Where Are These 35 Former Disney Channel Stars Now?
Disney Channel has provided us with endless entertainment content for decades.
While the powerhouse continues to churn out new shows and stars, we'll never forget the personalities of our favorite OG series. Shows like Hannah Montana, That's So Raven, and The Suite Life of Zack and Cody gave some of today's biggest stars their big break in the entertainment business. The original Disney Channel TV shows weren't only addicting, they also introduced tons of talent into Hollywood.
But what are these stars up to today? Keep scrolling to found out where these former Disney Channel personalities are now.
Raven-Symoné
Raven-Symoné starred on one of the best Disney Channel shows of all time, That's So Raven. As teen psychic Raven Baxter, the character brought endless laughter to homes across the country.
After leaving Disney Channel, Raven went on to star in various movies. The former Cheetah Girl also pursued a singing career and released an EP called 33000. She reprised her role as Raven Baxter in the Disney Channel series Raven's Home, a show focused on her children's psychic abilities. Recently, she married the love of her life and celebrated her new wife all over Instagram.
Ashley Tisdale
Ashley Tisdale made her Disney debut as Maddie Fitzpatrick, the ultra-smart candy counter girl working at the Tipton Hotel on The Suite Life of Zack and Cody. While she earned fame as the object of Cody's constant affection, she also managed to sneak her way into our hearts.
Although Ashley eventually left Disney Channel, she continued her acting career. During Christmas 2019, Ashley starred in Netflix's comedy series, Merry Happy Whatever. She also stayed active in the music business and released her third studio album, Symptoms, in 2019.
Brenda Song
Playing the rich airhead to Ashley Tisdale's penniless smart girl, Brenda Song made her mark on Disney Channel as the unforgettable London Tipton. When her time on The Suite Life of Zack and Cody came to an end, Brenda continued to pursue a career in entertainment.
Along with smaller roles on popular shows like New Girl, Brenda also starred in Netflix's Secret Obsession. Now, she shows off her talent in Hulu's Dollface, a far cry from her days as the ditzy London Tipton.
Emily Osment
Emily Osment starred opposite Miley Cyrus on Hannah Montana. As Miley Stewart's best friend, Emily brought both love and laughter to the set of the hit series.
When Hannah Montana ended, Emily didn't follow Miley down her strange path. Instead, Emily continued to pursue a career in entertainment, acting in fun, lighthearted series like Young & Hungry. She most recently starred on Almost Family, a new series on Fox. Beyond her acting pursuits, Emily also dipped her toes into the music industry by writing songs under the name Bluebird. She recently released an EP entitled When I Loved You.
Shia LaBeouf
Yes, Shia LaBeouf was a Disney Channel star. We often forget that this famous actor got his start on the Disney series Even Stevens.
When he left Disney Channel, Shia went on to have a very successful career as an actor. Although he disappeared from the public for a while, he's making a slow return to entertainment. In 2019, he starred in the movie Peanut Butter Falcon. He also wrote and acted in Honey Boy, a touching film based on Shia's own relationship with his father.
(Honey Boy via Amazon Studios)
Debby Ryan
Debby Ryan was a later addition to the Disney family. She first joined the network as Bailey Pickett on The Suite Life On Deck. Although she disappeared from the public eye for a couple of years after the series came to an end, she recently made a triumphant return to our TV screens.
Along with starring on Netflix's Insatiable and Horse Girl, Debby was also cast in the new thriller Night Teeth. However, she'll never put her Disney days completely behind her. In recent months, some of her best moments on The Suite Life On Deck have been immortalized in memes.
Gregg Sulkin
Gregg Sulkin was once the sexy werewolf on Wizards of Waverly Place. Although he was best known as Selena Gomez's love interest at one time, he moved on to a thriving entertainment career after his Disney days came to an end.
In 2019 alone, Gregg starred in Faking It, Marvel's Runaways, and A Cinderella Story: A Christmas Wish. Beyond spending time with his girlfriend, Gregg also seems to pursue new projects very regularly. His time onscreen is far from over.
Bella Thorne
Bella Thorne went a bit sideways after her Disney days came to an end. She originally starred in Shake It Up alongside Zendaya. But while Zendaya went on to become a Gen Z icon, Bella Thorne decided to embrace a very non-Disney persona.
Today, Bella stars in films here and there while simultaneously pursuing a music career. She also wrote books about her life and often shows off her wild side on Instagram. Her roles today are certainly different from the sweet Cece of Shake It Up, but the new vibe seems to draw in a hoard of dedicated fans.
Zac Efron
Zac Efron first bounced his way into our hearts as Troy Bolton on High School Musical. His floppy hair, sweet smile, and awesome dance moves definitely caught our attention. However, it wasn't the best start to a career in Zac's opinion. He quickly distanced himself from Disney Channel and went on to pursue a more illustrious acting career.
Since his High School Musical days, Zac starred in Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile, Baywatch, The Lucky One, The Greatest Showman and more. He recently released a Netflix series called Down to Earth With Zac Efron, which follows him as he travels the world making observations about ecological destruction and what humans can do to fight it.
Hilary Duff
Who could ever forget the lovable star of Lizzie McGuire? While Hilary Duff once played the awkward and hilarious Lizzie on Disney Channel, her career certainly didn't end there. Not only did Hilary go on to star in many movies after her time on Disney came to an end, but she also had a fairly successful music career.
Now, Hilary stars on Younger as Kelsey Peters. While there were whispers of a Lizzie McGuire reboot, Hilary's complaints about the content of the show brought the series to a halt. In her personal life, Hilary spends a lot of time with her two kids and her husband, Matthew Koma.
Miley Cyrus
Miley Cyrus is perhaps one of the biggest names to come out of Disney Channel. She originally starred as Miley Stewart on Hannah Montana. As Miley grew older, however, she became desperate to leave her Disney Channel persona behind. She had a few wild years before eventually settling into her music career. Her last album, She Is Coming, came out in 2019.
Miley also had a tumultuous relationship with her ex-husband, Liam Hemsworth. Although the two dated on-and-off for 10 years, they announced their separation in late 2019. Now, Miley seems quite happy with her new boyfriend, Cody Simpson.
Selena Gomez
Selena Gomez is another Disney icon. As the rebellious Alex Russo in Wizards of Waverly Place, Selena had girls all over the world wishing they could be as laidback as she was. When she left Disney, she originally pursued a music career, the path of most ex-Disney Channel stars.
While Selena still releases music, she also dipped her toe into other aspects of entertainment. She worked as a producer for popular Netflix series, 13 Reasons Why, and also lending her producing talent to the show Living Undocumented. Last year, she released her third studio album, Rare, and she'll soon star in and executive produce a new cooking show for HBO Max. It doesn't look like she's slowing down any time soon!
Demi Lovato
At one time, Demi Lovato was Selena Gomez's best friend. The two were open about their deep bond, and even starred in a Disney Channel movie together. While Demi grew apart from Selena over the years, she still found massive success after her time on the Disney series, Sonny With a Chance.
Much like Selena, Demi pursued a music career post-Disney Channel. She released a hit single earlier this year, giving fans hope that a new album is in the works. While her personal life was a little tumultuous for a few years, Demi just got engaged to her now-fiancé, Max Ehrich.
Vanessa Hudgens
What would Troy Bolton be without his Gabriella Montez? Vanessa Hudgens starred opposite Zac Efron in the Disney Channel hit movie High School Musical. That's where she got her big break, but her star hasn't dimmed since she left the network.
Known as the Queen of Coachella outfits, Vanessa Hudgens released a couple of albums after her days singing for Disney Channel. Now, however, she mostly turned her attention to movies. She's currently working on the second Princess Switch movie for Netflix and an adaptation of Tick, Tick…Boom.
Zendaya
Zendaya is yet another incredibly famous former Disney Channel personality. The actress got her start on Shake It Up, where she danced and acted alongside Bella Thorne.
Now, Zendaya is in pretty much everything. She's really shown her acting range by starring in HBO's Euphoria, Marvel's Spider-Man, The Greatest Showman, and many more films that show how well-rounded and talented she really is. Don't expect to see her career slow down any time soon.
Cole Sprouse
Cole Sprouse was once the lovable, intelligent star of The Suite Life of Zack & Cody. The series was such a massive hit that Cole basically grew up on Disney Channel alongside his brother Dylan. But after his spin-off show, The Suite Life On Deck, came to an end, Cole moved onto bigger and better things.
Currently, Cole plays Jughead on Riverdale. Beyond the dark CW show, the actor is also developing a fictional podcast called Borrasca.
Dylan Sprouse
Although Cole stayed on TV after his Disney Channel career came to an end, his brother, Dylan Sprouse, took a different route. While the twins were once inseparable, they now seem completely comfortable doing their own thing.
Today, Dylan stars in movies sparingly and often takes years off between projects. He also co-founded his own meadery, which takes up a large chunk of his time. Lastly, he's in what seems to be a very happy relationship with Hungarian model Barbara Palvin. He's not as visible in the public as Cole, but he still seems to be doing pretty well for himself.
(Banana Split via Netflix)
Corbin Bleu
Corbin Bleu starred as basketball player Chad in the High School Musical series. After showing off his talent for dancing and singing, Corbin also appeared in other Disney movies like Jump In!
After the massive success of High School Musical, however, Corbin took a step away from the spotlight. He married Canadian actress and model Sasha Clements in 2016 and seems to be living happily ever after by her side. Although he lives a relatively normal life, he stills show off his acting talent, this time on the stage rather than the screen.
Lucas Grabeel
Yet another product of High School Musical, Lucas Grabeel played opposite Ashely Tisdale as Sharpay's brother, Ryan. His fancy footwork and impressive singing voice coupled with his unique personality set him apart from the rest of the cast.
After his Disney days, however, Lucas decided to decrease his visibility in the entertainment industry. Although he still takes on roles here and there, he enjoys staying out of the spotlight and doing his own thing. Beyond a few notable roles like Deputy Peck in Sheriff Callie's Wild West and Toby Kennish on Switched at Birth, Lucas lives a relatively normal life.
Adrienne Bailon
It's not just the stars of our favorite Disney series that made their mark on our childhood. Adrienne Bailon also seared herself into our collective memory through her role as Chanel on the Disney Channel original movie, The Cheetah Girls.
Today, Adrienne hosts the daytime talk show, The Real. She also married her husband, Israel Houghton, in 2016. Although the pair doesn't have any children of their own, Adrienne is a stepmom to Israel's four children. Although she's not showing off her vocal talent anymore, she seems entirely happy in her new life.
Jake T. Austin
Jake T. Austin appeared on Disney Channel as Max Russo, the mischievous and somewhat clueless younger brother of Alex Russo. Jake played Max from 2007 until 2011, when the show came to an end.
Following the end of the series, Jake appeared on The Fosters as Jesus, but his role was recast after the season two finale. He went on to compete on Dancing With the Stars and did some voice acting for movies, including Rio and The Emoji Movie.
Nick Jonas
The Jonas Brothers were a big deal in Disney Channel history. Although they started as a Disney-backed musical group, their massive popularity eventually earned them their own original series entitled Jonas. The series only lasted for one season as it followed the Jonas Brothers through their "normal" lives.
When the brothers broke up their band, Nick Jonas originally pursued a solo career. However, he must have realized he's nothing without his brothers. In 2019, the band reunited and released a new album. Nick also dipped his toe into the world of acting through parts in Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, Midway and other popular films.
Joe Jonas
The middle Jonas brother has also lived a full life after his days with Disney. Following the dissolution of The Jonas Brothers, Joe also pursued a solo career, though his was less successful than Nick's. He did a few projects here and there, but didn't become a mainstream success again until The Jonas Brothers reunited in 2019.
Now, Joe is married to Sophie Turner, the beloved star of Game of Thrones. Rumor has it the pair just welcomed their first child together, though they tend to keep their private life rather hush-hush.
Kevin Jonas
The third and final Jonas brother never showed as much interest in being in the spotlight as Joe or Nick. He seems content to linger in the background, contributing both his voice and his instrumental talent, but not clamoring to be heard or seen.
Kevin has been married to his wife since 2009 and the pair have two sweet daughters together. Excluding a brief time when Kevin and his wife starred in their own reality TV show, Kevin practically disappeared from the public until the Jonas Brothers came back together. Now, he's a crucial member of the band yet again.
Kyle Massey
Kyle Massey was another product of That's So Raven, playing Raven's younger brother, Cory, from 2003 to 2007. When That's So Raven ended, Kyle got his own spin-off, Cory In the House. Unfortunately, the show only lasted for two seasons.
When Kyle left Disney, he went on to compete on Dancing With the Stars. He also continued with his acting career, playing roles on Gotham and Being Mary Jane. Although he seems to be out of the spotlight for now, his time on Disney certainly allowed him to live a luxurious life.
Mitchel Musso
Miley Stewart had more than one best friend on Hannah Montana. While Emily Osment played her ride-or-die, Mitchel Musso took on the equally important role of Oliver, another one of Miley's close pals.
When Hannah Montana ended, Mitchel continued his career with Disney by taking on a voice role on the animated series Phineas and Ferb. Although he hasn't appeared in many big films, he did star in a movie called Bachelor Lions.
Olivia Holt
Olivia Holt was another more recent Disney alum. She starred in the Disney XD show Kickin' It from 2011 to 2015. Beyond that role, Olivia also made appearances on popular shows like Dog With a Blog and Shake It Up.
Eventually, Olivia moved on from Disney Channel, but stayed in the entertainment space. Most recently, Olivia landed a titular role on Marvel's Cloak and Dagger. You can expect to see her popping up on your TV screen in the near future.
Moises Arias
Moises Arias first made his mark as the mischievous Rico in Hannah Montana. While he originally played a lovable, but highly annoying child, Moises moved on to serious roles that brought tears to our eyes. Most notably, he starred in Five Feet Apart opposite Haley Lu Richardson and Cole Sprouse.
Most recently, Moises starred in The King of Staten Island with Pete Davidson. It looks like his role as Rico was the perfect launching pad for a successful career in the entertainment industry.
Jason Earles
Jason Earles originally starred as Miley Stewart's annoying older brother, Jackson, in Hannah Montana. Although he played a teenager in the series, Jason was already 29 years old when the show began.
Jason stayed with Disney Channel for a long time. After Hannah Montana, he also starred in the Disney XD series Kickin' It. When that series came to an end in 2015, Jason took a step away from the entertainment scene. Now, he seems content to live a normal life alongside his wife.
Christy Carlson Romano
Christy Carlson Romano was another product of the Even Stevens series. She played Ren Stevens, the smart perfectionist of the family struggling to find her voice next to her wild-child brother.
Today, Christy is most visible on her YouTube channel, where she posts throwback videos twice a week. If you're curious about former Disney stars, Christy's channel is the place to be. She often includes other Disney personas in her content. As the original voice of Kim Possible, Christy also made an appearance as Poppy Blue in the new Kim Possible movie.
Raviv Ullman
One Disney Channel show that doesn't get enough attention is Phil of the Future. While it wasn't as popular as series like Lizzie McGuire or Even Stevens, it was just as clever and funny.
Unfortunately, the star of Phil of the Future, Raviv Ullman basically disappeared from mainstream entertainment after the series came to an end. Although he starred in a few smaller roles on other television shows, he focused most of his efforts on theater. Now, he still stars in the occasional play, but also works as a photographer.
Aly Michalka
Another Phil of the Future star, Aly Michalka actually found more fame than co-star Raviv Ullman for a while. She went on to act in various films and had a very successful music career alongside her sister, AJ.
Until 2019, Aly starred on the series iZombie. Soon after the series wrapped up, Aly and AJ announced their return to the music scene. They released an EP in 2019 called Sanctuary and are currently working on an LP together that will come out later this year.
Orlando Brown
Orlando Brown is another recognizable face from That's So Raven. The star played the lovable Eddie Thomas, one of Raven's best friends on the series.
When the show came to an end in 2007, however, Orlando went through a few rough times. He got in trouble with the law and subsequently stayed out of the public eye, except for an appearance in the 2015 film, Straight Outta Compton. Since then, Orlando has pretty much kept to himself, likely enjoying his privacy after his long years at Disney.
(That's So Raven via Disney Channel)
Jason Dolley
Jason Dolley starred on the sweet family-focused series, Good Luck Charlie. When his role as PJ ended with the show in 2014, Jason wasn't ready to leave the entertainment world. However, he did take his career in a new direction.
Following his days with Disney, Jason starred as a murderer in the movie Staged Killer. He also took on other, more serious roles in series like Major Crimes and American Housewife.
Jake Thomas
Since Hilary Duff was such an engaging character on Lizzie McGuire, it's easy to forget about her younger brother, Matt, played by Jake Thomas. While Matt always wanted to make trouble for Lizzie, he added a realistic dose of sibling rivalry that made the series all the more relatable.
When Lizzie McGuire ended, Jake didn't stop acting. Now, he's 28 years old and has played roles on popular shows like NCIS, CSI, and Criminal Minds.
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