Luke Ward is a fictional character in the FOX television series The O.C., portrayed by Chris Carmack. At the beginning of the series, Luke was in a long-term relationship with Marissa Cooper, largely because her mother Julie encouraged it. However, it was later revealed that Luke was cheating on Marissa with Holly Fischer. After seeing the two of them together during their trip to Tijuana, Marissa ended their relationship. This would be one of the two major factors in her suicide attempt.