**Rachel Bilson on Navigating Fame with Strong Family Values**
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Actress Rachel Bilson recently shared insights on balancing fame and personal life, crediting her parents for instilling grounded values in her. In an exclusive interview with *PEOPLE*, Bilson elaborated on how her family and long-standing friendships have played pivotal roles in navigating her career in Hollywood.
Bilson, now 45, highlighted the influence her parents had on her decision to pursue acting. “I would say I have a really good mum,” she stated, reflecting on her upbringing. “Both of my parents were very grounded and didn’t want me to start acting until I finished school.” This approach, she believes, provided her with a stable foundation as she entered the entertainment industry.
Her father, Danny Bilson, has a notable background in show business, being a writer, director, and producer. He has family ties to the industry through his father, director Bruce Wilson, which further emphasised the importance of taking one’s craft seriously. “They taught me to do my job and do it well,” she noted, emphasising the professional ethic instilled in her from a young age.
In addition to familial support, Bilson credits her enduring friendships as essential to her sense of self. “I just have really good friends. They’ve been my best friends for 30 years,” she explained. Her family ties also add to this foundation, with her siblings providing a close-knit support system that keeps her grounded amidst the fluctuations of fame.
As a mother to her 12-year-old daughter Briar Rose, whom she co-parents with ex-partner Hayden Christensen, Bilson pondered what advice she would offer should Briar choose a path in acting. “Don’t do it,” she joked, before softening her tone with a more serious message. “She’s such a kind human, and I think that’s the best advice you can give anyone going through anything in this world,” she advised, reflecting her desire to instil compassion and resilience in her daughter.
Bilson first gained widespread recognition for her role as Summer Roberts in the acclaimed teen drama *The O.C.*, which aired from 2003 to 2007. This breakthrough role led her to further successes, including the CW series *Hart of Dixie*, which ran from 2011 to 2015. Currently, she is starring in the holiday horror comedy *Christmas at the Kringles*, which premiered in cinemas on 30 October.
In her new film, Bilson plays the role of Julie Severson, a woman who discovers that her seemingly idyllic new neighbourhood is home to a dangerous, Christmas-obsessed cult. She expressed enthusiasm for the film, stating it was an easy decision to join the project after reading the script. “It was a very quick and easy yes,” she recounted, highlighting her fondness for the combination of comedy, horror, and Christmas themes.
Bilson described her experience on set as lively and filled with laughter, particularly enjoying the humour brought by her co-stars. “The set was just constant hysteria. Laughing. I’ve never laughed harder,” she remarked, naming Thomas Lennon and Arden Myrin as particular sources of joy during filming.
Despite the fun she had on set, Bilson is clear about her daughter’s viewing experience. When asked if Briar would be allowed to watch the film, she responded with a smile, “My daughter cannot watch it. She’s not a big fan of anything scary or bloody.” This statement reflects Bilson’s protective nature as a parent, ensuring that her child is shielded from content that may not resonate well with her disposition.
As Rachel Bilson navigates her ongoing journey in the entertainment industry, her emphasis on family values and relationships underscores the importance of having a strong foundation in a world often characterised by unpredictability. Through sharing her experiences and insights, she offers a glimpse into the balance she strives for as both an actress and a mother, all while honouring the lessons imparted by her family.