Rachel Bilson was born on August 25, 1981, in Los Angeles – a hometown that proved fitting for someone who would go on to make her mark in Hollywood.
Most people first got to know Bilson as Summer Roberts on Fox’s hit teen drama The O.C. At first, her character might have seemed like just another high school queen bee, but Bilson brought a warmth and quick wit that quickly made Summer one of the show’s standout personalities. What started as a small role grew thanks to her natural comedic timing and the endearing vulnerability she brought to the part.
After The O.C., Bilson branched out into movies like The Last Kiss and Jumper, and then made her way back to television as Dr. Zoe Hart in The CW’s Hart of Dixie. That show ran for four seasons and gave fans a different side of Bilson – one that was equally charming but anchored by the steady confidence of a leading role. Throughout it all, Bilson has largely shied away from the Hollywood party scene, earning a reputation for authenticity and relatability.
A Closer Look at Bilson’s Love Life
Because she grew up in the spotlight, Bilson’s romantic life has often drawn attention. Still, she’s been remarkably skilled at setting boundaries and keeping much of her private life out of the headlines.
She’s currently single and focusing on work and co-parenting her daughter with ex-partner Hayden Christensen. Since her breakup with Bill Hader in 2020, there haven’t been any public confirmations of new relationships, despite the occasional gossip column rumor.
Here’s a closer look at her most well-known relationships:
- Bill Hader (2019-2020): The two sparked dating rumors at the end of 2019 and made things official by walking the Golden Globes red carpet together in January 2020. They split several months later, and Bilson later hinted that the breakup was especially tough for her.
- Hayden Christensen (2007-2017): Bilson met Christensen filming Jumper and they were together for about a decade, including a period of engagement. They had their daughter, Briar Rose, in 2014 before splitting up in 2017. They’ve managed to keep things amicable and focused on co-parenting since then.
- Adam Brody (2003-2006): Life mirrored fiction for this on-screen/off-screen couple; Bilson and her O.C. co-star dated for about three years while their characters were also romantically linked. Their breakup was low-drama, and they’ve both spoken kindly about each other since.
While her name has occasionally been linked to other celebrities – like Jake Gyllenhaal or Tom Sturridge – most of these rumors were never confirmed and seem more like tabloid fodder than reality.
Growing Up in the Spotlight
As she’s gotten older, Bilson’s attitude toward relationships has grown and shifted. In a 2013 interview with Cosmopolitan, she talked about wanting to be with someone who could make her laugh and be silly – an answer that felt refreshingly honest and down-to-earth.
More recently, she’s opened up a little about her life and perspective on dating through her podcast Broad Ideas. Whether talking about the challenges of being a single mom, dating in the public eye, or just sharing her thoughts on relationships, Bilson comes across as thoughtful and grounded.
One thing that stands out about Bilson is the grace with which she’s handled breakups. Unlike many celebrities, she tends to avoid public drama – preferring to keep the focus on her work and her daughter.
Past Relationships
Zac LaRoc
Bill Hader
Hayden Christensen
Adam Brody
As for what’s next, Bilson is continuing to explore new projects, from acting roles to podcasting. Through it all, she seems to have figured out how to let the public in just enough to satisfy curiosity, while still keeping the pieces of her life that matter most close to her heart.