Where Are They Now? Cast of Laguna Beach Then and Now

Very few TV shows have staying power like MTV’s Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County. The teen drama, manufactured-but-not-scripted storylines, and easy-to-love personalities not only led to multiple spin-offs but also left viewers lifelong fans. And that’s the exact reason that even 20 years later, people are asking: Where is the cast of Laguna Beach now?

Most of the cast members are still super active in media and entertainment—especially in the Dear Media podcast community! Episodes like “The Reset: Laguna Surprises, The Hills, and Season Two” from Kristin Cavallari’s Let’s Be Honest offer nostalgic Laguna Beach throwbacks. Lo Bosworth’s podcast, Tell Me I’m a Good Mom, features vulnerable, unfiltered episodes like “I Was on Laguna Beach at 17. Being Pregnant Online Hits Different.” And, of course, we can’t forget about Back to the Beach, Kristin and Stephen Colletti’s Laguna Beach rewatch podcast.

But if you’re wondering what everyone’s actually up to now, you’re exactly where you should be. Here’s where the cast of Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County is today—and what they’ve been doing since the show ended:

Where Are They Now? Cast of Laguna Beach Then and Now

The cast of Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County became some of the most recognizable faces in early 2000s reality TV. MTV had shows like The Real World and The Osbournes, both of which were totally popular in their own right. However, Laguna Beach was something entirely different. It turned average high school drama into must-watch television, blurring the lines between scripted and reality.

While the series focused on the ups and downs of teenage life, the story didn’t end there. Most of the cast went on to build highly successful careers in entertainment, business, fashion, and media! However, to appreciate where they’re at now, it’s important to see where they came from.

That’s why we’re giving you the fun, nostalgic throwback you didn’t know you needed. Toss on your Dunzo Tee and grab your BTTB Tourist Tote—here’s what Laguna Beach is, who the main cast was, and what your favorites are up to now.

What Is Laguna Beach Show?

Laguna Beach: The Real Orange Country is an early 2000s MTV reality television show that followed the lives of multiple wealthy teens attending Laguna Beach High School. The idea originally came from The O.C., a scripted 2000s teen drama that combined soap opera drama with comedy. MTV producers sawhow popular The O.C. was and wanted to create a reality-inspired version. And, clearly, they were onto something. 

Rather than relying on sensationalized scripts, Laguna Beach followed real-life storylines. The show followed high schoolers navigating drama, relationships, love triangles, beach culture, and friendship in real time. Was it manufactured by producers? Slightly, which Kristin Cavallari talks about in “The Hills: It’s On Bitch (Season 5, Episode 11).” But so is all good TV!

Ultimately, Laguna Beach immediately became culturally influential. Teens everywhere found it relatable, inspirational, and even cinematic! Not to mention, the series also featured glamorous lifestyles, intense drama, picturesque backgrounds, and a pop-rock soundtrack that set the tone for every moment.

Even though the show aired for only three seasons from 2004 to 2006, it revolutionized reality TV. It nudged producers and networks to step away from documentary-style filming and into quick-cut editing, natural storylines, and structured reality. And through that shift in storytelling, cast members turned into full-blown celebrities almost overnight.

Learn even MORE in our post, “The Laguna Beach Cast Is Setting the Record Straight on Everything, Once & for All.”

Who Were the Laguna Beach Cast?

Laguna Beach had a LONG lineup of cast members. The main cast primarily centered around LC, Kristin Cavallari, and Stephen Colletti. However, the series also had a rotating supporting cast that added just as much to the storyline.

Here’s everyone who was part of the Laguna Beach cast:

• Lauren “LC” Conrad
• Kristin Cavallari
• Lauren “Lo” Bosworth
• Stephen Colletti
• Talan Torriero
• Dieter Schmitz
• Trey Phillips
• Christina (Schuller) Sinclair
• Jason Wahler
• Jessica Smith Evans
• Christina Sinclair
• Alex Hooser
• Morgan (Olsen) Smith
• Taylor Cole
• Tessa Keller
• Cameron Brinkman
• Breanna Conrad
• Cami Edwards
• Kyndra Mayo
• Loren Polster
• Raquel “Rocky” Donatelli
• Alex (Murrel) Johnson

Why so many cast members, you might ask? Because the cast was in high school, and every friend they had got a cut in the iconic series. Plus, Laguna Beach underwent MAJOR changes for season 3 after its primary cast graduated and moved on. However, because season 3 didn’t reach the same level of popularity as the first 2 seasons, this marked the end of the iconic MTV series.

What Happened to the Cast of Laguna Beach?

Shift From Reality TV to Business or Entertainment Careers

After the original cast graduated from Laguna Beach High School, they also stepped away from the show and into new chapters. For some, that meant building even bigger careers in entertainment. 

For others, that meant taking on more entrepreneurial roles and creating super popular brands that remain fan-favorites today! What started as simple TV exposure allowed several cast members to leverage the limelight and create long-lasting success.

Wanna follow in their footsteps? Listen to “I was Making Millions While My Personal Life Was Falling Apart (Lessons From a 7-Figure Coach” from The Real Stuff.

Movement Away From Public Life for Some Cast Members

Not everyone chose to stay in the spotlight. Many cast members intentionally stepped back from the public eye, preferring a more private, low-key life. While they may not be AS visible today, they’ve built stable, sustainable lives in fields like corporate business, real estate, or creative industries! It just goes to show that not all reality TV fame has to be long-term to be impactful. Plus, if you really wanna stay updated, you can always check out their socials! 

Interested in the business side of things? Check out our post: “Podcasts About Entrepreneurship!” 

Continued Media Relevance for Others

Fortunately, the cast members who fans gravitated to the most pursued further projects in media and entertainment. Whether through the best reality TV podcasts, brand partnerships, television appearances, or social media, they’ve evolved their platforms and stayed connected with their audience.

Where Are the Cast of Laguna Beach Now?

Lauren Conrad

As one of the most-loved members from Laguna Beach, Lauren Conrad directly inspired the series spin-off, The Hills. In early seasons, Lauren worked as an intern at Teen Vogue, later moving into fashion PR. However, she left The Hills in season 5 to prioritize her mental health, escape toxic reality TV environments, and pursue a career in fashion. (Listen to Kristin Cavallari talk about how The Hills was made!)

It’s been 17 years since Lauren appeared as a regular on reality TV (although she’s appearing in The Reunion: Laguna Beach!). That doesn’t mean she didn’t still skyrocket to success, though. She established her own clothing line, “LC Lauren Conrad,” founded “Paper Crown,” and co-founded a fair-trade online store called “The Little Market.” She also became a New York Times best-selling author, got married, and had two beautiful children!

She currently lives in her hometown of Laguna Beach, where she enjoys a quieter, more reserved lifestyle. Learn more in this throwback episode, “Staying Home With Whit | Lauren Conrad and I (FINALLY) Reunite,” from With Whit!

Kristin Cavallari

After leaving Laguna Beach, Kristin Cavallari returned to TV screens in The Hills following Lauren Conrad’s departure. She was the main cast member in seasons 5 and 6, ultimately leading the show into its final chapter. However, when one chapter closes, another opens! 

In 2017, Kristin launched her own jewelry line, Uncommon James, which eventually incorporated clothing and home products. She also authored multiple New York Times bestsellers from 2016 to 2023! Afterward, she starred in and produced her E! reality series, Very Cavallari, which ran from 2018 to 2020, giving fans a closer look into her business and life ventures. And, because she never stops, she also went on her Honestly Cavallari: The Headline Tour in 2025. She’s addicted to the hustle—and we love her for it.

More recently, Kristin lives in Franklin, Tennessee, with her three children. She’s also remained a major media voice through her Dear Media-produced podcast, Let’s Be Honest! Here, she shares personal insights, relationship updates, and behind-the-scenes stories in both solo and guest episodes. For an episode full of heartwarming nostalgia, tune into “LIVE: Still Rockin’ the Red Solo Cups — Let’s Be Honest Tour with Laguna Beach’s Season 2 Cast!”

Lo Bosworth

After Lo Bosworth left Laguna Beach, she attended the University of California and then transferred (and graduated) from the International Culinary Center in New York City. Following graduation, Lo ALSO went straight to The Hills! She was featured prominently throughout seasons 2–5, then was promoted to a main cast member in season 6. After The Hills finale, Lo took a much more private route. She definitely didn’t disappear from mainstream culture; instead, she pursued entrepreneurship.

Lo authored a book, Lo Down, launched a lifestyle blog, and founded her personal care company, Love Wellness. Her clean-ingredient, doctor-developed products skyrocketed to success, and she remains a leading brand in the women’s wellness space today. Most recently, Lo launched her Dear Media-produced podcast, Tell Me I’m a Good Mom! Here, she takes a much more vulnerable approach to publicity, fame, and her new life as a mom. 

Learn even more about Lo’s life story in our post, “What Is Lo Bosworth Doing Now? Her Career and Life Today.”

Stephen Colletti

Following his time on Laguna Beach, Stephen Colletti never stayed away from the limelight. He made a few appearances on The Hill throughout the third season, but he spent most of his time acting as Chase Adams on One Tree Hill! 

Afterward, Stephen co-created and wrote a Hulu comedy series with OTH co-star James Lafferty, partnered with Kristin Cavallari to create Back to the Beach, and appeared in Peacock’s The Traitors! Now, Stephen lives in Newport Beach and is expecting his first child with his wife, NASCAR reporter Alex Weaver. 

If you’re craving a little more behind-the-scenes perspective, you HAVE to watch “Sip or Spill with Kristin Cavallari & Stephen Colletti | Back to the Beach with Kristin and Stephen.”

Trey Phillips

After Laguna Beach, Trey Phillips stepped away from reality TV and instead focused on creative work behind the scenes. He attended the Parsons School of Design, graduated in 2010, and later became an associate designer at Vera Wang.

In 2023, Trey Phillips founded Motion Illustrated, where he creates “elegance with an edge” styled prints. Unlike most of his cast members above, Trey has largely remained out of the spotlight—and he’s happy with that! While he did attend co-star Dieter Schmitz’s wedding alongside Stephen, Trey, and Loren Polster, he generally keeps to himself. He currently lives in New York City, maintaining a career in fashion and a private, more reserved lifestyle.

Jason Wahler

After departing from Laguna Beach, Jason Wahler starred alongside many other co-stars in The Hills. In fact, you probably remember him as the reason Lauren chose to stay in Los Angeles rather than taking her Teen Vogue internship in Paris. However, he’s much more than that single moment—or even his time on Laguna Beach. 

Over the years, Jason has been extremely open about his struggles with addiction and his journey to sobriety. He works as a speaker and advocate in the recovery space, partnering with Dr. Drew Pinsky and Dr. Daniel Amen. (Learn more in “Dr. Daniel Amen on Optimal Brain Health, Anxiety Management, Male vs. Female Brains, & the Effects of Alcohol & Drugs on the Brain” from The Bossticks!)

He later founded Widespread Recovery, an organization promoting long-term sobriety, and co-founded the YANA (“You Are Not Alone”) Project. He currently lives in Nashville with his wife, Ashley, and three kids, and lives a relatively private life.

Talan Torriero

Following his time on Laguna Beach, Talan Torriero dabbled in films like Driftwood and The Killing Jar. However, he stepped away from the spotlight of reality TV and entertainment shortly after. Instead, he moved to Nebraska and began working in marketing and brand management. He definitely hasn’t gone MIA entirely, though.

In 2022, Talan gained traction from sharing behind-the-scenes deets of Laguna Beach on social media. In addition to that, he will be part of the original cast participating in The Reunion: Laguna Beach, alongside co-stars Lauren Conrad, Kristin Cavallari, Stephen Colletti, and Lo Bosworth. Ultimately, though, Talan has kept a lower public profile compared to much of his Laguna Beach fam.

Listen to “Guest Episode: Talan Torriero” on Back to the Beach for an updated POV of his time on the show!

While Laguna Beach aired two decades ago, the cast remains just as relevant—continuing to shape conversations across media, business, and modern pop culture.

How many early 2000s-reality stars do you know still crushing it in the media today? Not many! This speaks to the volume, impact, and cultural shift that Laguna Beach had. From teen dramas to successful business ventures, you can catch most of the reality TV cast across health, wellness, beauty, fashion, and business spaces everywhere. And with the 2026 Laguna Beach Reunion, it feels like we’re back where it all started—just with a whole new perspective. Looking for similar shows to watch? Here’s a roundup of shows like Laguna Beach that capture the same vibe.

For all of the newest updates on your fave celebs, TV shows, and hot gossip, head to the Dear Media blog! You can also catch all of these interviews BEFORE they hit headlines by listening to our Dear Media podcast hosts! With a handful of your Laguna Beach favorites, why wouldn’t you?!