Mischa Barton, known for her role as Marissa on The O.C., recently revealed details about her off-screen relationship with co-star Ben McKenzie. Barton, who was 17 when she joined the cast, shared that their romance extended beyond the screen and was a complex experience for her.
Being the youngest cast member, Barton felt the pressure to mature quickly and navigate relationships, despite feeling unprepared due to her late blooming nature. She described her time on the show as a period of many firsts, including her first off-screen relationship with McKenzie, which she admitted she had no prior experience in handling.
The age gap between Barton and her older co-stars added to the complexity of the situation, with Barton feeling the need for more attention and guidance, especially from her parents who were present on set. The intensity of their relationship, which started early in the show, contributed to a sense of being overwhelmed and unready for the situation.
After parting ways with McKenzie, Barton found the dynamics on set challenging, as their relationship had begun at the onset of the show. She expressed feeling like her three-season run on The O.C. was more like seven years due to the intense experiences crammed into a short period.
Barton has previously spoken about the difficulties she faced on the show, including bullying and feeling unprotected behind the scenes. She also shared her struggles with societal pressures, including feeling compelled to lose her virginity to fit the character she portrayed.
Despite the challenges, Barton has reconnected with her former castmates in recent months, participating in various O.C.-related projects and expressing pride in their accomplishments. The O.C. remains a significant part of her past, and she values the renewed connections with her co-stars.
For fans of The O.C., the show is available for streaming on Hulu and Max, offering a nostalgic trip back to the iconic series that captivated audiences.
