Peter Gallagher is expressing admiration for his former TV son, Adam Brody. The 69-year-old star of Humane, who shared the screen with Brody, 44, on The O.C., opened up about the recent “Adam Brody Renaissance” that has emerged following the release of his new Netflix romantic comedy, Nobody Wants This.
“I wouldn’t describe it as being a proud dad, and I haven’t watched the show, but I’m constantly proud of him as his friend and former TV dad,” Gallagher shared with PEOPLE during the opening night of Broadway’s Left on Tenth, in which he stars alongside Julianna Margulies, on Wednesday, October 23.
Peter Gallagher admires Adam Brody’s resurgence with his new Netflix film
He also added, “I’m not at all surprised [by the renaissance]. He’s incredibly talented, and I’m delighted he’s still pursuing his passion.” Gallagher experienced this talent firsthand over four seasons of The O.C., where he portrayed Sandy Cohen, the father of Brody’s character, Seth Cohen. The close bond they formed on-screen seems to have carried over into their real lives.
Even though it has been over two decades since the show first aired, Gallagher reminisced about certain memorable aspects, including the term “Chrismukkah,” which Brody’s character popularized.
“I vividly recall hearing ‘Chrismukkah’ for the first time and thinking, ‘That’s brilliant. I believe that one will stick,’ and it certainly has,” Gallagher remarked to PEOPLE. He’s not the only former O.C. cast member who has praised Brody’s return to the spotlight as he takes on the charming role of rabbi Noah Roklov in Nobody Wants This.
Rachel Bilson, who played Brody’s girlfriend and later wife, Summer Roberts, on the Fox series, also lauded his performance, insisting that she always felt Brody’s renaissance was ongoing.
“I feel like it’s always been there,” Bilson, 43, said at a SimpliSafe launch event earlier this month. “But if it is, it’s well-deserved.” “He’s truly amazing,” the actress added. “He’s the best.”
Nobody Wants This premiered with great enthusiasm on September 26 and was quickly renewed for a second season. The plot centers on Brody’s character, Noah, and Kristen Bell’s character, Joanne—a sex podcaster—who find love despite various challenges.
“I’ve heard nothing but great things about it, and I couldn’t be more thrilled, because I genuinely love both Kristen and Adam; they’re my people,” Bilson said regarding the series. “I’m really excited for them and what’s ahead.”
