Anyone who watched The O.C. in the early 2000s remembers Summer Roberts — the sharp-witted, trend-setting teen who became a cultural fixture. For Rachel Bilson, the actress behind that role, life after the show has been less scripted: co-parenting with ex-fiancé Hayden Christensen, raising their daughter Briar Rose, and quietly building a career beyond the tabloids.

Children: 1 (Briar Rose) ·
Known For: Summer Roberts on The O.C. ·
Net Worth: Reportedly $16 million

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
3Timeline signal
4What’s next
  • Continued co‑parenting with Hayden Christensen (described as “great” as of Jan 2026) (Just Jared)
  • Active on Instagram with brand partnerships (Official Instagram)

Six key facts about Rachel Bilson, each drawn from verified reports:

Label Value Source
Notable Role Summer Roberts on The O.C. Wikipedia
Daughter Briar Rose Christensen (b. October 2014) E! News (name article)
Ex‑Partner Hayden Christensen Just Jared
Co‑Parenting Status “Work in progress” (2018) / “Great” (2026) People magazine; E! News
Net Worth (Est.) Reportedly $16 million TheRichest

Why did Rachel and Hayden split?

  • Relationship timeline: Bilson and Christensen met on the set of Jumper in 2008 and dated from 2007 to 2017, according to Just Jared.
  • Reasons for split: They reportedly grew apart as career priorities shifted. A 2018 source told People that the breakup was “amicable” and focused on their daughter.
  • Post‑breakup dynamics: Both have remained committed to co‑parenting. In January 2026, Bilson told E! News that their relationship is “great.”
The trade‑off

A 10‑year partnership that didn’t lead to marriage turned into a durable co‑parenting arrangement. The implication: romantic closure doesn’t always mean family closure — especially when a child is involved.

Bottom line: Bilson and Christensen split because they grew apart, but they’ve maintained a cooperative co‑parenting dynamic for their daughter.

Is Rachel Bilson in a relationship now?

  • Past relationships after Hayden: She briefly dated actor Bill Hader from 2019‑2020, though no official confirmation appears in the sourced reports.
  • Current status: As of 2025, she is reportedly single, focused on co‑parenting and career. No public statements from Bilson confirm a current partner.
What to watch

Bilson’s public silence about a partner is itself a choice. For a well‑known actress, maintaining privacy at this level signals that her personal life is not for consumption — a stance that mirrors many celebrities post‑breakup.

Bottom line: No confirmed relationship as of 2025; Bilson appears focused on her daughter and career.

How many kids did Rachel Bilson have?

  • Daughter Briar Rose: One daughter, Briar Rose Christensen, born in October 2014 (People).
  • Co‑parenting with Hayden: Bilson has spoken openly about the logistics. In 2018 she told People, “We’re still kind of trying to figure it out,” and by 2026 she described the arrangement as “great” (E! News).
Bottom line: Bilson has one daughter, Briar Rose, with ex‑partner Hayden Christensen, and the two share a work‑in‑progress co‑parenting relationship.

What happened to Rachel Bilson?

  • Acting career after The O.C.: She starred in Hart of Dixie (2011‑2015) and had guest roles on Nashville and The Last Ship (People notes her acting background).
  • Recent projects: Bilson launched a podcast, Broad Ideas, in 2021, and continues to post brand partnerships on her Instagram.
  • Co‑parenting public comments: In January 2026, she told E! News that co‑parenting with Christensen is “definitely good” and that “we get along very well.”
Bottom line: Bilson has pivoted from TV leading roles to podcasting and selective brand work, while managing a high‑profile co‑parenting relationship.

What is Rachel Bilson’s net worth?

Three income streams, one reality: estimates are all over the map.

  • Sources of income: Acting residuals from The O.C. and Hart of Dixie, producing, real estate investments, and occasional endorsements.
  • Estimated figure: TheRichest places it at around $16 million, though other sources (like content‑plan estimates) suggest a lower figure. No official financial disclosure exists.
The catch

Net‑worth figures for non‑A‑list actors who don’t own production companies are notoriously speculative. The $16 million figure from TheRichest should be treated as an upper‑bound guess, not a verified fact.

Bottom line: Bilson’s net worth is reportedly around $16 million, but the lack of public financial records means any number is an estimate.

Timeline

Key milestones in Rachel Bilson’s personal and professional life:

  • – Stars as Summer Roberts on The O.C. (People)
  • – Begins dating Hayden Christensen (Just Jared)
  • – Daughter Briar Rose born (E! News)
  • – Couple separates (Just Jared)
  • – Bilson describes co‑parenting as “great” (E! News)
Bottom line: Bilson’s timeline reflects a decade‑long partnership followed by a committed co‑parenting phase that continues to evolve.

Clarity check

Confirmed facts

  • One daughter (Briar Rose, b. 2014) with Hayden Christensen (People)
  • Active co‑parenting relationship with ex‑partner (People)
  • Starred in The O.C. and later Hart of Dixie (Wikipedia)

What’s unclear

  • Exact current relationship status (no official confirmation)
  • Precise net worth (estimates range from $5 M to $16 M; no verified public filing)
  • Future acting projects (no announced roles as of early 2025)

Key quotes

“Being a mom is No. 1 for me and it always will be.”

— Rachel Bilson, People (2018)

“We get along very well.” (on co‑parenting with Christensen)

— Rachel Bilson, E! News (January 2026)

“She’s my lightsaber training partner.” (on daughter Briar Rose helping with Star Wars prep)

— Hayden Christensen, E! News (2022)

For fans following Rachel Bilson’s story, the takeaway is that privacy, not drama, defines her current chapter. She has traded tabloid headlines for a low‑key life centered on her daughter and selective professional work. The implication for entertainment media: co‑parenting stories, when handled with maturity, are more compelling than breakup narratives.

For a comprehensive look at her journey from Summer Roberts to motherhood, check out Rachel Bilsons biography and family life, which details her net worth, daughter Briar Rose, and co-parenting with Hayden Christensen in 2025.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Rachel Bilson’s ex‑partner?

Her ex‑partner is actor Hayden Christensen, known for playing Anakin Skywalker in Star Wars. They dated from 2007 to 2017 and have one daughter together (People).

What is the name of Rachel Bilson’s daughter?

Her daughter is named Briar Rose Christensen, born in October 2014 (People).

What other TV shows has Rachel Bilson been in besides The O.C.?

She starred in Hart of Dixie (2011‑2015) and had guest roles on Nashville and The Last Ship (People).

Did Rachel Bilson and Hayden Christensen ever marry?

No. They were engaged in 2008 but never married. The engagement was later called off (Just Jared).

Is Rachel Bilson active on social media?

Yes. She maintains an active Instagram account (@rachelbilson) where she posts personal updates and brand collaborations.

Does Rachel Bilson have any siblings?

Yes, she has two half‑siblings, but little public information is available about them (Wikipedia).