Rachel Bilson Says an Adam Brody Renaissance Is 'Well Deserved': 'I Feel Like It's Always Been There' (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Rachel Bilson (left) and Adam Brody.Photo:Jason Kempin/Getty; Jamie McCarthy/Getty

Jason Kempin/Getty; Jamie McCarthy/Getty

It’s taken over two decades forAdam Brodyto finally get his leading man flowers — butRachel Bilsonhas always been in his corner.

But is the Brody-sance truly underway? Well, according to his former flame and costar, it’s actually “been there” all along.

“I feel like it’s always been there,” Bilson, 43, recently told PEOPLE at a SimpliSafe launch event. “But if it is, it’s well deserved.”

Kristen Bell and Adam Brody in ‘Nobody Wants This’.Netflix

Netflix

“I mean, he is awesome,” addedThe O.C.alum. “He’s the best.”

“I hear everyone loves it and I couldn’t be more excited, ‘cause literally Kristen and Adam both I love, and are like my people,” she said of the rom-com series. “So I’m really excited about it and excited for them.”

Rachel Bilson and Adam Brody in ‘The O.C.'.Alamy

Alamy

“I’m a huge rom-com person myself, so yeah, I would jump at a chance, just because I am such a movie nerd like that with anything romantic,” Bilson said, adding that genre stapleWhen Harry Met Sallyis “one of my all-time favorite movies.”

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Like their on-screen counterparts, Brody and Bilsondated in real life for the majority of their timeonThe O.C., which ran from 2003 through 2007.

After three years of dating, the pair called it quits just before the series’ fourth and final season premiered in 2006. At the time, a source told PEOPLE that they “just grew apart.”

The former couple has not reunited on-screen since, but they have interacted a few times since their breakup. In 2019, theyran into each other at the airport and snapped a selfie, and in 2021, Brodymade a guest appearanceonBilson’s podcastwith castmateMelinda Clarke,Welcome to the OC, Bitches!

Rachel Bilson and Adam Brody in ‘The O.C.'.Everett

Everett

While launchingThe O.C.rewatch podcast in 2021, Bilson reflected on her experience dating Brody (who is now married to fellow teen drama royaltyLeighton Meester) while filming the teen drama.

“Because of what the show was and how young we all were, going through it with someone experiencing the same thing and having that kind of support was really awesome,” theHart of Dixiealum toldNYLONat the time.

“I’m actually grateful that I did have it,” she continued. “It was definitely a unique experience and I don’t think anyone else could have really understood it had they not been in it, so for that reason, it was super helpful and supportive, and I have total gratitude for the whole experience.”

source: people.com