How Mischa Barton’s Height Shaped Her Role on The O.C.

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Mischa Barton, a British/American actress acclaimed for her portrayal of Marissa Cooper in the popular TV series “The O.C.,” stands at a height of 5 feet 9 inches (175.3 cm) and wears a shoe size 9 (US).

In a 2006 interview with Harpers, Stana Katic’s lookalike noted, “At 5 foot 9 I’m a good height for flats.” Her US shoe size 9 converts to a UK size 6.5, a European size 39-40, and a Japanese size 25.5.

Mischa Barton stands at a height of 5 feet 9 inches (175.3 cm), while Jonathan Bennett's height is notably taller at 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm), making a difference of 5 inches between themMischa Barton stands at a height of 5 feet 9 inches (175.3 cm), while Jonathan Bennett’s height is notably taller at 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm), making a difference of 5 inches between them (Credit: Famous / ACE PICTURES / INSTARimages)

The O.C. and Hollywood’s Height Norms

Her 5 feet 9 inches (175.3 cm) height makes her significantly taller than the average American woman, who is around 5 feet 4 inches (162.6 cm).

Mischa Barton has said that she was not allowed to wear heels on The O.C. because she is 5 feet 9 inches tall, taller than most of the other actors on the show.

“She almost always wore flats, both because of Mischa’s height and because that’s such a classic, chic look,” costume designer Alexandra Welker told W Magazine. “Marissa was the golden girl of the show; I wanted her to seem effortless.”

This is a common practice in Hollywood, where it is often seen as undesirable for an actress to be taller than her male co-stars.

Mischa Barton leaving a meeting in Santa MonicaMischa Barton leaving a meeting in Santa Monica on February 20, 2020 (Credit: Instar / WENN)

Beyond The O.C.: Barton’s Height in Her Career

The British-American actress has also appeared in the romantic comedy Notting Hill (1999), M. Night Shyamalan’s psychological thriller The Sixth Sense (1999), the indie crime drama Pups (1999), the 2007 British comedy film St Trinian’s, the 2007 romantic drama film Closing the Ring, and the American teen drama television series The Beautiful Life (also known as The Beautiful Life: TBL).

Mischa Barton shows off her sexy size 9 (US) feet in pointy high heelsMischa Barton shows off her sexy size 9 (US) feet in pointy high heels (Credit: Ai-Wire / WENN)

In 2012, Mischa Barton returned to the stage, showcasing her talent in the Irish production of Steel Magnolias. Her versatility continued as she shared the screen with Martin Sheen in Bhopal: A Prayer for Rain (2014).

Critics have commended Barton for her performances in independent films, with the Los Angeles Times highlighting her “standout” role in Starcrossed (2014).

Demonstrating her adaptability, Barton secured a role in the inaugural season of the MTV series “The Hills: New Beginnings” (2019–2021), a revival of the iconic show “The Hills.”

In 2023, she was selected for an extended guest role in the revived Australian soap opera Neighbours, which aired on Amazon Freevee and Network 10.

Mischa Barton shows off her feet at her store launch partyMischa Barton shows off her feet at her store launch party on August 8, 2012, in London, England (Credit: WENN)

Mischa Barton: Facts, Rumors, and Everything in Between

What is Mischa Barton's net worth?As of 2024, Mischa Barton has an estimated net worth of $2.5 million.
Full Name:Mischa Anne Marsden Barton
Born:Mischa Anne Marsden Barton was born on January 24, 1986, in Hammersmith, London, England, U.K.
Who is Mischa Barton's husband?She has never been married. In September 2020, Gian Marco Flamini entered into a relationship with Mischa Barton.

Prior to this, Mischa Barton has been involved in various relationships. She was in a relationship with James Abercrombie (a fashion model) from 2017 to 2019, with Sebastian Knapp from 2012 to 2013, with Ali Love in 2010, with Tom Wright (UK) from 2008 to 2009, and with Josh Hartnett in 2008.

Additionally, her romantic history includes relationships with Luke Pritchard from 2008 to 2009, Taylor Locke from 2007 to 2008, Brandon Silverfield in 2007, Jamie Dornan in 2007, Cisco Adler from 2005 to 2007, and Brandon Davis from 2004 to 2005.

Mischa Barton's romantic life also involves encounters with Andrea Iervolino and Alan Cappelli Goetz in the year 2014.
Kids:Mischa Barton does not have any children. She has never been married and has never publicly announced any pregnancies.
Weight:Mischa Barton is rumored to weigh around 150 lbs (68 kg).
Feet/Shoe Size:Mischa Barton's shoe size of 9 is relatively common and not considered unusually large.
Is Mischa Barton short?No, Mischa Barton's height of 5 feet 9 inches (175.3 cm) is not considered short compared to the average American woman.

The average height for adult women in the United States is around 5 feet 4 inches (162.6 cm), so Barton is actually taller than the average American woman.
Nationality:Mischa Barton holds dual citizenship in the United States and the United Kingdom. Through her Irish mother, Nuala Quinn-Barton, she is also eligible for Irish citizenship.
Source of Wealth:Barton is predominantly recognized for her iconic role as Marissa Cooper in the acclaimed Fox teen drama "The O.C." from 2003 to 2006, a performance that earned her the title of 2003's "It Girl" by "Entertainment Weekly."

She has also appeared in films such as Notting Hill (1999), The Sixth Sense (1999), and Lawn Dogs (2003).
Ethnicity/Race:Mischa Barton's ethnicity is a combination of English and Irish.

Mischa Barton’s Thought-Provoking Quotes

“It’s very flattering, I guess, to be considered so popular at a young age. It’s kinda cool.” – Mischa Barton

“It kind of irritates me that I’m seen as this pretty face. People also say I’m too thin. The truth is pretty people aren’t as accepted as other people. It comes with all these stigmas.” – Mischa Barton

Mischa Barton attended the 'Loving' premiere during the 69th annual Cannes Film Festival at the Palais des Festivals on May 16, 2016, in Cannes, France, where she wore a Georges Hobeika Spring 2016 sleeveless black sheer beaded floral embroidered tulle gownMischa Barton attended the ‘Loving’ premiere during the 69th annual Cannes Film Festival at the Palais des Festivals on May 16, 2016, in Cannes, France, where she wore a Georges Hobeika Spring 2016 sleeveless black sheer beaded floral embroidered tulle gown (Credit: ACE / INFphoto)

“I do intelligent roles. I don’t want to be labeled as doing silly movies. I’m more mature than kids my age because I’m constantly surrounded by adults.” – Mischa Barton

“I have a career, I worked so hard for it.” – Mischa Barton

“I kind of live under a rock, to be honest. I very much stay in my little film world.” – Mischa Barton

Mischa Barton donning a Ralph & Russo Resort 2019 black beaded, layered tulle gown at the 2019 MTV Movie and TV AwardsMischa Barton donning a Ralph & Russo Resort 2019 black beaded, layered tulle gown at the 2019 MTV Movie and TV Awards at Barker Hangar on June 15, 2019, in Santa Monica, California (Credit: Famous / Ace Pictures / INSTARimages)

“I’m into ‘Girls.’ I’m into ‘Vinyl,’ a little bit.” – Mischa Barton

“Modeling is just one of those things that goes along with acting. When it’s offered, it’s hard to say no, because it’s fun.” – Mischa Barton

“Throughout my career, people have totally confused ‘Laguna Beach’ and ‘The O.C.’ I think, in people’s minds, it all kind of got blurred over time.” – Mischa Barton

Mischa Barton wearing a Blumarine Fall 2016 long sleeve black turtleneck calf-length beaded fringe dressMischa Barton wearing a Blumarine Fall 2016 long-sleeve black turtleneck calf-length beaded fringe dress at the Stylight Awards 2017 at Admiralspalast on June 28, 2016, in Berlin, Germany (Credit: Schroewig / D.Kollowsky / Picture-Alliance / Cover Images)

“I just like to be seen for the hard-working actress that I am and not for a bunch of extraneous press.” – Mischa Barton

“I was 17 years old and fresh out of high school in New York when I got cast on ‘The O.C.’ It was a huge time in my life and I’m grateful for it.” – Mischa Barton

Mischa Barton looked radiant in a sleeveless Zuhair Murad plum gown featuring a sheer beaded floral bodice and a delicate short train detail at the amfAR's 23rd Cinema Against AIDS GalaMischa Barton looked radiant in a sleeveless Zuhair Murad plum gown featuring a sheer beaded floral bodice and a delicate short train detail at the amfAR’s 23rd Cinema Against AIDS Gala at Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc on May 19, 2016, in Cap d’Antibes, France (Credit: Featureflash Photo Agency / Shutterstock)

“I love being hands-on.” – Mischa Barton

“People are fascinated by me and always have been, and I have no clue why.” – Mischa Barton

Mischa Barton a stunning gold metallic halter dress by Siran at the De Grisogono Party during the annual 69th Cannes Film FestivalMischa Barton a stunning gold metallic halter dress by Siran at the De Grisogono Party during the annual 69th Cannes Film Festival at Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc on May 17, 2016, in Cannes, France (Credit: INFphoto)

“I just love to be able to be in control of my life.” – Mischa Barton

“I love to draw people’s faces. I do that all the time.” – Mischa Barton

“I’m still getting used to changing earrings – It still feels really weird to be pushing bits of metal through holes in my earlobes that weren’t there a few weeks back, and actually seeing and feeling the holes in my lobes is still a bit freaky.” – Mischa Barton

“The only way to be happy and be a more enjoyable person to be around is to embrace what you’ve got. Everyone has issues about their body, but I feel confident now. I’m healthy and happy.” – Mischa Barton

“I don’t mind nudity; I just don’t do it often.” – Mischa Barton

“I’m always into rock n’ roll and indie rock.” – Mischa Barton

“I like being understatedly sexy.” – Mischa Barton

“I get bored with working out, so I’m more into playing sports like soccer and basketball.” – Mischa Barton

“If you’re not being yourself, it shows immediately. The camera doesn’t lie.” – Mischa Barton

“Keep your head on your shoulders – even when you think your head is on your shoulders, sometimes it isn’t!” – Mischa Barton

“I think reality TV is a little tougher for me than I thought it would be.” – Mischa Barton

“Every woman has cellulite. I’ve never claimed to have a perfect body.” – Mischa Barton

“I just really love hanging out with really old people. They’re the best dinner dates you could ever have. All that life experience and understanding.” – Mischa Barton

“I feel very at home in London for some reason.” – Mischa Barton

“It’s really weird when people scrutinize every little thing about you and talk about your outfits and your weight and who you’re dating… and there’s absolutely nothing you can do about it.” – Mischa Barton

“Pretty people aren’t as accepted as other people. It’s like, ‘She’s pretty and thin and she’s got to have problems. She’s messed up.'” – Mischa Barton

“I like guys who are confident but not cocky, who are comfortable with themselves, and who know what they want.” – Mischa Barton

“I like playing dark, offbeat, quirky characters.” – Mischa Barton

“I’m not really sure what people’s preconceived notions are. I don’t look at the gossip websites – it’s unhealthy and I think it’s a large part of what drives people in L.A. crazy.” – Mischa Barton

“Before ‘The OC,’ I was on track to do some great films… and one thing happens, and then I got this mega-stardom all from this show.” – Mischa Barton

“My most ideal date would be something spontaneous, probably a concert, where there’s good music and we can talk and hang out.” – Mischa Barton

“I moved to Europe and was able to take time and really explore who I was and who I wanted to be. I needed that time for myself to really do that self-exploration and get back in touch with my roots.” – Mischa Barton

“I know I’m never going to be a professional ballroom dancer.” – Mischa Barton

“There’s been times I’ve thought, ‘I don’t want to be an actress forever,’ and there are times when I feel I can’t live without it because I love it so much.” – Mischa Barton

Mischa Barton Rocks the Braless Trend: A Style Recap of the Bhopal Screening Event

The braless look has become a huge trend among celebrities. In April 2015, Mischa Barton joined the list of stars who go out in public without a bra. She displayed more than just her cleavage at the special screening of Bhopal: A Prayer for Rain.

Mischa Barton suffered a nip slip at the special screening of Bhopal: A Prayer for RainMischa Barton suffered a nip slip at the special screening of Bhopal: A Prayer for Rain at Canon Hollywood in Los Angeles, California, on April 10, 2015 (Credit: Guillermo Proano / WENN)

The then-29-year-old actress, who was reportedly suing her mother for allegedly stealing her money and properties, was the latest celebrity to fall victim to a wardrobe malfunction.

Mischa Barton's loosely pulled-back hairstyleMischa Barton’s loosely pulled-back hairstyle (Credit: Guillermo Proano / WENN)

Wearing a plunging white top with a collar and long sleeves, she accidentally gave photographers a peek at her nipples as she sat down in her reserved seat at Canon Hollywood.

Mischa Barton wore an edgy black skirt featuring a thigh-high slit and a pair of strappy heelsMischa Barton wore an edgy black skirt featuring a thigh-high slit and a pair of strappy heels (Credit: Guillermo Proano / WENN)

The extremely low-cut top was paired with an edgy black skirt featuring a thigh-high slit and a pair of strappy heels. Mischa kept her look chic and gorgeous with a loosely pulled-back hairstyle and flawless makeup with pink lipstick.

Mischa Barton suffered a nip slip wardrobe malfunction when she sat down in her reserved seatMischa Barton suffered a nip slip wardrobe malfunction when she sat down in her reserved seat (Credit: Guillermo Proano / WENN)

Footwear to Remember: Mischa Barton’s Strappy Sandals

The O.C. star chose black strappy sandals to complete her risqué ensemble. They look similar to the Jimmy Choo “Dario” sandals, which feature an elastic ladder-cage design, open toes, and about 4-inch heels. We can’t see if her sandals also have lace-up back fastenings.

Mischa Barton's sexy toes and feet in strappy cage sandalsMischa Barton’s sexy toes and feet in strappy cage sandals (Credit: Guillermo Proano / WENN)

If you fancy Mischa’s sandals, you may want to check out these Jimmy Choo heels in different versions:

Jimmy Choo Dario SandalsJimmy Choo Dario Sandals, $712.67

Jimmy Choo Dario Black Elastic and Natural Python SandalsJimmy Choo Dario Black Elastic and Natural Python Sandals, $1,195

Jimmy Choo Dario Leather Ladder SandalsJimmy Choo Dario Leather Ladder Sandals, $950