We adored The OC when it was on the air. Now it’s time to catch up with the stars who made this drama an all-time great.
The OC Cast

They came. They saw. They conquered California. But what is the cast of The OC up to now?
Benjamin McKenzie, Then…

Benjamin McKenzie anchored The OC as the proverbial bad boy from the wrong side of the tracks. Who didn’t adore Ryan Atwood?!?
Benjamin McKenzie, Now…

After a very successful stint on Southland, McKenzie took the lead on Gotham. He plays a young James Gordon.
Rachel Bilson, Then…

EWWWW! We, like, totally loved Rachel Bilson as Summer Roberts, the most popular girl in high school.
Rachel Bilson, Now…

Bilson has found her way on to another long-running TV show. She’s the doctor everyone wants a diagnosis from on Hart of Dixie.
Adam Brody, Then…

He played the Jewish nerd who somehow made being a Jewish nerd cool: Seth Cohen!
Adam Brody, Now….

Brody now stars on Billy & Billie, an original series on DirecTV.
Melinda Clarke, Then…

As Julie Cooper, Melinda Clarke once slept with her daughter’s ex-boyfriend. It was awesome!
Melinda Clarke, Now…

Melinda Clarke has gone on to appear on a number of hit shows, from Dallas to Entourage to Nikita (as pictured here).
Tate Donovan, Then…

Tate Donovan played Marissa’s father, Jimmy Cooper. He didn’t last too long on the show due to some shady financial dealings.
Tate Donovan, Now…

From 24: Live Another Day… to Hostages… to Damages, Tate Donovan has not been lacking for work.
Chris Carmack, Then…

Chris Carmack played Luke Ward and uttered the most famous line in TV history: Welcome to The OC, bitch!
Chris Carmack, Now…

Carmack is still playing his guitar, this time as Will Lexington on Nashville.
Willa Holland, Then…

Willa Holland plays the little sister of Marissa Cooper. She loves to cause trouble.
Willa Holland, Now…

Willa Holland is still causing trouble. This time, as the younger sister of Oliver Queen on Arrow.
Autumn Reeser, Then…

Autumn Reeser did not come on board as Taylor Townsend until Season 3. But she ended up making quite the impression!
Autumn Reeser, Now…

She’s barely aged! Reeser is seen here on Hawaii Five-0 and has also made long guest appearances on Necessary Roughness and Last Resort.
Alan Dale, Then…

Alan Dale played Caleb Nichol, a wealthy, powerful, insensitive businessman.
Alan Dale, Now…

Not much has changed. He’s played this same type of role on Lost, Once Upon a Time and Entourage.
Peter Gallagher, Then…

Peter Gallagher played Sandy Cohen. Also known as: The Best Father EVER.
Peter Gallagher, Now…

A veteran of the stage, small and big screens long before The OC, Gallagher’s most consistent new role has been as Arthur on Covert Affairs.
Kelly Rowan, Then…

Kelly Rowan played Kirsten Cohen. Also known as: The Hottest Mother EVER.
Kelly Rowan, Now…

That’s Kelly Rowan on Perception. She starred opposite Eric McCormack until TNT canceled this drama.
Mischa Barton, Then…

Mischa Barton became so disliked as Marissa Cooper that the show eventually killed her off.
Mischa Barton, Now…

The actress never really recovered after her lifeless body was carried away by Ryan Atwood. Her career has been DOA ever since.