Vault: Rachel Bilson Joins The Show

Summary

The Bert Show – “Vault: Rachel Bilson Joins The Show”

Air date: November 17, 2025
Guest: Rachel Bilson
Cast: Bert, Melissa Carter, Jeff Dollar

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Episode Overview

This lively episode features a candid and humorous interview with actress Rachel Bilson, best known for her role as Summer on "The OC." The hosts—Bert, Melissa Carter, and Jeff Dollar—chat with her about fame, fan encounters, the blurring of identity between actor and character, media attention, and her transition to film in her first big movie, "The Last Kiss" with Zach Braff. The tone is friendly, authentic, and marked by laughter, inside references, and relatable showbiz anecdotes.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Melissa Carter’s “OC” Connection

[01:33–03:12]

• Melissa shares that she was actually an extra on the first season of "The OC" as part of a DJ promotion.
• Rachel is amused by this, noting she’s heard from several people claiming to have been extras.
  • Rachel Bilson (03:04): "Wait, someone just said that, though, in my last interview, that they were on the OC as an extra on set the first year."

2. Rachel Bilson’s Rise on “The OC”

[02:05–03:12]

• Bert points out Rachel’s character was originally meant to be minor, but she became a fan favorite.
• They joke about Melissa being Rachel’s “inspiration” to join the industry.
  • Rachel Bilson (03:21): "Because you were my inspiration. So thank you."
  • Melissa Carter (03:23): "You're welcome, Rich. Anytime. I can do it."

3. Fan Encounters & Seeing Yourself as ‘Summer’

[03:26–04:19]

• Rachel shares that fans often approach her as “Summer,” blurring the lines between her real identity and her character.
  • Bert (03:38): "I am curious if you have ever been approached on the street from a fan as Summer and not Rachel."
  • Rachel Bilson (03:38): "Oh, gee, that would have to be. Yes, all the time."
• Some people are genuinely surprised she’s not “Summer” in real life, and this can get “awkward and uncomfortable.”
  • Rachel Bilson (04:19): "Yeah, they scare me."
• Melissa and Jeff joke about quirky fan gifts, including a clock with Rachel’s face on it.
  • Rachel Bilson (04:28): "Yeah, well, I’ve had, like, weird... like, they made a clock with my face on it. And it’s always weird."

4. The Price of Fame: Privacy & Paparazzi

[04:37–06:56]

• Bert asks how fame has changed Rachel’s private life.
  • Rachel Bilson (05:00): "You definitely have that [loss of privacy], where your privacy's gone and it's a little invasive, but it also comes along with the territory."
• Her first paparazzi encounter marked the moment she realized her private life was over.
  • Rachel Bilson (05:22): "Their first paparazzi encounter is always a bit odd. So probably that would have to be when you kind of realize that it's out the window."
• She jokes about “personally calling the paparazzi,” but reflects that while publicity was exciting at first, the attention can be cruel and intrusive.
  • Rachel Bilson (05:41): "Actually, I’m the one who personally called the paparazzi. So yes, it was very exciting."
• She notes the duality of feeling proud when her grandmother could see her in a magazine, but critical of negative and invasive coverage.
  • Rachel Bilson (05:53): "The first time I saw it in a magazine, it was cool... But other than that, they're very, very cruel. Can be anyway... They go after the negative and try to put you in a bad light."
• Jeff and Bert question how much celebrity media is staged. Rachel explains that many stars go to paparazzi hotspots on purpose, and much of it can be avoided.
  • Rachel Bilson (06:36): "They go to certain places where you know that paparazzi are because they expect celebrities to go there... A lot of it they could control."

5. Transition to Film: “The Last Kiss” with Zach Braff

[07:08–08:34]

• Bert praises the trailer for “The Last Kiss.” Rachel explains it’s a remake of an Italian film, not a sequel to "Garden State," and notes Paul Haggis adapted the script.
  • Rachel Bilson (07:37): "You know, it's not a follow up to Garden State by any means. It's actually a remake of an Italian film, and Zach's only acting in it. He didn't direct it or write it."
• She believes fans of "Garden State" will appreciate this movie’s “real and honest” tone.
  • Rachel Bilson (07:37): "If you like Garden State, I feel like you will like this movie."
• Addressing rumors, Rachel clarifies there is a sex scene in the film, but she opted not to do nudity, feeling it wasn't necessary for her first movie.
  • Rachel Bilson (08:09): "Actually, there is a sex scene still. I just didn’t want to show nudity because I felt confident about not having to do that... the sex scene’s still there and it’s very present."

6. Fun Closing Banter & Social Media Shoutouts

[08:44–08:57]

• Jeff and Bert joke about Melissa and Rachel being “top 8 friends” on MySpace, with the group keeping the energy light to close the segment.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Melissa’s “Five Frames of Fame” on The OC (01:40):
  "So my five frames of fame..."

• Rachel on fan confusion (04:19):
  "Yeah, they scare me."

• On paparazzi (05:53):
  "The first time I saw it in a magazine, it was cool... But other than that, they're very, very cruel... they’re definitely not your friends."

• On Hollywood hotspots (06:36):
  "A lot of it they could control... If they go to lunch at the Ivy or something, you know there's going to be tons of paparazzi."

• On keeping things real in her movie (07:37):
  "It's actually a remake of an Italian film... it's a very real movie and an honest movie in that sense."

• On setting boundaries in her first film role (08:09):
  "I just didn't want to show nudity because I felt confident about not having to do that. And we still got the point across without it."

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Timestamps of Important Segments

• [01:33] – Melissa’s backstory as an extra on The OC
• [03:26] – Rachel talks about being approached as “Summer”
• [04:33] – Gifts from fans and the oddity of fan culture
• [05:00] – Reflecting on newfound fame and loss of privacy
• [06:36] – Staging paparazzi moments in Hollywood
• [07:08] – Discussion about “The Last Kiss” and comparisons to “Garden State”
• [08:09] – Being selective about nude scenes in her first film

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Final Thoughts

This episode offers an authentic, lighthearted interview with Rachel Bilson, blending behind-the-scenes insight, humorous anecdotes, and thoughtful reflection on the challenges of fame. Fans of “The OC” and “The Last Kiss” will appreciate the personal stories and Rachel’s grounded outlook. The episode’s friendly, conversational vibe ensures listeners feel in on the fun, making even casual celebrity interviews engaging and relatable.

Transcript

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[Bert (Radio Host)]

The Bird show what you need to know going into this interview with Rachel Bilson here was that Melissa was on the OC before Rachel.

[Melissa Carter]

Yeah, there back when the OC started, the way they did, part of their, you know, promotion was they had DJs from different cities come out and actually be extras on the set. And so I went out there and I forgot what year that was that I went out there and did that. So my five frames of fame, you.

[Bert (Radio Host)]

Know, it must have been four years ago because. Yeah, I mean the series started four years ago. You were in the first one.

[Melissa Carter]

Yeah, that's right. And so we referenced that here in the beginning of our interview with Rachel.

[Bert (Radio Host)]

She has been on. She wasn't supposed to be a main character, but she was so good people were digging her that she became a full time character. And she's been doing this for four years now. And now she's just like she's a legitimate celebrity. The paparazzi are following around. So we talked to her about that and also she's got a new movie coming out Friday with Zach Braff. It's her very first movie. She's stoked about it. Here's Rachel Bilson on the Burt show on Q100. Hi, Rachel.

[Rachel Bilson]

Hi.

[Bert (Radio Host)]

How are you today?

[Rachel Bilson]

I'm good. How are you?

[Bert (Radio Host)]

Good. Let me introduce you to everybody on the show. My name is Bert.

[Rachel Bilson]

Hi.

[Bert (Radio Host)]

I'm not lying about that. It's sexy. This is Jeff dollar.

[Jeff Dollar]

Hi there.

[Rachel Bilson]

Hi.

[Jeff Dollar]

You and I have never worked together.

[Rachel Bilson]

Cool.

[Bert (Radio Host)]

But Melissa Carter can't say that. Melissa Carter can't say that.

[Melissa Carter]

Hey, Rachel. How are you?

[Rachel Bilson]

I'm good. How are you?

[Melissa Carter]

I'm good. What they're talking about is I. The first season of the oc, I was actually an extra on the set.

[Rachel Bilson]

Really?

[Melissa Carter]

So we were in the same. You know, I was. I was in your orbit. I was. We were in the same environment.

[Rachel Bilson]

Wait, someone just said that, though, in my last interview, that they were on the OC as an extra on set the first year.

[Melissa Carter]

They're pretending. They're pretending to be me.

[Rachel Bilson]

Yeah, they are. There's competition. You better get on that.

[Bert (Radio Host)]

My guess is that you took a look at Melissa's work and you said, you know what? This is an industry I need to be in.

[Melissa Carter]

Right.

[Rachel Bilson]

Because you were my inspiration. So thank you.

[Melissa Carter]

You're welcome, Rich. Anytime. I can do it.

[Bert (Radio Host)]

I am guessing that the oc, you know, is like one of those hardcore shows where people are so invested in it that I am curious if you have ever been approached on the street from a fan as Summer and not Rachel.

[Rachel Bilson]

Oh, gee, that would have to be. Yes, all the time.

[Bert (Radio Host)]

Does it happen all the time? Like, people are really, like, upset with the storyline and they come to you as Summer?

[Rachel Bilson]

Yeah, definitely. It happens. Because when you're on a TV show and you're in these people's homes every week, they feel like they know you and they can just talk to you about things, and it gets a little awkward and uncomfortable at times, but, you.

[Bert (Radio Host)]

Know, and they want you to answer the. They want you to answer the questions as Summer or as Rachel.

[Rachel Bilson]

Well, I've had both, but, yeah, usually Summer. Sometimes now people are like Summer. I just don't respond because it's like, well, that's not my name. You know what I mean?

[Jeff Dollar]

Are there ever people, and this is a stretch, the answer might be no, but are there ever people actually surprised that you are not truly a person named Summer?

[Rachel Bilson]

Yeah, they scare me.

[Jeff Dollar]

Really?

[Melissa Carter]

Are these the ones that will probably make comic books for you or give you little toy horses or anything like that.

[Rachel Bilson]

Yeah, well, I've had, like, weird. You know, like, they made a clock with my face on it. And it's always weird.

[Jeff Dollar]

It's always time for Rachel.

[Rachel Bilson]

Good. I like that.

[Bert (Radio Host)]

Talking to Rachel Bilson, who is known as Summer on the OC but she's soon gonna be known as the woman on Last Kiss was Zach Braff. And we'll talk about that in a second. This whole thing, the OC Thing, has happened so quickly that I guess when you start rising up the ladder like you certainly have, there is a price to pay for. I mean, now you're famous. And I think that price is probably your private life.

[Rachel Bilson]

Yeah. I think no matter if you are on a show or whatever and it succeeds and people know who you are, you definitely have that. Where your privacy's gone and it's a little invasive, but it also comes along with the territory, so you kind of have to deal with it accordingly, I guess.

[Bert (Radio Host)]

Do you remember the first time where you were like, okay, private life going right out the window now? Because now people know who I am.

[Rachel Bilson]

No, I think it's like, their first paparazzi encounter is always a bit odd. So probably that would have to be when you kind of realize that it's out the window.

[Jeff Dollar]

Is the first paparazzi encounter cool? Like, do you call somebody and go, dude, I was at Starbucks. I came outside and every. Excuse me. Everybody was standing there looking, ready to take my picture.

[Rachel Bilson]

Actually, I'm the one who personally called the paparazzi. So, yes, it was very exciting.

[Bert (Radio Host)]

There must be something about that, though, the first time it actually happens, there must be something like, oh, hey, that's cool. And then the second time is, oh, hey, that sucks.

[Rachel Bilson]

Right? You know? Yeah, definitely. I mean, the first time I saw it in a magazine, it was cool because my grandmother got to see it, and it was before she passed away. So that was kind of like, oh, she got to see me. You know, paparazzi shot in a magazine. But other than that, they're very, very cruel. Can be anyway, and it's sort of like they go after the negative and try to put you in a bad light. So that kind of sucks. But I've made it out okay where they've been sort of nice to me, but they're definitely not your friends.

[Jeff Dollar]

In a situation with, like, somebody like that we see in the magazines all the time a Paris Hilton or Nicole Richie or Jessica Simpson or something like that, or even, like, a Britney Spears. How much of that in Hollywoodland is, like, staged? Like, how Much of that is.

[Rachel Bilson]

Well, I know that these people, they go to certain places where you know that paparazzi are because they expect celebrities to go there. So it's sort of like they set themselves up. A lot of the time, if they go to lunch at the Ivy or something, you know there's going to be tons of paparazzi. So it's really like a lot of it they could control. I know some they can't because they just follow you. But there's definitely those situations where they could avoid it.

[Bert (Radio Host)]

If you want to be alone, though, you can. You can get away from that though, right?

[Rachel Bilson]

I think so, yeah. I definitely lay low. Not that I'm that desired in that area, but I definitely try to stay as low as I can.

[Bert (Radio Host)]

We gotta talk to you about the Last Kiss too. I saw the trailer yesterday for it. I gotta be honest with you. Like, as soon as this thing comes out, and I think it's the 15th, I'm gonna be one of the first in the theater. It looks great.

[Rachel Bilson]

Yeah, please do. It is the 15th. This Friday it opens, and I think it's a really good movie and something you're not used to seeing. So I definitely recommend it.

[Bert (Radio Host)]

It feels very Zach Brathis, obviously, because he's in it, but it feels Garden Stadish again. And we all saw that movie together in here. And it's one of my top five movies of all time.

[Rachel Bilson]

You know what? That is such a great movie, this movie. You know, it's not a follow up to Garden State by any means. It's actually a remake of an Italian film, and Zach's only acting in it. He didn't direct it or write it, but Paul Haggis adapted the script. So there's so many great things about this movie, and it is a very real movie and an honest movie in that sense. So I think. You know what? It's really good. And if you like Garden State, I feel like you will like this movie.

[Bert (Radio Host)]

So good. It's gonna be great. Now, as I understand it, and you never know what's true or not. There was supposed to be a sex scene between you and Zack, and you said, you know what? That's just not my thing. Why do you feel so strongly about that?

[Rachel Bilson]

Actually, there is a sex scene still. I just didn't want to show nudity because I felt confident about not having to do that. And we still got the point across without it. So it was my first movie and I wasn't comfortable doing that. But the sex scene's still there and it's very present.

[Bert (Radio Host)]

Well, good luck with the first movie. It sounds to me like you've teamed up with great people. It's gonna be a fantastic movie.

[Rachel Bilson]

Thank go. See you this weekend.

[Bert (Radio Host)]

I'm telling you, I'm gonna be first in the theater. It's called the Last Kiss with Zach Braff and Rachel Bilson. Also, thanks a lot and good luck with the movie.

[Rachel Bilson]

Thank you so much.

[Jeff Dollar]

Do you want to get Melissa's MySpace address or something so y' all can be top 8 friends because you work together? Are you cool?

[Melissa Carter]

We already.

[Jeff Dollar]

Oh, oh, I'm sorry, Melissa.

[Bert (Radio Host)]

Dude, the time for you to be funny is long since passed.

[Jeff Dollar]

Sorry about that, Melissa. Apparently she. She hates you.

[Bert (Radio Host)]

The Birch show.

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