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October 7, 2024 1:42 PM
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  • Adam Brody, famous for his role as Seth Cohen in The O.C., is also a surfer, drummer, and comic book nerd.
  • He’s married to Gossip Girl star Leighton Meester, a dad of two, and a passionate environmental activist.
  • Beyond acting, Brody has written screenplays, pranked Seth Rogen, and starred in indie films, proving he’s more than just a rom-com king.

14 Fun Facts About Adam Brody You Didn't Know!

If you were a teen in the early 2000s, Adam Brody probably had you obsessed. Whether it was his iconic role as Seth Cohen on The O.C. or his adorable nerdy vibe that made you swoon, this guy has been on our radar for years. But how well do you really know him? From his secret talents to some surprising behind-the-scenes stories, here are 14 fun facts about Adam Brody that’ll make you fall in love with him all over again!

1. He Wanted to Be a Pro Surfer

Before Adam Brody was a Hollywood heartthrob, he was just a chill kid growing up in sunny San Diego, California, with big dreams of becoming a pro surfer. Brody spent his teenage years hitting the waves and getting his daily dose of beach life. He even once joked in an interview that if acting hadn’t panned out, he’d probably be living his life as a beach bum. In fact, the surfing influence is so strong that you can see a little of that laid-back, SoCal vibe in his most famous character, Seth Cohen from The O.C. Even after he left his surfing dreams behind, Brody still loves catching waves when he can and is often spotted hanging out at the beach with his family. So while his Hollywood career has definitely been successful, there’s still a little part of him that will always be a surf dude at heart.

2. He's in a Band!

Adam Brody isn’t just talented on screen—he’s also musically gifted. Back in the mid-2000s, when The O.C. had skyrocketed him to fame, Brody took a break from acting to focus on his musical side. He became the drummer for the indie rock band Big Japan, a group that also featured his friend and fellow actor Bret Harrison. They played a few gigs around Los Angeles and even released some music, though Brody always described the band as more of a fun side project rather than a serious career move. The band's music was a mix of garage rock and indie vibes, and Brody often said that playing the drums was a great way to unwind from the pressures of Hollywood. While Big Japan never reached mainstream success, Brody’s passion for music remains, proving that he’s a multi-talented artist with more than just acting skills.

3. He Almost Didn't Play Seth Cohen

It’s wild to think about now, but Adam Brody almost didn’t land the role that made him famous—Seth Cohen in The O.C. When casting for the show began, the creators had their eyes on someone else to play the quirky, nerdy, comic book-obsessed teen. In fact, the producers originally envisioned Seth as more of a typical Hollywood “leading man” type. But when Brody auditioned, he brought a unique, offbeat charm to the character that no one expected. His natural awkwardness, quick wit, and relatable sense of humor turned Seth into the lovable underdog that fans couldn’t get enough of. Brody has since said in interviews that he had no idea his performance would resonate so much with people, but his version of Seth became iconic. It’s hard to imagine The O.C. without him, proving that sometimes the best casting choices come from unexpected places.

4. He's Married to Blair Waldorf!

This fun fact sounds like it’s straight out of a fan fiction crossover, but it’s true! Adam Brody married Gossip Girl star Leighton Meester (aka Blair Waldorf) in 2014, creating one of Hollywood’s most low-key yet adorable power couples. Despite their TV alter egos living in completely different universes—Seth Cohen was the comic-book-loving dork from The O.C., while Blair Waldorf ruled the Upper East Side in Gossip Girl—Adam and Leighton found love offscreen. The two actors are notoriously private about their relationship, keeping their personal lives out of the spotlight as much as possible. However, they’ve occasionally shared sweet moments with fans, like when Brody made a cameo on Meester’s show Single Parents, or when they’ve been spotted surfing together (of course) in California. Their romance is proof that sometimes the best couples come from unexpected places, and they’ve been going strong for nearly a decade.

Adam Brody & Leighton Meester at the world premiere of Shazam! at the TCL Chinese Theatre

5. He's a Low-Key Comic Book Nerd

Turns out Seth Cohen wasn’t the only comic book nerd—Adam Brody is one in real life too! Brody’s love for comic books runs deep, and he’s admitted in interviews that he’s been collecting since he was a kid. One of his favorite memories is visiting comic book stores growing up and discovering new worlds within those pages. It’s no wonder he played Seth so perfectly on The O.C., with Seth’s love for comics often mirroring Brody’s real-life passion. Fast forward to 2019, and Brody got to live out every comic book fan’s dream by starring in Shazam!, where he played one of the superhero versions of Freddy Freeman. It’s safe to say that Brody’s love for superheroes and comic books wasn’t just an acting phase—it’s part of who he is. Now, he’s not just reading about superheroes, but actually playing one on the big screen.

6. He's a Dad!

Adam Brody and Leighton Meester have built a sweet and private life together, and one of the best parts? They’re now parents! The couple shares two children, although they keep most details about their family life under wraps. In 2015, they welcomed their first child, a daughter, and in 2020, they had their second child. Despite being in the public eye, Brody and Meester have done a stellar job of keeping their kids out of the paparazzi spotlight, choosing instead to focus on family time away from Hollywood’s glare. Brody has talked about how fatherhood has been a game-changer, and he seems to be fully embracing his role as a dad. He and Leighton have even been spotted taking their kids to the beach and enjoying their laid-back California lifestyle. It’s clear that family is a big part of Brody’s life now, and he’s loving every minute of it.

7. He's a Screenwriter

While most fans know Adam Brody as the charming actor from The O.C., he’s got some serious skills behind the camera, too. In fact, Brody tried his hand at screenwriting and co-wrote the 2007 indie comedy The Ten with his friend David Wain, who also directed the film. The movie is a collection of short comedic stories loosely based on the Ten Commandments, featuring an ensemble cast including Paul Rudd, Winona Ryder, and Famke Janssen. Although The Ten didn’t become a mainstream hit, it gained a bit of a cult following thanks to its quirky, offbeat humor—much like Brody’s own comedic style. For Brody, it was a chance to show the world that he wasn’t just a one-trick pony in front of the camera. Writing allowed him to explore his creative side in a new way, and who knows? Maybe we’ll see more screenwriting projects from him in the future.

8. He Loves The Goonies

If you’ve ever wondered what Adam Brody’s all-time favorite movie is, look no further than The Goonies. Like many 80s kids, Brody grew up watching the classic adventure film and has said in multiple interviews that the movie was a huge influence on him. In fact, The Goonies is one of the main reasons Brody wanted to become an actor in the first place. He loved the mix of adventure, friendship, and heart that the film delivered, and it inspired him to pursue a career where he could tell those kinds of stories. Even as an adult, Brody’s love for The Goonies hasn’t faded. He’s even joked that if Hollywood ever made a sequel, he’d be first in line to audition (because who wouldn’t want to join the Goonies gang?). It’s clear that this iconic 80s film will always have a special place in Brody’s heart.

The Goonies | Copyright by Warner Bros.

9. He Played an April Fool's Joke on Seth Rogen

Adam Brody is a prankster, and one of his most legendary pranks was played on none other than his friend Seth Rogen. The two actors have known each other for years, having worked together on the film The 40-Year-Old Virgin. On April Fool’s Day, Brody convinced Rogen that the movie was destined to flop before it even hit theaters. He delivered the fake bad news with such sincerity that Rogen actually believed him for a minute. The prank was all in good fun, though, and The 40-Year-Old Virgin ended up becoming a major hit, launching Rogen’s career to the next level. Brody has said in interviews that he loves pulling harmless pranks on friends, and Rogen was just the unlucky target that day. It’s clear that Brody’s got a mischievous side, and we’re betting Rogen is plotting his revenge for the next April Fool’s Day.

10. He's Super Into Environmental Activism

When Adam Brody isn’t on set or hanging out with his family, he’s often lending his voice to environmental causes. Over the years, Brody has been a vocal advocate for sustainable living and protecting the planet. He’s supported numerous environmental campaigns, including those that focus on reducing plastic waste and promoting eco-friendly lifestyles. Brody has even been known to make changes in his own life to live more sustainably, from driving an electric car to making conscious choices about the products he uses. He’s also been involved in charity work related to climate change and conservation. For Brody, it’s not just about talking the talk—he’s genuinely committed to making the world a better place, one small step at a time. His passion for the environment shows that he’s not just a Hollywood star, but someone who cares deeply about the future of our planet.

11. He Was Almost in Dawn of the Dead

While Adam Brody’s filmography is impressive, there’s one movie he almost starred in that you probably didn’t know about—Dawn of the Dead. In 2004, Brody auditioned for the role of one of the survivors in Zack Snyder’s remake of the classic zombie film. Although he didn’t end up landing the part, Brody’s audition made a strong impression, and he’s said that he loved the experience of trying out for a horror movie. He’s always been a fan of the genre, and while he didn’t make it into Dawn of the Dead, he eventually got his chance to dive into horror with his role in Jennifer’s Body. Looking back, Brody has no regrets about not getting the zombie role—he believes that every role he’s played has helped him grow as an actor. Still, it’s fun to imagine what could have been if Brody had faced off against the undead.

12. He Wasn't a Huge Fan of High School

For someone who played a high school heartthrob on TV, Adam Brody wasn’t exactly a fan of his own high school experience. In interviews, Brody has admitted that he didn’t enjoy school much and found it difficult to connect with the typical high school crowd. Instead of focusing on academics, Brody spent most of his time surfing and hanging out with friends, preferring the beach over the classroom. He wasn’t into sports or clubs and wasn’t exactly the “popular” kid. However, those experiences shaped his portrayal of Seth Cohen on The O.C., where he channeled his own awkward teenage years into the character. Brody has said that playing Seth helped him come to terms with his own high school insecurities, and it’s one of the reasons the character resonated with so many fans. High school might not have been his favorite, but it definitely helped him in the long run.

13. He Prefers Indie Films

While Adam Brody has appeared in his fair share of Hollywood blockbusters, he’s always had a soft spot for indie films. Brody has said in interviews that he enjoys the creative freedom and intimacy that comes with working on smaller, independent projects. One of his favorite experiences was working on In the Land of Women, a 2007 indie drama where he played a young writer struggling to find his way after a breakup. Brody has a knack for choosing roles in indie films that showcase his range as an actor, whether it’s a quirky rom-com or a more serious drama. He’s also known for supporting up-and-coming filmmakers, often choosing projects based on the script rather than the budget. For Brody, indie films offer the chance to tell unique stories without the pressures of big studios, and it’s where he feels most at home creatively.

14. He's a Rom-Com King

Adam Brody has become a go-to actor for romantic comedies, thanks to his natural charm and comedic timing. From his early days on The O.C. to more recent hits like Sleeping with Other People and Netflix’s Nobody Wants This, Brody has solidified his place as one of the best rom-com leads around. His ability to balance humor with heart makes him the perfect fit for these roles, and fans can’t get enough of his lovable, slightly awkward characters. Brody has said that he loves playing the “everyman” in romantic comedies because they allow him to explore different aspects of relationships while keeping things light and fun. Whether he’s playing the charming boyfriend or the quirky underdog, Brody brings an authenticity to his rom-com roles that keeps audiences rooting for him every time. Long live the rom-com king!

So, there you have it—14 fun facts that prove Adam Brody is way more than just Seth Cohen from The O.C.. From riding waves to rocking out in a band, pulling pranks on Seth Rogen, and stealing our hearts in countless rom-coms, Brody's been serving up charm for decades. Whether he’s saving the world as a superhero in Shazam!, geeking out over comics, or enjoying the chill life with his wife, Leighton Meester, and their kids, Adam Brody continues to show us he’s one of the coolest guys in Hollywood. And the best part? He’s still got that same down-to-earth, “adorkable” vibe that made us fall for him in the first place. So, if you thought you knew everything about Adam Brody, hopefully these fun facts gave you a whole new appreciation for this multi-talented star. Keep watching for whatever he’s got up his sleeve next!

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Posted 
Oct 7, 2024
 in 
Entertainment
 category