API
Bilson on the set of Jumper, November 2006.
Born | Rachel Sarah Bilson (1981-08-25) August 25, 1981 (age 32) Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Occupation | Actress
Years active | 2003?present
Partner(s) | Hayden Christensen (2007?present)

Rachel Sarah Bilson (born August 25, 1981) is an American actress. Bilson grew up in a California show business family, and made her television debut in 2003, subsequently becoming well known for playing Summer Roberts on the prime time drama series The O.C. Bilson made her film debut in the 2006 film The Last Kiss and starred in the 2008 action/science fiction film Jumper. She is currently starring as Dr. Zoe Hart on The CW's Hart of Dixie.

## Early life[edit]

Bilson was born in Los Angeles, the daughter of Janice (n?e Stango), a sex therapist, and Danny Bilson, a writer, director, and producer.[1] Her father is Jewish, and her mother, a native of Philadelphia, is Italian American.[2][3][4] Bilson's father comes from a show business family; her great-grandfather, George Bilson (born in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England), was the head of the trailer department at RKO Pictures; her Brooklyn-born great-grandmother, Hattie Bilson, was a screenwriter; and her grandfather, Bruce Bilson, is a film director.[2][5] Bilson's parents divorced when she was nine years old, and in 1997, her father remarried Heather Medway, an actress and the mother of Bilson's half-sisters Hattie and Rosemary.

Bilson had what has been described as a "self-destructive, rebellious period" during her teen years.[6] When she was 14, she and a group of her brother's friends were involved in a car accident, a head-on collision with another car.[7] As a result, Bilson was unconscious for a few days, has a scar above her right eye, and sometimes suffers from migraines and memory loss.[8] She has stated that the experience "changed" her,[7] encouraging her to "stop... getting into trouble"[5] and stopping her from "going down that road" and because of this experience she learned to play the piano.[7] Bilson graduated from Walter Reed Middle School in 1995 and from Notre Dame High School in 1999. During her time at Notre Dame, she appeared in productions of Bye Bye Birdie, Once Upon a Mattress and The Crucible.[9]

## Career[edit]

Bilson attended Grossmont College in a suburb of San Diego, but dropped out after one year,[10] taking her father's advice to pursue a professional acting career.[5] She then made several appearances in commercials, including advertisements for Subway restaurants, Raisin Bran and Pepto-Bismol.[5] She made her screen acting debut in early 2003, appearing in one episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and 8 Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter. Bilson was subsequently cast in The O.C., which debuted in August 2003. Her character, Summer Roberts, was initially intended to appear in only a few episodes, but became a series regular after a successful run, as Bilson's on-screen romance with Seth Cohen (Adam Brody) became a noted aspect of the series.[10]

As a result of the success of The O.C., Bilson has become well known among teenage audiences. At the 2005 Teen Choice Awards, Bilson collected three awards: "Choice Hottie Female", "Choice TV Actress (Drama)" and "Best Onscreen TV Chemistry" (jointly won with Adam Brody).[11] In 2005, Maxim magazine named her sixth in their annual "Hot 100 List";[12] in 2006, the publication awarded her #14.[13] The UK edition of FHM Magazine named her 28th in the 2006 100 Sexiest Women in the World list,[14] while the US Edition Ranked her 77th in 2005.[15] Bilson was also named one of People magazine's "100 Most Beautiful People" in 2006.[16]

Bilson's first film role was in The Last Kiss, a romantic comedy-drama also starring Zach Braff. In the film, which opened in 2006, she plays a college student who seduces Braff's character. It was reported that she called for a body double during the sex scenes because she was uncomfortable being nude in front of the camera. She does appear in the scene for the final film, wearing a flesh-colored bra. "I was terrified!" she admitted. "But Zach really helped me through it, and we're friends, so he made it very comfortable, and Tony made it very comfortable, and it was actually a really nice setting. And I'm happy I did it, because I can say I did my first sex scene, and I never have to do that again!"[17] One review of the film noted that Bilson played the role with "surprising depth",[18] although another critic described her role as "Glenn Close in Fatal Attraction as an airhead valley girl with a hot bod".[19]

Bilson has stated that she prefers acting in feature films to appearing on television, and that she would like the kind of roles "that Natalie Portman and Scarlett Johansson are offered".[10] She has specified that though she is "grateful" for the success of The O.C.,[20] she feels that the show "is over" and that she is "ready to move on" to film roles.[21] In September 2006, unconfirmed reports surfaced that Bilson was linked to star in a film version of the comic book character Wonder Woman;[22] Bilson has stated that these reports were untrue.[23]

In late 2006, Bilson was cast in the role of Millie in Doug Liman's thriller Jumper, as the replacement for actress Teresa Palmer; the film was released on February 14, 2008.[24] She also appeared in a two-episode arc on The O.C. creator Josh Schwartz's NBC comedy, Chuck,[25] and in the film New York, I Love You, and appeared in the 100th episode of How I Met Your Mother ("Girls Versus Suits") as Ted Mosby's latest love interest.[26] In September 2008, she started shooting the indie romantic film Waiting For Forever, directed by James Keach. In September 2009 Rachel appeared as a celebrity guest judge in the third episode of Project Runway (season 6). She stars in the upcoming indie film BBF Baby next to Krysten Ritter and Kate Bosworth. The film began production in Los Angeles in October 2010.

It was announced in 2011 that Bilson was set to star in a new The CW series called Hart of Dixie executive produced by The O.C. creator Josh Schwartz. Bilson and Schwartz, who already had worked together on The O.C and Chuck, were previously set to work again together on the NBC show Ghost Angeles, but the supernatural romantic comedy was dropped.[27]

Bilson also launched a shoe range in 2011.[28]

## Personal life[edit]

Bilson and Adam Brody, her co-star on The O.C., dated for three years, ending in 2006. [29] The following year, she met Hayden Christensen on the set of Jumper in 2007 and became engaged in 2008.[30] In mid-2010 the couple split up but were dating again a few months later.[31][32][33][34][35]

Bilson has been recognized by several media sources as being a "fashion junkie".[36][37][38] She has described herself as having a "vintage" sense of style, and has noted Kate Moss and Diane Keaton as inspirations.[38] Her clothes often have a "boho" feel to them. She approached DKNY Jeans in late 2007 with a view to design a clothing line with the popular fashion brand.[39] Together they created Edie Rose. The collection was launched in September 2008. It consisted of mainly black and white separates with a splash of yellow that could easily work with an existing wardrobe. Her idea was to keep fashionable items accessible to young women by keeping the prices of each piece under $100.[40] An advertising image was released in July 2008 which featured Bilson modelling her Edie Rose collection.[41] Of her line, she said in an interview with Teen Vogue that "I wanted to keep it as separate as possible from Rachel Bilson the actress. I'm hoping people will appreciate it for the clothes, not the person behind them."[42] Much of her fashion collection was lost when her home was burgled in May 2009.[43] Bilson's fashions and sense of style made her the unwitting target of the Bling Ring, who burgled her home on several occasions.[44][45]

Before appearing in Maxim, Bilson had turned down requests to appear seminude in men's magazines, specifying that she feels that her body "is sacred" and "not there for the whole world to see".[46]

## Filmography[edit]

Film
Year | Title | Role | Notes
--- | --- | --- | ---
2003 | Unbroken | Rachel | Film short
2006 | The Last Kiss | Kim | Nominated?Teen Choice Award for Choice Movie Breakout ? Female
2008 | Jumper | Millie Harris | Teen Choice Award for Choice Movie Actress ? Drama/Action Adventure
2009 | New York, I Love You | Molly |
2011 | Waiting for Forever | Emma Twist |
2012 | L!fe Happens | Laura |
2013 | The To Do List | Amber | Post-production

Television
Year | Title | Role | Notes
--- | --- | --- | ---
2003 | 8 Simple Rules | Jenny | 1 episode: "Career Choices"
2003 | Buffy the Vampire Slayer | Colleen | 1 episode: "Dirty Girls"
2003?2007 | The O.C. | Summer Roberts | Main role (Seasons 1?4; 2003?2007; 92 episodes) Teen Choice Award for Choice TV Actress ? Drama Teen Choice Award for Choice TV Actress ? Drama/Action Adventure Teen Choice Award for Choice TV Chemistry Nominated?Teen Choice Award for Choice Breakout TV Star ? Female Nominated?Teen Choice Award for Choice TV Actress ? Drama/Action Adventure
2004 | That '70s Show | Christy | 1 episode: "5:15"
2007 | Chuck | Lou Palone | 2 episodes: "Chuck Versus the Truth" and "Chuck Versus the Imported Hard Salami"
2010 | How I Met Your Mother | Cindy | 2 episodes: "Girls Versus Suits" and "Big Days"
2011?present | Hart of Dixie | Dr. Zoe Hart | Lead role

## References[edit]

1. ^ Silverman, Stephen M (2007-02-22). "Rachel Bilson: My mama Gave Me Advice". People.
2. ^ a b Spencer, Amy (2008-09-07). Bilsons Divine Inspiration "Rachel Bilson?s Divine Inspiration". NY Post. Retrieved 2008-09-09.
3. ^ Gostin, Nicki (2011-11-11). "Rachel Bilson Talks 'Hart Of Dixie,' Kugel And Justin Bieber". Huffington Post.
4. ^ Editors, Parade (2011-10-06). "Rachel Bilson's Cozy Chicken Sputnik". Dashrecipes.com. Retrieved 2012-02-29.
5. ^ a b c d Bried, Erin (May 2006). "Just beachy". Self (magazine): 36?38.
6. ^ "Rachel Bilson's car crash wake up". Monsters and Critics. 2006-09-20. Retrieved 2007-01-20.
7. ^ a b c "Bilson Relives Car Crash Terror". Teen Hollywood. 2006-10-10. Retrieved 2007-01-20.
8. ^ Williams, Lowri (2005-05-05). "'The OC's Rachel Bilson Reveals Her Near Death Experience". EntertainmentWise. Retrieved 2007-01-20.
9. ^ backed schoolmate mcphee during american idol_1007605 "Bilson Backed schoolmate McPhee During American Idol". Contact Music. 2006-07-09. Retrieved 2007-01-20.
10. ^ a b c O'Toole, Lesley (2006-10-31). "Rachel Bilson: She's the one". London: The Independent. Retrieved 2007-01-20.
11. ^ AP (2005-08-15). "Teen Choice awards". Melbourne: TheAge.com. Retrieved 2007-01-20.
12. ^ "Maxim Magazine Unveils Their "Hot 100" for 2005; Eva Longoria Crowned #1 This Year" (Press release). Maxim. 2005-05-10. Retrieved 2007-01-20.
13. ^ "Maxim Magazine Unveils Their 'Hot 100' for 2006" (Press release). Maxim. 2005-05-15. Retrieved 2007-01-20.
14. ^ "FHM 100 Sexiest Women in the World 2006". MyKensington.co.uk. 2006. Archived from the original on January 18, 2007. Retrieved 2007-01-20.
15. ^ "FHM 100 Sexiest Women 2005". FreeJose.com. 2005. Retrieved 2007-01-20.
16. ^ "RACHEL BILSON". People Magazine. 2006. Retrieved 2007-01-20.
17. ^ "Rachel Bilson gets sexy in "The Last Kiss"". chinadaily. 2006-09-15. Retrieved 2009-06-16.
18. ^ Wang, Li (2006-09-15). "Goofy Braff gets serious for mature take on modern relationships". PennLive.com. Retrieved 2007-01-20.
19. ^ Verniere, James (2006-09-15). "Boys don?t cry". The Boston Herald. Retrieved 2007-01-20. [dead link]
20. ^ Murillo, Kathy Cano (2005-09-13). "QA: Rachel Bilson". The Arizona Republic. Retrieved 2007-01-20.
21. ^ Cribb, David (2006-09-12). "Rachel Bilson to quit 'The O.C.'?". Digital Spy. Retrieved 2007-01-20.
22. ^ Gough, Bob (2006-09-14). "Report: Rachel Bilson Cast as Wonder Woman". ComicBookMovie.com. Retrieved 2007-01-20.
23. ^ Bilson mentioned that she has not been cast in the role on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, 9/15/06
24. ^ Tyler, Josh (2006-10-16). "Rachel Bilson Is A Jumper". Cinema Blend. Retrieved 2007-01-20.
25. ^ "Rachel Bilson ('The O.C.') to guest-star as potential love interest in multi-episode arc on NBC's new action-comedy series 'Chuck'" (Press release). NBC. 2007-09-13. Retrieved 2008-02-01.
26. ^ Joyce Eng (2 October 2009). "Rachel Bilson Appearing on How I Met Your Mother ? As the Mother?". TVGuide.com. Retrieved 2009-10-02.
27. ^ Chris Harnick. "Pilot News: Rachel Bilson Officially Joins 'Hart of Dixie,' Rob Huebel Lands Fox Role and More". TV Squad.
28. ^ "Rachel Bilson to launch shoe range". Indiavision news. October.12, 2011. Check date values in: `|date=` (help)
29. ^ Rachel Bilson and Adam Brody split. Accessed 2009-11-15.
30. ^ Rachel Bilson and Hayden Christensen are engaged. Accessed 2009-04-20.
31. ^ "Engaged Rachel Bilson, Hayden Christensen "Taking a Break"". US Weekly. Retrieved 2010-06-18.
32. ^ "Rachel Bilson 'taking a break' from fiance Hayden Christensen". New York Post. 2010-06-17. Retrieved 2010-06-18.
33. ^ Shira, Dahvi (August 9, 2010). "Hayden Christensen Rachel Bilson Called off the Engagement". People.com. Retrieved August 10, 2010.
34. ^ [1]. Accessed 2010-11-09.
35. ^ "Rachel Bilson and Hayden Christensen 'dating again' months after calling off engagement". NY Daily News. 2010-11-09. Retrieved 2012-02-29.
36. ^ Pearson, Ryan (2006-09-20). "Rachel Bilson, fashion junkie". PE.com. Retrieved 2007-01-20. [dead link]
37. ^ Fischer, Paul (2006-08-22). "Interview: Rachel Bilson "The Last Kiss"". Dark Horizons. Retrieved 2007-01-20.
38. ^ a b Guest (October 2006). "Rachel Bilson The Last Kiss QA". FutureMovies. Retrieved 2007-01-20.
39. ^ "Rachel Bilson to design Edie Rose collection for DKNY Jeans". Sassybella.com. 2008-03-13. Retrieved 2008-10-25.
40. ^ "Rachel Bilson Launches Edie Rose For DKNY Jeans". accesshollywood.com.
41. ^ "Rachel Bilson models her Edie Rose line for DKNY Jeans". Sassybella.com. 2008-03-13. Retrieved 2008-10-25.
42. ^ Rachel Bilson Edie Rose Interview. Accessed 2009-04-10.
43. ^ Alexis Chiu. "Rachel Bilson's L.A. Home Is Burglarized". People.
44. ^ ABC News: "Exclusive: Inside Hollywood's 'Bling Ring'" page 1
45. ^ Vanity Fair: "The Suspects Wore Louboutins" Page 4
46. ^ "Rachel Bilson Believes Her Body Is Sacred Only for Boyfriend To See". StarPulse.com. 2006-10-10. Retrieved 2007-01-20.

## External links[edit]

- API at the Internet Movie Database
- API at AllRovi
- API at People.com
- Works by or about API in libraries (WorldCat catalog)

Persondata
Name | Bilson, Rachel
Alternative names |
Short description | American actress
Date of birth | August 25, 1981
Place of birth | Los Angeles, California, United States
Date of death |
Place of death |