The OC Cast: Then and Now

Supreme teen soap The O.C. first launched back in 2003, introducing the melodrama of Southern California wealth to a new generation. With help from the show's core group of characters -- who often navigated over-the-top story arcs that have no place in the real world but made for riveting fictional narratives -- The O.C. became must-see TV early on in its short-lived tenure.

The four season show launched the careers of newcomers Ben McKenzie, Adam Brody, Rachel Bilson and Mischa Barton, who all went on to star in other film and television projects. The O.C. also employed the likes of seasoned professionals like Peter Gallagher, Alan Dale and Melinda Clarke.

Better still, it gave us the greatest death scene in television history:

If you're curious as to where the actors are now, we've got you covered. Check out the gallery above to find out what the core cast of The O.C. is up to today.

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