IN CONVERSATION WITH STEPHEN COLLETTI

interview by JANA LETONJA

Actor, writer, director, and producer Stephen Colletti first captured the cultural zeitgeist as one of the breakout stars of MTV’s iconic reality series Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County, becoming an early-2000s heartthrob and helping usher reality television into mainstream pop culture. He later transitioned successfully into scripted television, joining the beloved drama One Tree Hill as Chase Adams, where he remained a core cast member through the show’s final seasons. Two decades after his reality-TV debut, Stephen continues to evolve creatively, co-creating and starring in the acclaimed comedy series Everyone Is Doing Great with longtime collaborator James Lafferty. On the 10th of April, he returns to his roots in The Reunion: Laguna Beach, celebrating the show’s enduring legacy and reflecting on the unexpected path from reality TV phenomenon to multifaceted storyteller.

full look DOLCE & GABBANA

Looking back two decades later, what surprises you most about the lasting impact of Laguna Beach?
Considering we were just a bunch of randoms who didn’t showcase any skill to get cast, and we really were no different from other high schools around the country, it’s interesting to see just how specific people can recall certain moments. Also, where they were when they first watched them—that’s wild.

full look DOLCE & GABBANA

When you revisit that period of your life, what memories stand out the most?
Before the show arrived, life was a breeze, simple and innocent. I either put in a shift at Laguna Surf N Sport or Wild Rivers waterpark, and in between that, I joined my friends at the beach.

How do you think reality television has changed since the days of Laguna Beach?
It’s a real machine these days. The money and agendas are a lot larger than they were back in 2004, and then you throw in social media scrutiny and the content craze. Not for the faint of heart. I had very little expectations for what would become of the show; I just wanted to network with people at MTV.

full look DOLCE & GABBANA
sunglasses ANDRE MONTANA

Did participating in the reunion bring any new perspective on that chapter of your life?
I realized some of the emotions I needed to process with the series were very similar to what other cast members were going through, we just never talked about it. It’s further given me peace that we were all young and consistently making mistakes. We just happened to have ours broadcast on TV, but that’s ok. In the end, they’re no different from your mistakes.

leather set ZADIG & VOLTAIRE
trench coat FELACI

After reality TV, you successfully transitioned into scripted acting with One Tree Hill. What did that shift feel like at the time?
There was a real dichotomy between feeling exactly right because it was a job I really hoped and worked for, but also coming from reality, I was aware I was an outsider. I wouldn’t recommend launching an acting career via reality TV, no matter how blurred the lines are these days.

You’ve also stepped into writing, directing, and producing with Everyone Is Doing Great. What inspired you to move behind the camera?
Most aspects of storytelling have drawn me in from an early age. The fact that a bunch of creatives came together to create something that was beamed to my television was always fascinating. Also, having more influence on the projects I get to participate in and the final results of those projects is incredibly rewarding.

full look ZEGNA

What has been the most rewarding part of creating your own show?
Easy—being able to work with people I love and trust, who are all excited to see each other succeed. We truly love each other, and it makes unique moments like these much more special when you get to share them together.

What has helped you stay grounded while navigating such a long career in entertainment?
Awareness. I got my start on a reality show by sheer luck. I left class to get a packet from producers on campus, filled it out, and that was it. I didn’t work to get that job, I didn’t train for it. By a stroke of luck, the show arrived on our doorstep. I’m very grateful for it.

full look VINTAGE ACNE STUDIOS
sunglasses RAYBAN

What kinds of stories are you most excited to tell in this next phase of your career?
I’m proud of the work we’ve done with Everyone Is Doing Great. Getting to tell stories about friends navigating life together makes me want to continue exploring that universe. Beyond that, we’ll see.

What excites you most about audiences rediscovering Laguna Beach through the reunion?
It’s a great opportunity for folks to reflect on how far they’ve come in their own lives. We’ve all grown up together and given ourselves grace for the mistakes we made in our youth. I also hope the reunion inspires people to reconnect with old friends face-to-face rather than just over FaceTime. And don’t be afraid to tell them you love them, no matter how long it’s been.

full look DENZIL PATRICK

TEAM CREDITS

talent STEPHEN COLLETTI
creative director RYAN LUCCA
photography KENNETH MEDILO
styling ADRIÁN JOSE RAMOS DIAZ
makeup & hair LUCA PONCE
photography assistant JOSHUA GOFF
editor TIMI LETONJA
interview JANA LETONJA