Mischa Barton

Mischa Barton

Mischa Barton, 2010
Born Mischa Anne Marsden Barton
24 January 1986 (1986-01-24) (age 25)
Hammersmith, London, England
Occupation Actress, model
Years active 1995–present

Mischa Anne Marsden Barton (born 24 January 1986) is an English-American fashion model, film, television, and stage actress, best known for her role as Marissa Cooper in the American television series The O.C..

Contents

Biography

Early life

Mischa Barton was born in Hammersmith,[1] West London, England,[2][3] to an Irish mother,[4] Nuala (née Quinn),[5] a photographer, and a Mancunian[1] English father, Paul Marsden Barton,[5] a foreign exchange broker. She has two sisters, younger Hania and elder Zoe, a barrister in London.[6][7] Her father's work took the family to New York City when Barton was six, and ten days after her twentieth birthday,[1] she became a naturalised citizen of the United States in 2006. Retaining her British citizenship, Barton in reference to her English roots states, "I actually feel more comfortable in England a lot of the time"[8] yet stresses that, "I like people to discern that I'm an English-Irish girl who grew up in New York."[1]

Barton graduated from the Professional Children's School in Manhattan in 2004, and took a summer short course called Acting Shakespeare at The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, in June and July 2006,[9] at Sir Richard Attenborough's urging,[10][11] after he directed her in Closing the Ring.

Career

Barton began acting at the age of eight (as she said on The Friday Night Project), co-starring in the Off Broadway premiere of Slavs!, written by Tony Kushner. She appeared in several other Off Broadway productions, taking a lead role in James Lapine's Twelve Dreams at Lincoln Center. She made her film debut in Lawn Dogs, which won awards at film festivals around the world. Since then, she has appeared in several films, such as The Sixth Sense, Notting Hill, St Trinians, and Closing the Ring. In St Trinians, she appeared as a former head girl of that school advising current senior pupils on fashion and style.[12] Barton first appeared on television in 1996, as young Lily Montgomery in the soap opera All My Children, and in a modern re-make of Bonnie and Clyde. She guest-starred in eight episodes of the television series Once and Again as Jessie Sammler's (Evan Rachel Wood's) girlfriend, Katie Singer. Other television appearances include an episode of the Fox series Fastlane, James Blunt's music video "Goodbye My Lover",[13] and Enrique Iglesias' music video "Addicted".[14]

In August 2003, Fox premiered the television series The O.C., about affluent teenagers with stormy personal lives who reside in scenic Orange County, California. The show became an overnight success due to its large fanbase,[15] and resulted in Barton's fame being increased through her role as Marissa Cooper. Barton departed from the show in the third-season finale in May 2006. The O.C. dropped in ratings dramatically during its third and fourth seasons, and ended in early 2007.[16]

In July 2006, Barton appeared on the British comedy variety show The Friday Night Project as a guest host.[17] In 2007, Barton appeared in the film The Oh in Ohio, and again in Closing the Ring. She also appeared in the R-rated comedy film Virgin Territory with Hayden Christensen. Later in 2007, Barton was cast in the international film produced by the Russian band t.A.T.u., called You and I.

In 2008, Barton appeared on the popular show Gok's Fashion Fix on Channel 4.[18] In the episode, Gok goes on an exclusive shopping trip in Paris with Mischa.[18] She appeared in Assassination of a High School President, co-starring Bruce Willis, when the film premiered at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival. The film was scheduled for a theatrical release in February 2009 but this was cancelled when the distributor, Yari filed for bankruptcy. The film received a TV premiere in Russia on 14 May 2009.[19] Sony will release the title in the US on DVD on 6 October 2009.[20]

She also starred in the horror, Walled In which was released straight-to-DVD in March 2009. Her next horror project, Homecoming received a limited release in July 2009. Barton failed to attend the premiere of the psychological thriller due to a medical issue.[21]

She also starred in Don't Fade Away, which is expected to be released in 2010. She began filming You and I, A t.A.T.u.-inspired film directed by Roland Joffé. The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2008 although is expected to be released in 2010.

In a December 2007 interview, she indicated that she would return to television for the right project; "It's not that I dislike doing television at all. It would be interesting having more creative control over where the storylines go or the characters. But for the right thing, of course."[12]

In early 2009 she starred alongside Martin Sheen in Bhopal: Prayer for Rain a biopic of the Bhopal gas tragedy. The title is currently in post-production and expected to be released in 2010. Barton was recently cast in The Science of Cool.[22]

She recently starred as one of the main characters on The Beautiful Life a new series on The CW.[23][24] The series was subsequently cancelled on 25 September 2009 after televising 2 episodes.[25] In December 2009 the technology company HP became the show's sponsor and began airing the show's five episodes on YouTube.[26][27]

She guest starred on a Law & Order: Special Victims Unit episode that aired on 3 March 2010.[28] She was recently cast in the lead role of the film adaptation of the novel, Engram in the UK/German production listed as a medical conspiracy action/thriller.[29]

In July 2010 she was cast in the horror-thriller Into the Darkness, which is scheduled for a 2011 release.[30] A month later she completed a short shoot on the the upcoming independent comedy-drama Ben Banks, anticipated to premiere at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival.[31]

Endorsements

Barton has been in many television commercials and print advertising campaigns. Barton has modeled for companies Calvin Klein, bebe stores, Aéropostale, Monsoon Accessorize, Dooney & Bourke, JC (Jeans and Clothes), European clothing line Morgan de Toi, Jaspal, and Neutrogena skincare products. She became the spokesperson for Keds Sneakers, substantially increasing their sales.[32] In Australia, she appears in commercials for teen magazine Famous and was the guest of honour at retail giant David Jones Tahitian Summer Collection launch.[33] She has also endorsed Chanel jewelry, appearing at a number of events for the brand. In a 2005 interview,[34] she stated that she liked the Chanel brand because they produced a large number of clip-on earrings suitable for women who did not have pierced ears, as she did not at the time. In 2009, having had her ears pierced especially for her role in The Beautiful Life, she modelled jewelry for the company Inspired Creations, including pierced earrings and their Waxing Poetic range of charms.[35]

In 2007, Barton also became a spokesperson for the SAFE (Skin Awareness for Everyone) campaign.[36] In addition, she lent her name to the TRAID campaign (Textile Recycling for Aid and International Development) in association with Visa Swap.[37] Barton was photographed in April 2007 for the Fall 2007/2008 advertising campaign for Italian clothing brand Iceberg, modeling with Nicolas Bemberg.[38]

In July 2008, she created a 14 piece handbag collection for online retailer, ASOS.com.[39] Barton was reportedly very involved in the line which retails from £20 to £145. She told ASOS magazine that she first discovered the website through her sister.[40]

In December 2008, Barton premiered her line of headbands released on the Stacy Lapidus line. The headbands cost from $90 to $200. She also has a handbag line for London-based Ri2k, which is sold in the United Kingdom and Australia only.[41] In early 2009, she became the "new face" of Herbal Essences.[42]

In June 2010 she was announced as the face of Philipp Plein couture. Plein revealed, “Being in the limelight for a young and beautiful girl, the looks of course always get a lot of attention, Mischa Barton got a lot and learned to live with her fame. For me it was the big challenge to again show her as a Diva, a Rock ´n` Roll Goddess”. The campaign will be circulated in international editions of leading fashion magazines.[43][44]

Personal life

Relationships

Barton's previous boyfriends have included Cisco Adler,[45] Taylor Locke,[46] Jamie Dornan, Brett Simon,[47] and Brandon Davis.[48] In December 2008, there were reports that she was dating The Kooks frontman Luke Pritchard.[49] The reports were confirmed during the relationship by Pritchard; Barton only confirmed the relationship after the pair split in March 2009, writing on her blog: "I think Luke is a great guy, but the type better suited as a friend. We have a surprising amount of mutual friends in England and I don't regret our time together, I just couldn't keep it going."[50][51][52]

Charitable affiliations

Barton is currently the spokesperson for Climate Star, an organization that fights global warming through social and legislative activism.[53] Barton has worked with the home shopping company QVC to raise funds for women's cancer research.[54]

In 2006, Barton also became a spokesperson for the SAFE (Skin Awareness for Everyone)[55] campaign and also lent her name to the TRAID campaign (Textile Recycling for Aid and International Development) in association with Visa Swap.[56] Barton is an ambassador for Save the Children and the "One Water" campaign which brings water to remote locations in Africa, and is on the board of the "Lupus Research Committee" in Los Angeles.[57]

Legal troubles

Barton was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, possession of marijuana, and driving without a valid license on December 27, 2007.[58] She was stopped by the police during the early morning hours in West Hollywood, California when she was seen "straddling the lanes and failing to signal for a turn". Police discovered during the traffic stop that Barton "was an unlicensed driver and was driving while under the influence of an alcoholic beverage".[58] She was detained and released later the same morning from the West Hollywood Sheriff Station on US$10,000 bail. On January 11, 2008, Barton called into Ryan Seacrest's radio show On Air with Ryan Seacrest (KIIS FM) and took full responsibility for her actions:

“ I was pulled over... just that. Obviously, I’m 100 percent responsible for my actions in this case and I’m really disappointed in myself... I don’t know what to say about it, except that I’m not perfect and I just don’t ever intend to do something this stupid again."[59] ”

Barton was subsequently charged with two misdemeanors: driving without a valid license; and a DUI.[60] On January 21, 2010, Barton was sued by her New York landlord for refusing to pay three months of $7000 per month rent on her apartment.[61]

Filmography

Film
Year Film Role Notes
1995 Polio Water Diane Short film
1997 Lawn Dogs Devon Stockard
1999 Pups Rocky
Notting Hill 12-Year-Old Actress
The Sixth Sense Kyra Collins
2000 Paranoid Theresa Straight-to-DVD
Skipped Parts Maurey Pierce
Frankie and Hazel Francesca 'Frankie' Humphries
2001 Lost and Delirious Mary 'Mouse' Bedford
Tart Grace Bailey
2002 Octane Natasha 'Nat' Wilson
2005 Julie Johnson Lisa Johnson
2006 The Oh in Ohio Kristen Taylor
2007 Closing the Ring Young Ethel Ann
Virgin Territory Pampinea Straight-to-DVD
2009 Walled In Sam Walczak Straight-to-DVD
Homecoming Shelby Limited US theatrical release
St. Trinian's JJ French
Assassination of a High School President Francesca Fachini Straight-to-DVD
2010 The Science of Cool Jane pre-production
You and I Lana Starkova Post-production
Bhopal: Prayer for Rain Eva Post-production
Don't Fade Away Kat Post-production
2011 Ben Banks Amy Post-production
Into the Darkness Allie pre-production
Engram Meg Winter pre-production
Television
Year Film Role Notes
1995 All My Children Lily Benton Montgomery#2 1 episode
1996 New York Crossing Drummond
1996-97 Kablam! Betty Ann Bongo 16 episodes
2000 Frankie & Hazel Francesca 'Frankie' Humphries TV movie
2001-02 Once and Again Katie Singer 8 episodes
2002 A Ring of Endless Light Vicky Austin TV movie
2003 Fastlane Simone Collins 1 episode
2003–2006 The O.C. Marissa Cooper Seasons 1 - 3
2009 The Beautiful Life Sonja Stone 2 episodes aired on The CW, 5 episodes aired online
2010 Law & Order: Special Victims Unit Gladys Dalton 1 episode
Music videos
Year Title Role Notes
2003 Addicted Love interest Enrique Iglesias video
2005 Goodbye My Lover Girlfriend James Blunt video

Theatre

Year Production Role Notes
1995 Slavs! Vodya Tony Kushner play
Twelve Dreams Emma
1996 Where The Truth Lies Cinda
1997 One Flea Spare Morse

Awards and nominations

Year Award Category Television programme Result
2004 Teen Choice Award Choice Breakout TV Star — Female The O.C. Won
Teen Choice Award Choice TV Actress — Drama/Action Adventure The O.C. Nominated
2005 Teen Choice Award Choice TV Actress: Drama The O.C. Nominated
Teen Choice Award Choice TV Chemistry with Ben McKenzie The O.C. Nominated
2006 Teen Choice Award TV — Choice Actress The O.C. Won
2007 Prism Award Performance in a Drama Series Episode The O.C. Nominated

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 [1]
  2. ↑ "Mischa Barton Biography". Mischabarton.com. http://mischabarton.celebuzz.com/about.php. Retrieved 2009-08-24. 
  3. ↑ "Mischa Barton: Biography". TV Guide. http://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/mischa-barton/166956. Retrieved 2009-08-24. 
  4. ↑ "Mischa Barton". TV.com. http://www.tv.com/mischa-barton/person/97167/summary.html. Retrieved 2009-08-06. 
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 POSTED BY Fabien Montique (2007-05-31). "Mischa Barton hurts her parents". Thebosh.com. http://thebosh.com/archives/2007/05/mischa_barton_hurts_her_parents.php. Retrieved 2009-08-06. 
  6. ↑ Mischa Barton Biography (1986-)
  7. ↑ An in-depth look at your favourite celebrity personalities - hellomagazine.com, HELLO!
  8. ↑ MischaFans.com Retrieved 2007-09-12
  9. ↑ "How I get dressed : Mischa Barton". London: Guardian. 2009-04-15. http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2007/apr/15/fashion.features. Retrieved 2009-08-06. 
  10. ↑ Gordon, Jane (2007-05-12). "Mischa Barton: Little Miss Sunshine". London: Dailymail.co.uk. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/you/article-449705/Mischa-Barton-Little-Miss-Sunshine.html. Retrieved 2009-08-06. 
  11. ↑ "Welcome to Solent Students' Union". Solentsu.co.uk. http://www.solentsu.co.uk/resus/content/11723/features/interview_with_mischa_barton/. Retrieved 2009-08-06. 
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 Mischa Barton: Growing pains The Independent. 18 December 2007
  13. ↑ "Broadcast Yourself". YouTube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wVyggTKDcOE. Retrieved 2009-08-06. 
  14. ↑ "Enrique Iglesias — Addicted". YouTube. 2007-05-30. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NISYgsnAxo8. Retrieved 2009-08-06. 
  15. ↑ "The O.C. Episode 100: The O.C.: Obsess Completely". Tv.com. http://www.tv.com/the-o.c./the-o.c.-obsess-completely/episode/357877/summary.html. Retrieved 2009-08-06. 
  16. ↑ 'The O.C.' Cancelled Due to Poor Ratings. FoxNews.com.
  17. ↑ "Video: Mischa Barton hosts "Friday Night Project" (part 6/8)". Technorati.com. http://technorati.com/videos/youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3Dxq4Ihs3Ylc4. Retrieved 2009-08-06. 
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 "Mischa Barton on Gok’s Fashion Fix". Mischa News. 2008-07-19. http://www.mischanews.com/2008/07/19/mischa-barton-on-goks-fashion-fix/. Retrieved 2009-08-06. 
  19. ↑ (Russian) "Film's description in the TNT-TV guide" (in Russian). 2009-05-13. http://www.tnt-tv.ru/tnt-comedy/AssasinationOfTheHighSchool/. 
  20. ↑ Assassination of a High School President Arrives on DVD in October Retrieved August 8, 2009
  21. ↑ Matt Mitovich (16 July 2009). "Mischa Barton Skips Film Premiere Because of Medical Issue". TVGuide.com. http://www.tvguide.com/News/Mischa-Barton-Skips-1008165.aspx. Retrieved 2009-07-17. 
  22. ↑ Mischa Barton cast in The Science of Cool teen film Mischa News. 28 February 2009
  23. ↑ Mischa Barton opts for "A Beautiful Life" Reuters. 13 March 2009
  24. ↑ Pilot News: Mischa Barton Lands "Bitchy" Beautiful Role TV Guide. 13 March 2009
  25. ↑ First fall TV casualty: ‘The Beautiful Life’ MSNBC. 25 September 2009
  26. ↑ HP To Sponsor 'Beautiful Life' On YouTube Media Post. 19 December 2009
  27. ↑ Ashton Kutcher Brings 'Beautiful Life' Back to Life Parade magazine. 18 December 2009
  28. ↑ Mischa Barton To Hook It Up on SVU TV Guide. 4 January 2010
  29. ↑ In Development- Engram Mischa-b.com. 3 April 2010]
  30. ↑ Mischa Barton Steps Into The Darkness Mischa-B/IMDB. 10 July 2010
  31. ↑ DSC student stars in title role of 'Ben Banks: The Movie' Dixie Sun. Retrieved on 8 September 2010
  32. ↑ Keds sales increase
  33. ↑ "Last additions/Mischa Barton — David Jones Tahitian Summer Collection Launch 02". We Love Hollywood. 2007-05-09. http://welovehollywood.com/celebrity_circle_lastup_8_2743.html. Retrieved 2009-08-06. 
  34. ↑ Showbiz Tonight transcript, July 27, 2005, CNN.com.
  35. ↑ eInspiredCreations.com. "Waxing Poetic Initial Charms". eInspiredCreations.com. https://www.einspiredcreations.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=Inspired&Product_Code=6101WP. Retrieved 2009-08-06. 
  36. ↑ "Mischa Barton SAFE campaign". Mischa News. 2007-04-22. http://www.mischanews.com/2007/04/22/mischa-barton-safe-campaign/. Retrieved 2009-08-06. 
  37. ↑ "Mischa Barton Cleo Magazine". Mischa News. 2007-07-17. http://www.mischanews.com/2007/07/17/mischa-barton-cleo-magazine/. Retrieved 2009-08-06. 
  38. ↑ SASSYBELLA.com » Blog Archive » Mischa Barton fronts Iceberg’s fall 2008 ad campaign
  39. ↑ "Mischa Barton ASOS Exclusive Leather Bow Clutch at ASOS". Asos.com. 2008-08-15. http://www.asos.com/Mischa-Barton/Mischa-Barton-Online-Exclusive-Leather-Bow-Clutch/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=298304&cid=5153&clr=Black&sh=0. Retrieved 2009-08-06. 
  40. ↑ SASSYBELLA.com » Blog Archive » Mischa Barton’s handbag line for ASOS unveiled
  41. ↑ Mischa Barton Launches Headband Line 22 December 2008
  42. ↑ Mischa Barton Confirms She Is The New Face Of Herbal Essences January 2009
  43. ↑ Mischa Barton is the new face of PHILIPP PLEIN Couture A/W 2010 Philipp Plein. Retrieved on 27 June 2010
  44. ↑ Mischa Barton scrubs up nicely for wacky photoshoot (helped, of course, by the Hollywood airbrush) Daily Mail. 26 June 2010
  45. ↑ Fulton, Rick. Daddy's Little Girl. Daily Record. http://web.archive.org/web/20071012192305rn_1/www.dailyrecord.co.uk/entertainment/entertainment-news/celebrity-interviews/2007/09/28/daddy-s-little-girl-86908-19860789/. Retrieved 2007-10-06. 
  46. ↑ Mischa Barton, Guitarist Boyfriend Split
  47. ↑ Revealed: Mischa Barton's secret romance with director of her new film
  48. ↑ "Star Couples: Will It Last? - Brandon Davis, Mischa Barton". People.com. 2005-02-08. http://www.people.com/people/gallery/0,,1023309_4,00.html#816632. Retrieved 2009-08-06. 
  49. ↑ Mirror.co.uk - Mischa Barton Dating Luke Pritchard
  50. ↑ Mischa Barton's Official Website - Clearing The Air Again
  51. ↑ Mischa Barton's Official Website - Clearing The Air On Dating Rumours
  52. ↑ Mischa Splits from Rocker Boyfriend People.com, March 9, 2009
  53. ↑ In Step With...Mischa Barton | PARADE Magazine
  54. ↑ Mischa Barton Joins QVC, the Fashion Footwear Charitable Foundation and the Entertainment Industry Foundation in the Fight Against Breast Cancer
  55. ↑ Mischa Barton’s ‘Safe Sun’ Message | Celebrity Brands :: Fashion, Beauty, Cosmetics, Lifestyle
  56. ↑ Mischa Barton TRAID
  57. ↑ The S.L.E. Lupus Foundation Gala 2007
  58. ↑ 58.0 58.1 "Mischa Barton Arrested on Charges of DUI, Drug Possession". Fox News. 2007-12-27. http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,318538,00.html. Retrieved 2007-12-30. 
  59. ↑ Mischa: I'm 100% Responsible for DUI
  60. ↑ Mischa Barton charged with drunk driving
  61. ↑ Mischa Barton sued over $7,000-a-month NYC rent

External links