Rachel Bilson: Biography, Relationships, and Net Worth

If you grew up in the 2000s, chances are you spent your Wednesdays glued to The O.C., half-wishing you were Summer Roberts. Rachel Bilson played that role with such effortless charm that she became a household name overnight. But her story goes beyond the screen—from a show-business family in Los Angeles to navigating high-profile relationships and motherhood. Here’s what the evidence tells us about her career, her personal life, and her financial standing.

Born: August 25, 1981 ·
Birthplace: Los Angeles, California ·
Profession: Actress ·
Known For: The O.C., Hart of Dixie ·
Children: 1 daughter ·
Net Worth (estimated): $20 million

Eight facts about Rachel Bilson, one pattern: her life has been a mix of early fame, steady television work, and a private personal life that occasionally surfaces in the press.

The table shows a standard career summary, but the numbers—particularly net worth—hide a disagreement among sources that only emerges when you dig deeper.

Why did Rachel Bilson leave Hayden Christensen?

Bilson and Christensen began dating in 2008, were engaged, and had a daughter together. The engagement ended in 2017, and while neither party gave a detailed public explanation, sources close to the couple described the split as amicable.

What was the timeline of their relationship?

• 2008: Bilson and Christensen start dating (Wikipedia (free encyclopedia))
• 2014: Daughter Briar Rose born (Yahoo Entertainment (news))
• 2017: Engagement called off (Wikipedia (free encyclopedia))

Did they co-parent after splitting?

Yes. In January 2026, People (celebrity news) reported that Bilson gave a rare update on co-parenting, saying they are focused on their daughter’s happiness. The two have maintained a respectful relationship.

Is Rachel Bilson in a relationship now?

Bilson has not publicly confirmed a current romantic partner. She has been linked to a few people since 2017, but no relationship has been confirmed through official statements or consistent public appearances.

Who is Rachel Bilson currently dating?

As of early 2026, no credible reports point to a current boyfriend. Her social media and interviews focus on motherhood and her career.

Has she remarried?

No. Bilson has never been married.

How many kids did Rachel Bilson have?

One daughter, Briar Rose Christensen, born in October 2014 (Yahoo Entertainment (news)). The father is Hayden Christensen.

What is the name and age of her daughter?

Briar Rose was 11 years old as of January 2026 (People (celebrity news)).

Who is the father of her child?

Hayden Christensen, her former fiancé.

What happened between Adam Brody and Rachel Bilson?

They co-starred as Summer Roberts and Seth Cohen on The O.C. and dated in real life from 2003 to 2007 (Wikipedia (free encyclopedia)). The breakup was reportedly amicable, and both have spoken warmly about each other in interviews since.

When did they date?

2003, shortly after the show began, until 2007 when the series ended.

Why did they break up?

No specific reason was given. Both have said they remain friends.

“We were together for a long time, and it just ran its course. No drama.”

— Rachel Bilson (paraphrased by multiple outlets)

Is Rachel Bilson a millionaire?

Yes, by most estimates. Celebrity Net Worth (wealth tracker) puts her net worth at $20 million, while TheRichest (wealth estimates) estimates $16 million. The discrepancy is common in celebrity net worth reporting.

What is Rachel Bilson net worth?

Estimates range from $8 million to $20 million. The $20 million figure is the most commonly cited, based on her long-running TV roles and film work.

Rachel Bilson movies and TV shows

She is best known for playing Summer Roberts on The O.C. (2003–2007) and Dr. Zoe Hart on Hart of Dixie (2011–2015) (TV Insider (TV guide)). She also appeared in films like Jumper (2008) and The Last Kiss (2006).

What is Rachel Bilson best known for?

Summer Roberts on The O.C. is her signature role. She won three Teen Choice Awards for the part (All American Speakers (speaker bureau)).

Did she appear in Scrubs?

Yes. She guest-starred as a patient, Kayla, in the episode “My Last Chance” (Season 8, 2009) (IMDb (film database)).

Did she guest star in How I Met Your Mother?

Yes. She played Cindy, a love interest of Ted, in Season 5 (2010) (IMDb (film database)).

The pattern: Bilson’s guest roles were brief but memorable, fitting her arc of steady television presence rather than blockbuster film stardom.

What happened to Rachel Bilson?

She continues to act sporadically, with recent TV appearances, but her primary focus is raising her daughter. She has been seen at events like the Olivia Rodrigo concert in London in June 2025 (InStyle (fashion magazine)).

Is she still acting?

Yes, though less frequently. She has appeared in projects such as Nashville and Take Two.

What has she been doing recently?

Co-parenting, occasional public appearances, and maintaining a low profile.

The pattern: Bilson has built a career on early, iconic roles and then stepped back into a private life that she controls tightly. For fans who grew up watching her, the consequence is clear: she remains a beloved figure, but one who chooses to stay out of the spotlight unless it serves her family.

Frequently asked questions