last Kiss," the 24-year-old actress plays a college student who casts a spell over an architect (Zach Braff) who's weeks away from tying the knot with his pregnant sweetie (Jacinda Barrett).

On Nov. 2, Bilson will be back as fan-favorite Summer Roberts for the fourth season of "The O.C." The series, which co-stars Bilson's off-screen honey Adam Brody and Benjamin McKenzie, is expected to undergo big changes following the demise of Marissa Cooper (Mischa Barton) at the end of Season 3.

From Los Angeles, Bilson talks about first kisses, making out with strangers and the future of "The O.C."

Impulse: "The Last Kiss" is your first film since landing on "The O.C." You must have gotten tons of other offers. Why this one?
Bilson: I do get a lot of offers, but I won't do things like horror movies. You won't see me getting slashed, or running from monsters or anything like that. I remember reading the script for "The Last Kiss" and actually getting angry that Zach's character cheated. But I think it's really cool to have a movie make you feel real feelings. You don't get that all the time.

Impulse: On "The O.C." you have all of your make-out scenes with real-life boyfriend Adam Brody. How different was it hitting the sheets with Zach Braff?
Bilson: Actually, doing a love scene with someone that you're involved with is more awkward than doing a love scene with someone you're not with. But, either way, it's definitely weird. It's not normal to totally make out with a guy in front of 10 other guys and a camera.

Impulse: Do either your or Adam get jealous of each other doing love scenes?
Bilson: It gets a little awkward because you're, like, "It's not cheating,' yet I am making out with another guy. To be honest, I wouldn't mind it if my boyfriend didn't have to make-out with other actresses all day. That would be totally OK with me.

Impulse: How is it going back to "The O.C." now that Mischa Barton is gone?
Bilson: You just go on, and it's your job. But it's hard for me because I always felt like I had Mischa by my side. The first couple of episodes everyone on the show is dealing with Marissa's death. But I don't have any [spoilers] for you. I don't know what they are going to do with us this season.

Impulse: Adam was probably your last kiss. So who was your first kiss?
Bilson: It was my boyfriend in sixth grade. He was my boyfriend for about two weeks and he kissed me behind the library after school. It was really slobbery and gross.

Impulse: What actresses do you particularly admire?
Bilson: Michelle Williams because she was on "Dawson's Creek' but she only did roles she believed in. She was very patient. And then last year, she was nominated for an Oscar. I used to say I admired Katie Holmes back in the day because for a minute there she went from "Dawson's Creek' to making smart choices and then, you know -- she went a different way.

"The Last Kiss" opens in theaters Friday. For showtimes in your area, check out www.fandango.com.

Rachel Bilson's Driver's License

2006-10-27T17:32:00.000-07:00

The always ridiculously cutecutecute Rachel Bilson (and her Chanel bag) travelled through LAX airport yesterday afternoon, returning home to Los Angeles where she currently resides with on-and-off-screen boyfriend Adam Brody. While passing through security, the 25-year-old actress gave paparazzi a glimpse (albeit a fuzzy one) of her driver's license issued by the state of California. Nice mug, Rachel! More pictures in the gallery...

The Best Actor On EVERWOOD Joins THE OC, Bitch!!

2006-10-27T17:31:00.000-07:00

Were you thinking Treat Williams? Naughty naughty AICN reader! Cheeky monkey! Bum looker!
I believed Chris Pratt, my favorite part of "Everwood" as the loutishly hilarious Bright Abbott, would join "The OC's" nerdishly hilarious Adam Brody as The Next Big Movie Star Who Came From TV. Turns out I was only kinda right.
According to TV Guide's never wrong and super-scoopy Michael Ausiello, Pratt (whom I understand gets to put the bone to his TV sister, superdreamy Emily Van Camp, whenever he wants to) is foregoing big-screen stardom for the moment by joining the cast of Fox's "The OC" this season.
Apparently Pratt's character will be a damn dirty hippie competing (fruitlessly one gathers) with Seth Cohen for the affections of superdreamy Summer Roberts.

Bass and boyfriend come out for birthday party

2006-10-27T17:30:00.000-07:00

London, Aug 11 - Lance Bass, former 'N Sync singer, who recently revealed that he is gay, went public about it at his former band mate J.C. Chasez's birthday party.

According to contactmusic.com, Bass joined his lover Reichen Lehmkuhl, Chasez and his other band mates for the birthday bash.

Other celebrities included Justin Timberlake's girlfriend Cameron Diaz, Adam Brody and Rachel Bilson.

Who's the best TV Couple ?

2006-10-27T17:28:00.000-07:00

Who are the best TV couples on the small screen today? My favorite is Seth and Summer from The O.C. — their relationship is the sole reason I watch the show! —Brandie McComsey

Love the push-and-pull banter between ironic Seth (Adam Brody) and snappy Summer (Rachel Bilson), which provides some of the best dialogue of the show. In a similar vein, I offer Veronica Mars. In its first season there was no better — albeit platonic — screen couple than Veronica (Kristen Bell) and her doting detective dad (Enrico Colantoni). Their underlying affection and mutual humor made some of the most charming dad-daughter moments on TV. Last season, Mr. Mars sadly had a bit less to do, but I'll admit being sucked in by the on-off relationship between Veronica and tormented smart-ass Logan (Jason Dohring). It has all the hallmarks of a great noir love story: Our jaded detective falls for a charismatic homme fatale — sparks, clever repartee, and heartache ensue. Hey, I'd rather see Veronica with an interesting jerk than with dazed Duncan (Teddy Dunn). You can imagine Veronica having a thing for bad boys, but not bland boys.

The Bastardly Midnight Snack - Rachel Bilson

2006-10-27T17:23:00.000-07:00

There’s just something about these pictures that I think Rachel Bilson looks so delicious here at the listening party for “The Last Kiss”. I specifically excluded any pictures that included Zach Braff or Adam Brody because all we really care about is how damn hot Rachel looks…

'The O.C.' goes to college.

2006-10-27T17:21:00.000-07:00

August 7, 2006 issue - This fall, everyone is gearing up for college—even the cast of "The O.C." When America's favorite high schoolers were last seen, they'd just been handed their diplomas. And a brush with death. Marissa was killed in a tragic accident. Oh, well ... the show must go on. Which got us thinking: how would Ryan (Ben McKenzie), Summer (Rachel Bilson), Seth (Adam Brody) and new regular Taylor (Autumn Reeser) decorate their dorm rooms? TIP SHEET quizzed the show's writers and actors and scoured our favorite stores and Web sites to put together this NEWSWEEK back-to-school guide. In the following pages, you'll find the best laptops, cell phones, bedsheets and other crib pimpings (like a mini pinball machine). See how well we did when you've settled into college; the fourth season debuts Nov. 2. And no matter how weird your roommate seems, we bet your year won't be as traumatic as theirs.

Adam rody tackles the red menace with girlfriend's father

2006-10-27T17:19:00.000-07:00

THE OC star ADAM BRODY will be showing off his comic book art skills this weekend (22/23JUL06) at the annual Comic-Con convention in San Diego, California, after creating a new cartoon strip with his future father-in-law. The TV hunk and his co-star girlfriend RACHEL BILSON's dad DANNY BILSON have created new comic book series RED MENACE, loosely based on US Senator JOE MCCARTHY's communist witch hunt, which had a stranglehold on Hollywood in the 1950s. Bilson and Brody partnered with comic book guru PAUL DeMEO on the project, which the trio will launch at America's biggest comic book convention this weekend (22JUL06).

'The O.C.' will have fewer fall episodes

2006-10-27T17:13:00.000-07:00

The fourth season of The O.C., Fox's show about Southern California teens, will start later and probably end earlier with just 16 episodes in 2006-07.

A typical season is 22 episodes, zap2it.com reported. In its first three seasons, The O.C. never shot fewer than 24 episodes.

Fox could still add more episodes, a network spokesman said.

The show's characters will be changing, with several -- Ben McKenzie, Adam Brody and Rachel Bilson -- going off to college.

Mischa Barton, who played Marissa Cooper, left the show when her character died. Now her younger sister Caitlin, played by Willa Holland, will go live with her mother.

Scheduled on Thursdays at 9 p.m., The O.C. will be up against three top hits -- CBS' CSI, ABC's Grey's Anatomy and NBC's Deal or No Deal.

Celebrity Terror Watch: Skeeve Alert

2006-10-27T17:08:00.000-07:00

Adam Brody, still occasionally charming on The O.C. even though the show itself has slid into an abyss of suck, is -- according to IMDb -- currently filming a movie called Smiley Face in which he plays a character named "Steve the Dealer."

I can only hope, then, that the following is actually Method Skeeze:

Still, it's concerning. One's upper lip is not for pubic fuzz. He looks dirty and sweaty and as if he smells faintly of feet. It's such a shame, too, because he and Rachel Bilson make such an awfully cute couple.

So, whether it's contractually obligated skeeze or not, let's all just hope that this passes soon -- that he speed-acts the hell out of Steve the Dealer

Rachel Bilson is more popular than mischa barton

2006-10-27T17:06:00.000-07:00

With all the rumours circulating about whether or not Mischa Barton is leaving The O.C., it seems that we may have an explanation for her possible motivation: viewers like Rachel Bilson better than her. Results from a Sky Showbiz poll show that 60% or respondents said they liked Bilson better than Mischa Barton.

Despite being the less famous of the pair, Rachel came out on top of the Sky Showbiz Hot Or Not? poll - with 60%.

The pretty, dark-haired 25-year-old, who got her big break with The OC, is in good company as her on and off screen boyfriend, Adam Brody (who plays Seth), pipped Benjamin McKenzie (Ryan) to the post with 69% of the vote.

As far as the stars who play the impossibly glamorous parents in the series go, Melinda Clarke (Julie) is a tad more popular than Kelly Rowan (Kirsten) with 55%.

And hunky dad actor Peter Gallagher (Sandy) out phwoars Tate Donovan (Jimmy) with 74%.

Well, of course Rachel Bilson is more popular than Mischa Barton. Let's see, her character's smart, self-aware, confident, doesn't do drugs, isn't whiny (although can be awfully high-pitched at times), and has way better dialogue.

And then there's Rachel in real life. Well, we don't really know that much about Rachel Bilson's real life, but maybe that's the point. You really can't hate someone when you're not bombarded with tabloid stories about her. Plus, she's dating the guy that everyone likes (Adam Brody), and not some skeazy, dirty-haired "rocker" that creeps everyone out (Cisco Adler). Oh, and her dog is a normal size.

TV's Funniest Quotes

2006-10-27T17:04:00.000-07:00

"In a speech this week, California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger said that America needs to work together to conserve oil. Then Arnold lit a cigar and drove over the crowd in his Hummer.''
CONAN O'BRIEN, ON LATE NIGHT

''You want to see Pride & Prejudice? What, is that about racism?''
BRIGHT (CHRIS PRATT) DISCUSSING DATE PLANS WITH HANNAH (SARAH DREW), ON EVERWOOD

''A source close to Britney said they weren't planning on another child, but Kevin got the munchies and thought her birth control pills were Pez.''
JIMMY KIMMEL, ON JIMMY KIMMEL LIVE

''It's the 153rd birthday of Central Park. Central Park, yeah — 800 acres of unspoiled beauty, or as Donald Trump calls it, a waste.''
DAVID LETTERMAN, ON THE LATE SHOW

''I love you too. We can kiss later.''
SETH (ADAM BRODY) TO SUMMER (RACHEL BILSON), AFTER SHE DRUNKENLY VOMITED AND CONFESSED HER LOVE TO HIM, ON THE O.C.

''I never smile if I can help it. Showing one's teeth is a submission signal in primates. When someone smiles at me, all I see is a chimpanzee begging for its life.''
DWIGHT (RAINN WILSON), ON THE OFFICE

''Now that they have dealt with the Brangelina paparazzi, Namibian authorities are reportedly working on their next priority: clean drinking water.''
JOEL McHALE, ON THE SOUP

''I told them my womanly space is hurting.''
FURONDA, DESCRIBING HOW IT FELT TO HANG UPSIDE DOWN IN A HARNESS FOR HER ''MERMAID'' PHOTO SHOOT, ON AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL

''Your wish is my shift-command.''
COMPUTER NERD MAC (TINA MAJORINO), AFTER GIVING SOME TECH HELP TO KEITH (ENRICO COLANTONI), ON VERONICA MARS

''I want to be on your backside, and I'd like you to be on mine.''
COURTNEY, TRYING TO FORM AN ALLIANCE WITH SHANE BUT LEAVING HERSELF OPEN TO MISINTERPRETATION, ON SURVIVOR

Bilson scared of hinting dog beagle attack

2006-10-27T17:02:00.000-07:00

THE OC star RACHEL BILSON has a morbid fear of beagles after one of the dogs tried to rip her face off when she was a child. The actress, 24, has a scar on her upper lip to remind her of her encounter with the savage mutt when she was just three. She says, "I hate them (beagles) and I'm not afraid to say the word 'hate'." But Bilson isn't afraid of all dogs - her constant companion is a pit-bull terrier, which was a gift from her boyfriend and The OC co-star ADAM BRODY. She admits the canine birthday gift was a real test for her because she feared she would be terrified of her new pet. She adds, "Last year (05) Adam showed up with this big pit bull and said, 'Happy birthday! Here's your dog! Her name is PENNY!' "I was, like, 'Let me get this straight. You picked out my dog. It's a pit bull.'" The actress quickly warmed to her new companion, which she renamed PENNY LANE.

Adam Brody is Horrified

2006-10-27T17:01:00.000-07:00

I couldn't pick Adam Brody out of a lineup, even if he was standing next to Adrien Brody and Buffalo Bill Cody, but here he is being grossed out by a sex scene with Meg Ryan while filming In the Land of Women:

I saw it and covered my eyes - I don't want to see myself doing that! It's not graphic but I grossed myself out."

There was a time when Meg Ryan was the cutest, most lovable, could do no wrong, hot little piece of ass in Hollywood. Now she looks like she died, escaped from her cryogenic chamber and her lips were the only things which have thawed out and had a severe allergic reaction to our modern day Ozone depletion problem. But that was a little harsh, Adam Brody. Meg Ryan still has feelings. Not in her face, but she still has feelings.

Adam Brody cringes at Meg Ryan sex scenes

2006-10-27T16:57:00.000-07:00

Actor Adam Brody is repulsed by his sex scene with Meg Ryan.

The 26-year old 'O.C.' hunk has revealed he finds the pair's racy scene from their latest movie too cringe worthy to watch.

He is quoted in Scotland's Daily Record newspaper as saying: "I've seen the pre and post sex-scenes, but I've never seen the actual sex scene. It was nutty, it really was.

"I saw it and covered my eyes - I don't want to see myself doing that!

"It's not graphic but I grossed myself out."

The handsome actor plays Seth Cohen in the popular US TV show and dates co-star Rachel Bilson, 25, in real life. As well as filming a new season of 'The O.C.', Brody is also busy working behind the scenes as a co-producer on the remake of cult classic 'Revenge Of The Nerds'.

Rachel Bilson most popular 'OC' actress

2006-10-27T16:50:00.000-07:00

Rachel Bilson, who plays Summer, has beaten Mischa Barton, Marissa, in an OC popularity contest.

The dark-haired 25-year-old actress secured 60 per cent of votes in a Sky Showbiz poll.

Bilson's on-screen and real-life boyfriend Adam Brody, who plays Seth, beat co-star Benjamin McKenzie, Ryan, in the battle of the boys, with 69 per cent of the vote.

Melinda Clarke, who plays Julie, is the more popular mum and Peter Gallagher, Sandy, is the most popular dad.

Adam Brody in the K.C

2006-10-27T16:45:00.000-07:00

Not that this show will really need any more press, but here it goes ... I haven't watched "The O.C." in ages, so I had to call my fanatic brother up to see if he knew anything about this band from Hollywood called Big Japan. He hadn't heard of them, but he did watch last Thursday's episode, which referenced a fictional band called Big Korea. Well, Big Japan is a real band, and Adam Brody will be playing drums for them at the Crocodile Cafe, Saturday, May 27, 5 p.m., all ages, $12 advance/$15 day of show.

I checked out some of their mp3s on MySpace, and they aren't awful. Maybe the guys from Death Cab will come to show their appreciation for Seth Cohen's (Brody's character) support through the years.

Adam Brody's Telivision Achievements

2006-10-27T16:40:00.000-07:00

The Loop (2006) - Keith
Punk'd (2004) - Himself [6]
MADtv (2004) - Seth
Grounded for Life (2001 &2004) - Brian
The O.C. (2003 - present) - Seth Cohen
Gilmore Girls (2002 - 2003) - Dave Rygalski
Smallville (2002) - Justin Gaines
Go Fish (2001) - Billy
Judging Amy (2001) - Barry 'Romeo' Gilmore
Family Law (2001)- Noel Johnson
Once and Again - (2000-2001) - Coop
The Sausage Factory (2000 - 2001) - Zack
Undressed (1999) - Lucas
Growing Up Brady (2000) - Barry Williams
The Amanda Show (1999) - Greg Brady

Adam Brody's Filmography

2006-10-27T16:38:00.000-07:00

The Ten (2007) (filming) - Stephen Montgomery

Smiley Face (2007) (filming) - Steve the Dealer

In the Land of Women (2007) (completed) - Carter Webb

Thank You for Smoking (2006) - Jack Bein

Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005) - Benjamin Danz

Missing Brendan (2003) - Patrick Calden

Grind (2003) - Dustin Knight

Home Security (2003) - Greg

The Ring (2002) - Kellen, Male Teen #1

According to Spencer (2001) - Tommy

American Pie 2 (2001) - High School Guy

Roadside Assistance (2001) - Rusty

The Silencing (2000) - Karl

Never Land (2000) - Jack

Adam Brody's Charity Work

2006-10-27T16:37:00.000-07:00

Brody has volunteered as an actor with the Young Storytellers Program, which is dedicated to developing literacy, self-expression and self-esteem in elementary school children.

Adam Brody's Personal Life

2006-10-27T16:36:00.000-07:00

Currently, Adam Brody lives in Los Angeles and is dating his O.C. co-star Rachel Bilson. He and Rachel Bilson share two dogs named Penny Lane and Thurmen Murmen.

Adam Brody's Career

2006-10-27T16:34:00.000-07:00

After a year of training and auditioning, Brody landed the role of Barry Williams in the TV movie, Growing up Brady. He landed recurring roles on Gilmore Girls and the Canadian comedy television series Sausage Factory. In 2003, he began playing his most famous role to date, Seth Cohen (a slightly awkward seventeen year old) on the television show, The O.C..

In 2004, he became the first O.C. star to appear on the television show Punk'd .He plays the drums for the band Big Japan.

Brody appeared alongside Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt in Mr. & Mrs. Smith, his biggest movie role to date. Most recently, he was seen as Rob Lowe's assistant in the film adaptation of Thank You For Smoking. Brody will co-produce the upcoming remake of the 1984 film Revenge of the Nerds.He has finished filming "In The Land of Woman", opposite Meg Ryan, and which is slated for release in 2007. Aside from that, he is currently filming two movies, "Smiley Face" and "The Ten", both slated for release in 2007.

Adam Brody's Biography - Early Life

2006-10-27T16:29:00.000-07:00

Brody was born in San Diego, California, the oldest son of Jewish American parents Mark Brody (a lawyer) and Valerie Siefman (a graphic artist).He has younger twin brothers, Sean and Matt. He moved to Hollywood in 1999, hiring an acting coach and quickly signing with a manager.