Birthdate: January 24, 1986
Birthplace: London, England

Mischa Barton - Starting Out

If you've been watching The O.C. since it premiered last summer, you've probably wondered why Mischa Barton looks so familiar. Mischa, who plays Marissa Cooper on the show, has been acting since she was a little girl - appearing in plays, television shows and movies. Though she was born in London, her family moved to New York when she was only four (which explains why she doesn't have an accent)! Mischa was discovered while performing a self-written monologue at summer camp when she was just eight years old, attracting the interest of an agent in the audience.

Mischa Barton - Child Prodigy

By the time Mischa was nine, she had already landed a role in a high-profile play opposite Marisa Tomei. Other theatical productions followed, and Mischa finally made her film debut in Lawn Dogs in 1998 (which co-starred Sam Rockwell). Mischa took small roles in big movies like Notting Hill and The Sixth Sense, which resulted in many job offers (Mischa appeared in six movies between 2000 and 2001). A small part in the short-lived series Once and Again, which co-starred fellow hot young actors Shane West and Evan Rachel Wood, proved that Mischa could handle episodic television. It wasn't long before she was cast opposite hotties Benjamin McKenzie and Adam Brody on The O.C.

Mischa Barton - Rising Star

Mischa recently signed on to become the new face of Neutrogena, joining the ranks of other beautiful celebrities - including Kristen Kreuk and Beyonce. And, if you just can't wait for the second season of The O.C. to start, you can rent one of Mischa's many movies that are out on video, including the just-released Pulse.

Mischa Barton - Did U Know?

Mischa's favorite bands are The White Stripes and Outkast.

Mischa wants to eventually attend college - hopefully Yale.

Mischa has modeled for Calvin Klein.

Mischa Barton is dating Brandon Davis, oil heir and family friend of Nicky and Paris Hilton's!

Mischa Barton Says...

"Sometimes men are scared of me. You know, you become kind of an icon on television, and people are a little bit unsure, careful. It's funny."

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