Rachel Bilson

Rachel Bilson is an American actress and podcast host best known for her breakout role as Summer Roberts on the hit Fox television series The O.C. Born on August 25, 1981, in Los Angeles, California, she comes from an entertainment industry family. Her father Danny Bilson is a writer, director, and producer, and her stepmother Heather Kenney is also an actress. Bilson grew up immersed in the world of entertainment and began pursuing acting seriously in her early twenties.

Bilson’s career-defining role came in 2003 when she was cast as Summer Roberts on The O.C., a teen drama that became a massive cultural phenomenon. Originally intended as a minor recurring character, Summer became so popular with audiences that Bilson was promoted to a series regular for the show’s entire four-season run from 2003 to 2007. The role made her a household name and one of the most recognizable faces on television. During this period, she also appeared in films including The Last Kiss (2006) and Jumper (2008).

Following The O.C., Bilson continued her television career with the lead role in the CW series Hart of Dixie (2011-2015), playing a New York doctor who moves to a small town in Alabama. The charming comedy-drama ran for four seasons and maintained a loyal fanbase. More recently, Bilson has co-hosted the popular podcast Welcome to the OC, Bitches! alongside her former co-star Melinda Clarke, in which they rewatch and discuss episodes of The O.C.

With an estimated net worth of $16 million as of 2026, Bilson’s wealth comes from her television work, film appearances, podcasting, and fashion-related endorsements and partnerships. She has been a style icon since her O.C. days and has collaborated with brands including ShoeMint and Edie Rose. While she has maintained a relatively low profile compared to her mid-2000s fame, she continues to work steadily in entertainment.