The OC: Mischa Barton ‘wanted to do more’ with Marissa’s bisexual storyline
Mischa Barton has reflected on her groundbreaking bisexual storyline on The OC. The actress, who currently stars in Freevee’s Neighbours reboot, memorably played Marissa Cooper in the classic teen drama, a privileged high schooler with an alcohol and drug addiction.
Created by Josh Schwartz, the series also featured Peter Gallagher as Sandy Cohen, Kelly Rowan as Kirsten Cohen, Ben McKenzie as Ryan Atwood, Adam Brody as Seth Cohen, Tate Donovan as Jimmy Cooper, Melinda Clarke as Julie Cooper and Rachel Bilson as Summer Roberts.
Airing from 2003 to 2007, The OC became a cultural phenomenon and is widely regarded as one of the most influential teen dramas of all time, having inspired shows such as One Tree Hill, Gossip Girl and the 90210 revival, among various others.
The show made queer waves in its second season when Marissa entered her first same-sex relationship with Alex Kelly, the manager of The Bait Shop.
