Mischa Barton Heads to Dancing With the Stars: Everything She's Been Up to Since Starring in The O.C.

Actress is set to make her debut on the ballroom with Artem Chigvintsev

By Mike Vulpo Mar 21, 2016 12:00 PMTags
Mischa Barton, DWTS, Dancing With the Stars Season 22ABC

California ballrooms here we come!

After weeks of rehearsals and plenty of anticipation, Mischa Barton and the newest cast of Dancing With the Stars are about to make their debuts on the dance floor with their very first performances of the season.

One of the biggest names to take the stage tonight will be The O.C. star who finally said yes to the ABC reality series after many calls and asks.

"They've asked me for many years and it just wasn't working with my schedule and it just wasn't the right time," Mischa recently told E! News' Erin Lim. "I just like staying busy and it's fun training and why not? It's a challenge and it's a nice thing to do for a second and see how you do!"

Before judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tolioni and Len Goodman deliver their scores, take a look at what Mischa has been up to since her final episode of The O.C. back in 2006.

Scott Barbour/Getty Images

Fashion: After fans fell in love with her memorable looks and signature style on red carpets, Mischa decided to expand her fashion knowledge with her own boutique in London. Featuring clothing, handbags and cosmetic collections, the items were available to buy in Spitafields stores. "The stores are really beautiful and old, and there are some really interesting brands here," she shared with Vogue U.K. at the time of the opening.  "It's a good place to start. Also, now it's super hip."

She also collaborated with designer Stacey Lapidus to create a line of bejeweled and feather-adorned headgear. All of the designs were inspired by her jet-set lifestyle. "Accessorizing is oddly my favorite part of dressing up," she previously told People. "My style has been somewhat boho chic, which I think is a result of having traveled so extensively throughout the course of the past year."

Charity: Over the past several years, Mischa has been a huge advocate of various philanthropic causes. Whether attending the Robin Hood Young Philanthropist Gala or the AMBI Gala to raise awareness on global warming, the 30-year-old has used her voice for good. Over the years, she has also been an ambassador for Save the Children and visited South Africa to help promote their work.  "It is good to draw attention to things that matter," she once told reporters. "There's a lot of frivolous press out there, but it's good to have a cause."

Love you to pieces Stella!!!

A photo posted by Mischa Barton (@mischamazing) on

Home Life: One look at the actress' social media page and you may just be surprised at how much Mischa is just like us. In addition to enjoying vacations close to home in Santa Barbara or farther away in Rome, Mischa had been able to explore the world. When she's enjoying quiet time at her house, Mischa can't stop cuddling up with her dog, enjoying the beach and even doing her own laundry. We told you, pretty normal. 

FOX

Actress: After fans bid farewell to her role as Marissa Cooper on The O.C., Mischa was able to receive a variety of roles both on and off the small screen. In addition to performances on The Beautiful Life and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Mischa appeared next to A-list talent in several films including Virgin Territory, St. Trinians and the Sundance film Assassination of a High School President. Most recently, she started shooting in Bulgaria for Malevolent.

Watch: Why Mischa Barton Agreed to Join "DWTS"

Dancing: Yes, it's finally time to dance! While Mischa and her dancing partner Artem Chigvintsev don't have a group name just yet, both are pumped for their time on the show together. "I'm excited about Artem being my partner," Mischa shared with E! News before gushing over the costumes and the music viewers will soon see and hear. As for any nerves, she's certainly trying to keep them low for now. "Breathe relax & do it. I'm so lucky for the people in my life," she wrote on Instagram. "No shout outs though. That's private. Ok I might give a few in coming weeks."

Dancing With the Stars premieres Monday night at 8 p.m. on ABC.