The Disney Channel has produced some of the most iconic TV shows and movies that have left a significant impact on many of our childhoods. Many young actors and actresses got their break in the entertainment industry through the Disney Channel, creating some lasting memories and nostalgia for audiences around the world.
In this blog post, we’ve rounded up 19 actors and actresses who grew up on the Disney Channel and what they look like now. Some of them have continued to achieve big things in the industry, while others have moved on to different paths. Let’s take a nostalgic look at their journeys!
1. To kick things off, Miley Cyrus rose to fame as a household name through her portrayal of Hannah Montana in 100 episodes spanning from 2006 to 2011.
Most recently seen in: The music video for her January 2023 single, “Flowers”
2. Selena Gomez gained prominence through her prominent role as Alex Russo in Wizards of Waverly Place, which ran from 2007 to 2012.
Most recently seen in: Only Murders in the Building as Mabel Mora
3. From 2001 to 2004, we witnessed Hilary Duff’s journey of growing up on the set of Lizzie McGuire.
Most recently seen in: How I Met Your Father as Sophie
4. Cole Sprouse enchanted audiences during his childhood with his comedic portrayal of Cody Martin in The Suite Life of Zack & Cody.
Most recently seen in: Riverdale as Jughead Jones
5. Dylan Sprouse, who is Cole’s twin brother, also starred in The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, playing the character Zack Martin.
Most recently seen in: My Fake Boyfriend as Jake
6. Demi Lovato was a regular figure on the Disney Channel, known for their roles in the Camp Rock series and the show Sonny with a Chance.
Most recently seen in: Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga as Katiana Lindsdóttir
7. Zac Efron captured our attention as he embodied the character of Troy Bolton in the High School Musical series.
Most recently seen in: The Greatest Beer Run Ever as Chickie Donohue
8. Vanessa Hudgens displayed her singing prowess in the role of Gabriella Montez throughout all three High School Musical films.
Most recently seen in: Entergalactic as the voice of Karina
9. Brenda Song played the character of London Tipton in more than 80 episodes of The Suite Life of Zack & Cody.
Most recently seen in: The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder as the voice of Vanessa Vue
10. Ashley Tisdale is notably recognized for her Disney Channel roles as Maddie Fitzpatrick in The Suite Life of Zack & Cody and Sharpay Evans in the High School Musical trilogy.
Most recently seen in: The Dark Pictures Anthology: House of Ashes as the voice of Rachel
11. Kimberly J. Brown showcased the excitement of Halloween through her portrayal of Marnie Piper in the Halloweentown movies.
Most recently seen in: Vegas Tales as Alice Goodly
12. From 2011 to 2016, Ross Lynch held a prominent role in the series Austin & Ally.
Most recently seen in: On stage performing with his band, The Driver Era
13. During the 2000s, Raven-Symoné portrayed a character who could glimpse into the future in the show That’s So Raven.
Most recently seen in: Raven’s Home as Raven Baxter
14. Emily Osment is known for her former role as Lilly, the best friend of Miley Stewart, in Hannah Montana.
Most recently seen in: Young Sheldon as Mandy McAllister
15. Corbin Bleu portrayed the sports-enthusiast character, Chad Danforth, in the three High School Musical films.
Most recently seen in: High School Musical: The Musical: The Series as himself
16. Bella Thorne might be recognizable to you for her role as CeCe Jones in Shake It Up.
Most recently seen in: Divinity as Ziva
17. Lucas Grabeel, another High School Musical cast member, is most renowned for his portrayal of Ryan Evans.
Most recently seen in: High School Musical: The Musical: The Series as himself
18. The Jonas Brothers made their debut in a Disney Channel movie with their appearance in Camp Rock in 2008.
Most recently seen in: On stage still performing together as a band
19. Zendaya’s initial significant recurring role on television was as Rocky Blue in Shake It Up.
Most recently seen in: Euphoria as Rue Bennett
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