Rachel Bilson, best known for her roles in The O.C. and Hart of Dixie, has had a series of high-profile relationships throughout her career. From her early romance with The O.C. co-star Adam Brody to her more recent relationship with comedian Bill Hader, Bilson’s dating life has been a topic of media interest. Let’s take a deep dive into Rachel Bilson’s dating history and some key highlights of her relationships.
Adam Brody: The Early Love
Rachel Bilson’s first major relationship in the public eye was with Adam Brody, her co-star from The O.C., where they played on-screen couple Summer Roberts and Seth Cohen. Their on-screen chemistry quickly translated into real life, and the two dated for about three years during the show’s run.
The couple became quite the fan favorite, even adopting a dog together named Penny Lane. In a 2006 interview, Bilson expressed her happiness with Brody, saying, “I feel like I have everything now — the dog, the house, the job, and him. I can’t ask for anything more.”
However, their relationship ended in 2006, shortly before the final season of The O.C. aired. According to sources, the couple simply “grew apart” after dating for several years. Although the breakup was amicable, Bilson has reflected fondly on their time together, emphasizing the support they gave each other during the height of their young careers.
Hayden Christensen: A Decade-Long Romance
After her relationship with Brody ended, Rachel Bilson met Star Wars actor Hayden Christensen while filming the 2008 movie Jumper. Their connection was immediate, and by the end of that year, the couple was engaged. The engagement, however, wasn’t smooth sailing, as the two briefly split in 2010 due to long-distance issues. Still, they reconciled later that year and remained together for nearly a decade.
Bilson and Christensen’s most significant milestone was the birth of their daughter, Briar Rose, in 2014. The name, inspired by Disney’s Sleeping Beauty, reflected their shared love for all things Disney.
Despite their long relationship, the couple decided to part ways in 2017. Reports suggested that their differing personalities contributed to the breakup—Bilson being more outgoing and social, while Christensen preferred a quieter, more reserved lifestyle. However, both have remained dedicated co-parents to Briar Rose, and Bilson has often mentioned how important communication is in maintaining a healthy co-parenting relationship.
Nick Viall: A Flirtation with Reality TV
Rachel Bilson was linked to Bachelor star Nick Viall after appearing on his podcast The Viall Files in 2019. Their playful interactions on social media led to rumors that the two might be dating. However, Viall remained cryptic about their relationship, stating that they had spent time together but did not officially label anything.
While their flirtation garnered a lot of attention, it never developed into a full-blown romance. Bilson’s connection with Viall was short-lived, but the rumors did highlight how easily people become intrigued by her personal life.
Bill Hader: The Comedic Connection
Rachel Bilson’s most recent high-profile relationship was with Saturday Night Live alum and comedian Bill Hader. The two initially met while working together on the 2013 romantic comedy The To Do List, but it wasn’t until December 2019 that they were seen sparking romance rumors when they were spotted holding hands in Hader’s hometown of Tulsa, Oklahoma.
In early 2020, Bilson and Hader made their red-carpet debut as a couple at the Golden Globe Awards, solidifying their relationship in the eyes of the public. A source at the time mentioned that their connection seemed serious, with Bilson frequently laughing and enjoying Hader’s company.
Unfortunately, the relationship was short-lived, and the couple called it quits in July 2020, just six months after going public. Bilson later revealed on her podcast Broad Ideas that the breakup was particularly difficult for her, happening during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic when she had little else to distract her from the emotional toll of the split. Despite the tough end, Bilson handled the breakup with humor, even joking about missing Hader’s “big d—” during an episode of her podcast.
Rachel Bilson’s Current Status
As of 2023, Rachel Bilson has revealed that she is no longer single, though she has not publicly disclosed who she is currently dating. Over the years, Bilson has been open about her personal growth and self-awareness when it comes to relationships. On The Viall Files, she emphasized that her past challenges, including her difficulties with intimacy, had nothing to do with any of her previous partners, but rather with her own journey of self-discovery.
Conclusion
Rachel Bilson’s dating history showcases her journey through love, heartbreak, and personal growth. From her early days with Adam Brody to her more recent romance with Bill Hader, Bilson has experienced a wide range of relationships, each playing a role in shaping who she is today. Whether she’s navigating co-parenting with Hayden Christensen or sharing candid reflections on her personal life, Bilson continues to be a relatable figure whose relationships captivate the public.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who was Rachel Bilson’s longest relationship with?
Rachel Bilson’s longest relationship was with actor Hayden Christensen. They were together for nearly 10 years and share a daughter, Briar Rose.
2. How did Rachel Bilson and Adam Brody meet?
Rachel Bilson and Adam Brody met while filming The O.C., where they played on-screen couple Summer Roberts and Seth Cohen. Their romance continued off-screen, and they dated for three years.
3. Did Rachel Bilson have a child with Hayden Christensen?
Yes, Rachel Bilson and Hayden Christensen have a daughter named Briar Rose, born in 2014. The name was inspired by Disney’s Sleeping Beauty.
4. How long did Rachel Bilson and Bill Hader date?
Rachel Bilson and Bill Hader publicly confirmed their relationship in January 2020 at the Golden Globe Awards. However, they split in July 2020, making their relationship last for about six months.
5. Is Rachel Bilson currently dating anyone?
As of 2023, Rachel Bilson has hinted that she is not single, but she has not revealed the identity of her current partner.
