Barton's O.C. character to be killed off - report

Mischa Barton's character is reportedly to be killed off in The O.C .

The star's troubled character Marissa Cooper is to reportedly exit the hit US teen drama after taking a drugs overdose.

A source revealed: "She hasn't been happy for a while and producers think its best she leaves."

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 had allegedly become worried about the show's spiralling ratings and concerned about being typecast as a teen brat.