Despite her extensive modeling portfolio, Mischa Barton was best known as Marissa Cooper on the popular Fox television teen drama series The O.C. Playing an attractive socialite engulfed with depression problems, she became a household name even though her role on The O.C. only lasted for three seasons.

After The O.C., Barton continued modeling, becoming the face of the “Got Milk?” milk mustache campaign. She represented Calvin Klein, Dooney & Bourke, Neutrogena and Bebe, and substantially increased the sales of Keds Sneakers as a spokesperson. A veteran of countless magazine covers worldwide; she was also the guest of honor at the launch of the Tahitian Summer Collection of retail giant David Jones, and graced numerous fashion events as well. In an attempt to promote skin awareness, she joined a campaign launched by the Institute of Cancer Research and Superdrug, by posing in store posters and spreading the word on skin protection from sunlight. On the television loop, she became visible as a guest star on shows like Punk’d, The Friday Night Project and The Dame Edna Treatment.

Aside from modeling, Barton has been preoccupied with filming four new movies, three of which have already been completed but still pending for release this year. Her new projects include “Closing the Ring,” a romantic drama, “Virgin Territory,” a romantic comedy film, “Don’t’ Fade Away,” also a drama film, and “Malice in Sunderland,” a modern take on the classic fairytale, Alice in Wonderland.

-Kris De Leon, BuddyTV Staff Columnist

_{(Photo Courtesy of The Hollywood Celebrity)}