Why Peter Gallagher Is 'Deeply Gratified' by The O.C.'s Lasting Impact

Peter Gallagher still can’t believe The O.C.’s lasting impact more than 20 years after the show’s premiere.

“It was one of the greatest roles I could ever play because there are so many people in the world who haven’t really been fathered enough and it was great to play a father,” Gallagher, 70, exclusively told Us Weekly at the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights’ 2025 Ripple of Hope Gala on Tuesday, December 9. “It was a real gift.”

When The O.C. premiered in August 2003, the teen drama turned actors like Mischa Barton, Ben McKenzie, Rachel Bilson and Adam Brody into huge stars.

Although the show came to an end in 2007 after four seasons, new fans are enjoying the Fox series every day through streaming services.

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“I’m deeply gratified,” Gallagher said at the New York Hilton when reflecting on his role as Sandy Cohen. “It’s very reassuring because people are discovering it all again. It makes me feel better that I wasn’t completely crazy.”

While much of the cast is spread throughout the country working on various projects, Gallagher was able to reunite with McKenzie, 47, in October to celebrate the opening night of Liberation on Broadway.

“We’ve been in touch, but I hadn’t seen him in a couple of years, maybe, but it was just great,” Gallagher told Us. “I’m so happy for him. He’s happy. He’s a dad. It’s wonderful seeing those kids doing so well. It was great!”

To this day, the actor still enjoys hearing from fans who watched The O.C.

While some may be tempted to bust out the show’s theme song, “California” by Phantom Planet, Gallagher said a new generation of teenagers have a different message when they see him.

“Oh my gosh, Sandy Cohen!” he said. “And I say, ‘Sandy Cohen loves you!’”

On Tuesday evening, Gallagher and his wife, Paula Harwood, stepped out for the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights’ 2025 Ripple of Hope Gala.

Every year, the event honors exemplary leaders across government, business, advocacy and entertainment who have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to social change and worked to protect and advance equity, justice and human rights.

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Before celebrating honorees like Stephen Colbert and Magic Johnson, Gallagher took time to honor his wife of more than 40 years.

When asked to share a tip on how to maintain a strong and loving relationship, the actor said, “Don’t give up!”

“I think if you’re lucky and stick around long enough, there’s a certain kind of grace that accompanies it all — you know once you get past your own mishegas,” he explained. “But I was very lucky, I found my life partner early.”

Gallagher and Harwood, 70, met as undergrads at Tufts University in a stairwell meet-cute and married in 1983 after a seven-year courtship.

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The thought of living without his wife is something the Grace and Frankie actor doesn’t want to think about.

“We’re both stubborn enough to not quit,” he said. “I think the only way out of this one is on the horizontal.”

With reporting by Fortune Benatar