The actress thinks taking the TV role may have ruined her film career...
Mischa Barton may have been on her way to becoming a major movie star as a teenager, after scoring roles in late-1990s hit films like The Sixth Sense and Notting Hill. In 2003, Mischa accepted the role of Marissa Cooper on the teen drama The O.C. and became a household name. In a new interview, however, the actress reveals that she regrets taking the role on the show.
When asked by Metro UK whether or not she would have taken the role on The O.C. if she had to do it all over again, the now-28-year-old actress said, "Probably not." She went on to imply that taking the role on the TV show may have stalled what could have been a promising film career.
Mischa Barton's career has struggled since The O.C. ended in 2007. (WENN)
"It's something I came so close to not doing. I had a really great thing with film," she said. "People say be grateful for what you have but it certainly not the kind of thing I was expecting it to be…I've kind of seen it all."
Mischa's life spiraled out of control after the show ended its run in 2007. Looking back on her past, which includes a 2007 arrest for DUI and drug possession, as well as a stint in a psych ward after she threatened to commit suicide in 2009, Mischa said she was 'clearly not' worried about her reputation back then.
The actress is still not totally back on track. Although she has a string of acting roles lined up, she is currently in danger of losing her Beverly Hills home. Last week it was revealed that Mischa owes more than $100,000 in back mortgage payments on the Spanish-style mansion.
She said that the constant spotlight of fame is sometimes daunting.
"It's really tough when you are young in this business," she said. "People blow a lot of hot air at you…It's just one of those things when you are growing under a microscope and changing and that evolution is human. That humanity aspect means flaws—which people don't want to see."
She advised the up-and-coming actors of Hollywood to refrain from over-sharing.
"Keep your private life private to the greatest extent that you can," she said "People have this insatiable appetite for it—so how far can you go with that?"
