Entertainment> Celebrities

Bilson says private life is just that

(AAP)
2006-10-21 17:12

Being photographed and chased by the paparazzi means success for The OC's Rachel Bilson.

Although the 25-year-old Los Angeles-based actor says she does her best to keep her private life out of the spotlight.

"It is very important to me to try to keep relationships as private as possible," said Bilson, who dates her OC co-star Adam Brody.

"Your personal life is the one thing you have for yourself because you are out there for the world to see. People think they know you and everything, so to have that to yourself is very important."

Bilson features in glossy mags the world over and has won a legion of fans for playing Summer Roberts in the hit American TV series based in southern California's Orange County.

While she realises media attention is part of the job, she says her private life is off limits.

"I am in it because I love acting and I love my job and I love working. I am not in it for the celebrity part," she told AAP at the Toronto International Film Festival, where her film, The Last Kiss, premiered in September.

In The OC, Bilson plays the daughter of a rich local doctor, best friend of Marissa Copper (Mischa Barton) and girlfriend of the nerdy Seth Cohen (Brody).

The series has been a big hit around the world and has screened on Network Ten in Australia.

"Especially when you are on television, people feel like they know you because you are in their house every week," said Bilson.

"They can say whatever and they can pick you apart and they can be hurtful. That is why you really have to have a strong energy and try to not pay attention."

Bilson is a Californian native, born and raised in Los Angeles.