Top 20 Disney Channel Stars: Where Are They Now?
#20: Peyton List
Top 10 Lucas & Peyton Moments on One Tree Hill
By 2012, Peyton was a child actress building an impressive resume. But once she began filling the role of the sassy Emma Ross on “Jessie,” she set herself up for stardom in multiple industries. Though not much time has passed since she graced the Disney Channel, Peyton’s achieved a lot. She continues to model and work as an actress, starring in the hugely popular “Cobra Kai” as the fierce Tory Nichols. She’s also taken her acting talents to the big screen, apprising movie roles in addition to TV. She’s even added “businesswoman” to her resume with the launch of her beauty line, “Pley Beauty,” at the start of this year.
#19: Laura Marano
2011 saw Laura play Ally—one half of the dynamic duo followed in “Austin & Ally.” Even before her time on the series was over, the actress began recording songs and pursuing a musical career. She became an independent artist in 2018, allowing her to release a slew of singles that she performs for live shows. Notably, some of her music was used for Netflix’s “The Royal Treatment”—a film in which she serves as the lead. The talented star has clearly found a way to blend her passions, so it's no surprise that she remains both an accomplished actress and singer, going on tour while starring in films like the upcoming “Choose Love.”
#18: Kyle Massey
As Raven’s hilarious little brother on “That’s So Raven,” Kyle was a Disney Channel favorite who went on to score a spin-off all about him—“Cory in the House.” He had laid down some rap tracks for the network and sporadically continued to do so later on. But things got troublesome for the former child actor in 2016 and 2021. First, Kyle and his brother were attacked by Lil Twist, and 6 years later, Kyle faced criminal charges of his own when he was accused of inappropriately communicating with a minor. Massey denied the allegations and seems to be doing better these days. He posts original music on his SoundCloud and is a proud puppy father according to his Instagram.
#17: Bella Thorne
Top 5 Things You Didn't Know About Bella Thorne
Bella by no means maintained the PG image she had while on the Disney Channel. After embodying CeCe on “Shake It Up,” she dabbled in music and gained traction as an actress with a variety of commercial, film, and TV appearances. Bella has proved extremely versatile with modeling, writing, and singing, but she undertook a new, more controversial venture in recent years. She started an OnlyFans in 2020, released a provocative music video in 2021, and also works as an adult film director. Aside from this, Bella underwent a breakup with her fiancé in 2022, but seems to be focused on her career with her new business, Thorne Dynasty, set to launch. Though contentious, she sure is booked and busy!
#16: Mitchel Musso
While arguably better known as Oliver Oken on “Hannah Montana,” Mitchel filled lots of Disney roles. He voiced Jeremy on “Phineas and Ferb,” appeared in the DCOM “Life Is Ruff” with Kyle Massey, and served as King Brady in the Disney XD era. Like many others, the actor made music for the network and opted to release songs independently afterward. But around this time, Mitchel found himself in legal trouble when he was charged with a DUI. He condemned his behavior and went on a hiatus from music. But 2022 marks the artist’s return to the industry with “DRANK”—a single from his mixtape.
#15: Dove Cameron
When we were introduced to Dove in 2013, her star power as an actress and singer was evident. She not only played the dual role of Liv and Maddie; she also sang the soundtrack album to the series. With Dove’s skills in both areas, she was cast as Mal in the popular “Descendants” franchise and further showcased just how well she can sing. She’s also taken her voice to the stage, appearing in “Hairspray Live!” and an off-broadway rendition of “Clueless.” 2022 has been a big year for the former Disney Channel star, as she starred in the film “Vengeance” and released the hit song, “Boyfriend.” The single reached the top 20 of the Billboard 100—an impressive feat for the multi-talented artist.
#14: China Anne McClain
Very similar to Dove, China started out on the Disney Channel in a TV series and followed it up with a role in the “Descendants” franchise. Her hilarity on the show and musical prowess as Uma in the film series solidified the star as another Disney favorite who can thrive in multiple industries. China is currently a singer and actress who is continuing her work in both fields. She reprised her role of Jazmine Payne on the revived “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne” and is creating music with a girl group, Thriii, composed of her and her two sisters. The group hasn’t released anything since 2021, but we’re hopeful new songs like the banger “Calling All the Monsters” are in the works!
#13: Ross Lynch
Top 10 Monica & Ross Sibling Moments on Friends
Playing the important other half of Ally on “Austin & Ally,” Ross quickly became one of our Disney Channel crushes. His talents showcased in the series gained him a main part in “Teen Beach Movie,” further proving the actor also had great potential for a career in music. Like his former costar Laura Marano, Ross is now a musician with acting credits still under his belt. To our nostalgic excitement, Austin and Ally seem to be as close as ever, supporting each other’s similar endeavors and sharing pics together on social media. As a member of The Driver Era with his brother, he’s been working on songs and released new music this year.
#12: Bridgit Mendler
Starring as the lead in “Good Luck Charlie” and the DCOM favorite, “Lemonade Mouth,” Bridgit certainly made an impression on us during her time on the Disney Channel. She’s continued to act in movies and TV series alongside other notable actors, including former Disney star, Ashley Tisdale in Netflix’s “Merry Happy Whatever.” Bridget has also put her singing to use over the years, collaborating with industry professionals to produce new singles. In 2020, she graduated from MIT and started working toward a Ph.D., making her accomplishments and work ethic all the more impressive. When she’s not acting, singing, or studying, we assume she’s enjoying life with her husband.
#11: Zendaya
You probably haven't had a hard time keeping up with Zendaya since she graced our screens as Rocky in “Shake It Up.” She’s achieved international stardom thanks to amazing performances in renowned installments of both TV and film. She starred opposite former Disney heartthrob, Zac Efron, in “The Greatest Showman” with a critically acclaimed performance. Further raising her movie star credibility was her 2021 role in “Spider-Man: No Way Home” where she starred alongside her equally famous boyfriend, Tom Holland. She keeps raising the bar for herself with her compelling acting, most profoundly evidenced through her portrayal of Rue in “Euphoria.” She won multiple Emmys, making her the youngest actress to snag Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series.
#10: Debby Ryan
Between “The Suite Life on Deck,” “Jessie,” “16 Wishes,” and “Radio Rebel,” Debby regularly portrayed memorable characters. In the midst of filling these roles, she formed an indie band—The Never Ending—which released work up until 2016, the year when Debby was arrested for a DUI. But in 2018, she took on another memorable role as Patty Bladell in Netflix’s “Insatiable,” which was much more critically received than her former series. She also showcased some versatility as a vampire in the 2021 thriller “Night Teeth.” In terms of her personal life, Debby married her long-time boyfriend Josh Dun, aka the drummer of Twenty One Pilots in 2019. If her Instagram’s any indication, the two seem to be super happy together.
#9: Brenda Song
London Tipton wasn't Brenda’s only Disney role. Aside from the hilarious hotel heiress, she majorly deviated from her Suite Life persona to play the fierce Wendy Wu in the DCOM, “Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior.” Life after Disney saw the actress make appearances in notable TV series like “Scandal” and “New Girl.” Her most recent acting performances were her portrayal of Madison in the Hulu comedy, “Dollface,” and a role in “Love Accidentally.” Though Brenda is still a working actress, she definitely has her hands full at home. She has been married to fellow child actor Macaulay Culkin since 2017 and welcomed a beautiful baby boy in 2021.
#8: Christy Carlson Romano
We recognize Christy as Ren from “Even Stevens,” but she also voiced the titular character in “Kim Possible.” After retiring from Ren and Kim, she received a degree in Film Studies from Barnard College and made multiple appearances in TV shows and films. While in school, Christy met her future husband, who she married in 2013. They had their first daughter together three years later and welcomed their second in 2019. Today, Christy is super active on social media, has 2 podcasts, and releases content on her cooking YouTube series— “Christy’s Kitchen Throwback.” The latest project takes us on a ride down memory lane as Christy brings on popular 90s and 2000s stars to answer questions and participate in challenges.
#7: David Henrie
Top 10 Worst Things Larry David Has Done
The super-smart, eldest Russo sibling, David Henrie was the wizard we all wished we could be. Since playing Justin, he went on to play Ted Mosby’s future son on “How I Met Your Mother”. David also added a few other titles to his resume, directing, co-writing, and starring in “This Is The Year” alongside his former wizard sister, executive producer Selena Gomez. Though this was a year of success for him, he also got into some trouble when he was arrested at a LA airport for carrying a loaded firearm. Once he released an apology regarding the ordeal, things started looking up for David. He is now quite the family man married to former Miss Delaware, Maria Cahill, who he shares three kids with.
#6: Orlando Brown
Following his portrayal of Eddie in “That’s So Raven,” Orlando opted to focus on a music career. But struggles with sobriety and legal issues affected the actor and rapper’s aspirations. In 2016, he was charged with domestic battery and drug possession while in jail. That same year, he was arrested again and charged with drug possession and resisting arrest, followed by a third arrest after breaking into an LA venue. Towards the end of 2016, Orlando went to rehab but spoke bizarre falsities on “Dr. Phil” in 2018. He has since admitted to his past addictions and seems to be doing better with new projects lined up. He began making music again and starred in the 2022 film, “Bloody Hands.”
#5: Emily Osment
Top 10 Cringiest Emily in Paris Moments
She was Miley’s trusty BFF then, but she’s so much more now. Emily has thrived as an actress since playing Lily and she’s also ventured into music. Shortly after “Hannah Montana,” she starred in “Young & Hungry,” which was executively produced by her fellow Disney alum, Ashley Tisdale. In 2022, she apprised the role of Mandy in “Young Sheldon” and has become a main character on the show. In terms of her music, Emily announced in 2019 that she would be creating songs under the alias “Bluebiird.” She has an Instagram dedicated to her artistry where she showcases her talent. On her personal account, Emily also gives fans a peek into her love life, often sharing pics of her boyfriend of six years.
#4: Ashley Tisdale
With the breakout role of Maddie on “The Suite Life of Zack & Cody,” Ashley quickly solidified her spot as a fan favorite actress on the Disney Channel. She reprised Maddie on “The Suite Life on Deck” and starred as the iconic Sharpay Evans in the “High School Musical” franchise. With her performances in Disney TV and film, there was no denying her star quality. She later took on a variety of projects, ranging from acting gigs, releasing music, judging “The Masked Dancer”, and launching a wellness business— Frenshe. While maintaining her place in the spotlight, she married in 2014 and became a mommy to a beautiful baby—who she thankfully shows off on social media—in 2021.
#3: Dylan & Cole Sprouse
Top 10 Memorable Dylan McKay Moments
Like Ashley, these twins instantly caught our attention on “The Suite Life as Zack & Cody” as the hilarious dynamic duo that wreaked havoc in the Tipton Hotel. Gaining international popularity at a young age, the twins have taken advantage of their fame and continue to be stars in their own rights. Both continue to snag acting opportunities, with Cole starring as Jughead in “Riverdale” and Dylan appearing in the film, “My Fake Boyfriend,” which came out earlier this year. Aside from their acting endeavors, Cole is an active photographer who shares his talent on his photography Instagram. Dylan has been the long-time boyfriend of supermodel Barbara Palvin since 2018 in addition to serving as the co-owner of a meadery in Brooklyn.
#2: Raven-Symone
Top 10 BEST That’s So Raven Characters
Easily one of the most memorable Disney stars, Raven hasn’t slowed down since her time as a psychic on “That’s So Raven” wrapped. Shortly after, she took on more TV and film roles in favorites like “Black-ish.” Most importantly, she made a highly anticipated return as Raven in the reboot—“Raven’s Home,” demonstrating that she is still just as hysterical as she was way back when. She further showcased her electric, unapologetic personality as a host on the renowned talk show “The View” from 2015-2016. Like many other Disney alums, Raven also enjoyed a career in music and released a studio album titled “The Reintroduction” in 2020. Today, she is enjoying married life with her partner and entertaining us on her YouTube channel.
#1: Hilary Duff
Arguably our favorite actress to ever show out on the Disney Channel is Hilary Duff, the funny and relatable star of “Lizzie McGuire.” As if we didn’t love her enough, she served as the titular character in the top-tier DCOM “Cadet Kelly” opposite Christy Carlson Romano. With her Disney days behind her, she appeared in a variety of films and TV, notably starring in “Younger” until 2021. As of 2022, she is producing and filling the lead in “How I Met Your Father.” We also can’t forget to mention her music career, as the star has sold approximately 15 million records globally. She’s certainly had longevity in the industry and continues to prove just how admirable she is as a multi-talented professional, wife, and mom.
