Out-of-work actress Mischa Barton was among a handful of stars who attended a launch celebration for three new VAIO products and the Windows 7 operating system at Guastavino’s in New York City on Wednesday night (October 7).

Despite the forced smile on her face, it appears Miss Barton fears she might never find work again after her show, The Beautiful Life, was canceled after just two episodes.

“This show was such an ego boost for her at a time when she needed one,” a source tells Britain’s Star magazine. “She has been insecure about where her career was going and feels she may be a has-been at 23. She hasn’t been overwhelmed with offers since The O.C. went off the air.”

The insider adds: “She needs to feel she’s still employable. Right now, that’s her deepest fear. That no one will hire her again. It’s not true, but that’s how insecure she can get sometimes.”

It was Mischa’s mom Nuala who broke the news that her brand new show had been axed.

“Mischa fell into her mother’s arms and sobbed,” the source says. “Nuala reminded her that there will be other opportunities and it wasn’t the end of the world, but Mischa got mad and screamed how she couldn’t understand. It was rough, apparently. She said it wasn’t her fault they didn’t promote the show or keep it running long enough so people could discover it on their own.”