‘The Invite’ Star Olivia Wilde Reveals Her Best Kisser From The O.C.

Olivia Wilde is reminiscing about her time on ‘The O.C.’ and has revealed which of her two well-known co-stars she considered the better kisser.

The actress joined the beloved teen drama in its second season, portraying Alex Kelly, a bisexual bar manager who was involved in two significant storylines. During her stint on the show, Alex had romantic encounters with both Marissa Cooper, played by Mischa Barton, and Seth Cohen, played by Adam Brody.

Years after the series concluded, Wilde discussed those iconic moments during an appearance on the Call Her Daddy podcast. When asked about her experiences kissing both actors, Wilde made a choice between Barton and Brody, sharing her thoughts on her former co-stars. According to Wilde, Mischa Barton stood out.

“Mischa was a great kisser,” Wilde stated during the podcast. She also praised Barton’s looks, adding, “I remember she had really pretty lips. She had the most beautiful… She has the most extraordinary face.”

The kiss between Alex and Marissa became one of the most discussed moments from ‘The O.C.’ at the time. Wilde explained that the scene garnered significant attention because it aired during the show’s crucial “Sweeps” period, when networks aimed to attract larger audiences.

“I remember when Mischa and I did the kiss, it was like Sweeps week, which is when that was a big deal and the ratings would spike, and for that show it was like an event,” Wilde recalled.

However, she noted that the actual scene was far less dramatic than many anticipated.

“It was an event! And it was, like, the most tame kiss you’ve ever [seen]! It’s a peck! It’s like a greeting!” she explained.

Reflecting on the moment, Wilde believes the reaction was not solely about the kiss itself. She mentioned that the storyline was significant because it depicted a popular and traditionally admired female character exploring her sexuality, a theme that was still uncommon in mainstream television at that time.

“The idea of queerness at the time was still relegated to, like, the quirky, weird kids,” Wilde remarked. She added that witnessing a character like Marissa navigate such a relationship was something viewers were not accustomed to seeing.

“It was not mainstream girls. It was not that girl. It was never the popular, pretty… and that I think the idea that this girl might be figuring out her sexuality, that was what people were really like, ‘Oh, my God!’” she continued.

Wilde also noted that the storyline had a lasting impact on many fans. She shared that she still hears from individuals who discovered something about themselves or initiated important conversations because of Alex and Marissa’s relationship.

“There were a lot of young people who saw that and started to ask themselves questions and have conversations with their parents,” Wilde said. “And that’s what I hear still to this day, which is amazing.”

Although ‘The O.C.’ concluded in 2007, the show maintains a strong fan base. Wilde’s remarks highlight that the series’ narratives, particularly those concerning identity and relationships, continue to resonate with viewers years later.

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