Top 10 Wizards of Waverly Place Stars: Where Are They Now?
#10: Bridgit Mendler
If “Twilight” taught us anything, it’s that dating vampires comes with plenty of drama. Justin Russo learned this firsthand while dating Juliet Van Heusen. Although their relationship had plenty of ups and downs, they ended up together in the finale. Juliet was played by Bridgit Mendler. After the end of the show, she continued working with Disney as the star of “Good Luck Charlie.” When that show finished, she found further TV success on series like “Undateable”, “Nashville” and Netflix’s “Merry Happy Whatever”. She also produced new music in between roles. And while she didn’t end up with Justin in real life, Bridgit Mendler announced in 2019 that she married her partner Griffin Cleverly.
#9: Bill Chott
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Alex Russo’s high school was run by the old west-obsessed principal Mr. Laritate. As he challenged Alex with pop quizzes and suspensions, she tested his patience. After playing the comedic cowboy principal, actor Bill Chott started teaching other people how to be funny by founding an improv school. When he’s not teaching, you can still catch him on the small screen. Chott’s made appearances in everything from dramas, like “This Is Us” to superhero shows like “Legion”. He also lent his vocal talents to “Curious George” and “Klaus”. Chott’s variety of roles and successful improv school prove that he’ll keep making us laugh for years to come.
#8: Gregg Sulkin
Actor Gregg Sulkin played the British werewolf Mason Greyback. Although Alex initially fell for his looks and charm, she stayed with him because of his loyalty and heart. The werewolf and wizard couple was still going strong when the series ended. Strong is also a word we’d use to describe Sulkin’s career. He landed roles on “Melissa and Joey”, “Faking It” and “Pretty Little Liars”. Sulkin’s also booked movie projects, like “Affluenza” and “Deported”. One of the best showcases of his talent was his role as Chase Stein in the superhero series “Runaways”. While Sulkin never encountered any werewolves in the Marvel show, he still brought plenty of charm and heart to his heroic role.
#7: Dan Benson
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One of the most eccentric side characters in the series was Zeke Beakerman. Whether he was hanging with his best friend Justin or spending time with his girlfriend Harper, you could count on Zeke to bring a little weirdness into the room. The energetic character was brought to life by Dan Benson. Shortly after leaving the show, Daniel Benson landed roles in the movies “Bad Fan” and “Killing Diaz” as well as the tv show “Smoky Knights”. Benson also nabbed another love interest role on “Rick and Morty”. He plays Summer’s off again, on again boyfriend Ethan. Considering how messed up Summer’s family is, we think Benson’s Zeke was lucky he only had to deal with Wizards.
#6: David DeLuise
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When Jerry Russo wasn't running his sandwich shop, he worked tirelessly to fix his children’s magical messes. Although he tried to remain composed and stern in zany situations, he often ended up losing his cool in hilarious ways. The actor who showed us the best and worst sides of Jerry was David DeLuise. After the series ended, he served as a director on “Lab Rats” and “The Thundermans”. DeLuise also continued acting in the family friendly “Pup Star” franchise and the more mature “NCIS”. DeLuise is currently attached to star in the upcoming movie “Layover”. Whether he chooses to go in front of or behind the camera, this actor is still in high demand.
#5: Maria Canals-Barrera
Despite marrying a former wizard, Theresa Russo wasn't the biggest fan of spells. She often encouraged her family to rely on their mortal abilities to succeed in life. Although her family still pulled her into magical dilemmas, she never stopped loving them. Once actress Maria Canals-Barerra finished playing the matriarch, she made cameos on family comedies like “Last Man Standing” and “Fuller House”. She was a lead character on the short-lived show “Cristela” and appeared in several movies. Since Canals-Barrerra voiced Hawkgirl in “Justice League” in the early 2000s, she had no trouble landing a variety of voice acting roles in Disney, Marvel and DC properties in the 2010s. Canals-Barerra’s strong career proves Theresa right: you don’t need magic to find success.
#4: Jennifer Stone
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Jennifer Stone played Alex Russo’s best friend Harper. Stone always made sure that Harper’s personality was as quirky and bubbly as one of her many unique dresses. She also allowed the character to grow from an oblivious mortal to a confident wizard ally. When the show ended, Stone landed roles on shows like “Deadtime Stories” and “Nasty Habits”. While working on her career goals and education, the actress was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. But Stone didn't let her diagnosis slow her down. Not only did she continue pursuing a nursing degree, but she also landed lead roles in “Santa Girl” and “The In-Between”. Stone’s strength and perseverance have made her Hollywood journey incredibly inspiring to watch.
#3: Jake T. Austin
You might not want to trust this Russo with a wand. While the hilarious Max had a lot of charm, he rarely took any time to think before opening his mouth or casting a spell. After entertaining audiences with his silly antics as Max, Jake T. Austin moved onto more serious material with his role as Jesus on “The Fosters”. He later combined his dramatic and comedic chops to voice superhero Jaime Reyes aka Blue Beetle in two “Teen Titans” movies and in the “Justice League Action” series. While acting in various projects, Austin was invited to appear on “Dancing with the Stars”. Although his time in the competition was short, we have a feeling he has a long career ahead of him.
#2: David Henrie
The eldest Russo sibling is a responsible wizard that loves to study magic and follow rules. But since his siblings are constantly misusing spells, the frustrated Justin often has to step up and help them solve their problems. David Henrie’s performance in the series was as energetic as it was endearing. The actor also brought his talents to roles in “Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2” and “How I Met Your Mother”. Although Henrie’s personal image took a hit when he was arrested in 2018, he bounced back quickly. In 2019, Henrie and his wife Maria Cahill welcomed a daughter. Fans can also look forward to Henrie starring in and directing fellow “Wizards of Waverly” place alum Gregg Sulkin in the upcoming comedy “This is the Year”.
#1: Selena Gomez
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Alex Russo began the series as a sarcastic and selfish slacker who used magic to solve every little problem. But over time, she matured into a slightly less sarcastic and more responsible wizard. Alex was played to hilarious perfection by Selena Gomez. Unless a magical spell has affected your memory of the 2010s, we’re guessing you've heard of her. Since the show ended, she’s gotten lead roles in everything from “Spring Breakers” to the “Hotel Transylvania” franchise. Gomez’s musical pursuits have led to three number #1 albums and a #1 hit on the Billboard 100. Judging by her massive success so far, Gomez will be enchanting us on the screen and stage for years to come.
