The O.C. may be over, but the rich lifestyle that served as a backdrop for many of its’ stories may still prove real for actress Kelly Rowan.

Kelly Rowan, known for her portrayal of Kirsten “Kiki” Cohen on the defunct drama series, recently got engaged to Canadian billionaire David Thomson. A representative for the 41-year-old actress confirmed the engagement to People Magazine last month.

According to the magazine, sources close to the couple said that Kelly Rowan is “really happy” and that her and her fiancé’s “family and friends couldn’t be happier for them.”

Rowan and Thomson first started dating last year. She met him while she was working on a film project in Toronto, where Thomson resides.  The 50-year-old media mogul reportedly courted The OC actress by showering her with lavish gifts, including a car, rare jewels and trips abroad.

Thomson inherited the family business, Thomson Corporation, when his father, Kenneth Thomson, passed away last June.  According to this year’s billionaire ranking by Forbes Magazine, Thomson is the richest man in Canada and the 10th richest man in the world.

Being part of the American entertainment industry has done well for Rowan’s career, but prior to her acting debut in 1980, she worked as a model in Canada.  Born in Ottawa, Rowan attended Toronto’s Northern Secondary School and the University of West Ontario.  At present, she has relocated back to Canada, where she lives with Thomson in the upscale Rosedale neighborhood.

The cancellation of The OC has not hindered Rowan from working on more worthy projects.  In June, she starred in Lifetime’s made-for-tv movie, In God’s Country, which she also executive-produced.  She is now producing Blithe in Virginia, a movie featuring her former OC co-star, Melinda Clarke.

The couple plans to wed before the year ends.  Rowan has never been married, but the same cannot be said for her husband-to-be.  Thomson has been married twice, and has three children from the second union.


-Lisa Claustro, BuddyTV Staff Columnist
Source: People
(Image Courtesy of Wire Image)