Barton's O.C. death

Showbiz

09:30 08 May 2006

Mischa Barton is being killed off in 'The O.C.'

The brunette star's troubled character, Marissa Cooper, will reportedly exit the hit US teen drama after taking a drug overdose.

A source revealed: "Mischa is definitely going. She hasn't been happy for a while and producers think its best she leaves. It is the perfect end to the current series."

News of Mischa's departure comes in the wake of reports suggesting she was trying to get fired from the show by pulling a host of sickies.

The 20-year-old actress had allegedly become worried about the show's spiralling ratings and was concerned about being typecast as a teen brat.

In the last few months Mischa has frequently called in sick or arrived late on set to the displeasure of her bosses, according to US reports.

(C) BANG Media International