These Former Disney Stars You May Have Forgotten: Then And Now

How many of these past Disney Channel stars can you list off the top of your head, and how many are you forgetting?  While many of the Disney channel stars have since gone on to become high-profile actors, the same can’t be said for every one of them.

Only 90s kids will remember the real-life brothers in 1995’s Brotherly Love, in which the trio played the Roman brothers. But you can’t forget that they were also Disney kids. All three brothers starred in Disney Channel’s Original Movie Horse Sense and its 2001 sequel Jumping Ship. Andy even went on to star in Disney’s The Other Me and Going to the Mat. Where are the brothers now? 

Camilla Belle is an American actress born and raised in Los Angeles. She grew up in an English and Portuguese-speaking household because of her Portuguese mother. Her career began in the early 90s and has only continued to blossom. But before we knew her as the accomplished actress and model she is today, she starred as a 14-year-old Sydney Miller in Disney’s Rip Girls.

Hilary Duff was the star of the famed and popular Disney show Lizzie McGuire. The show aired from 2001 to 2004. Since her days as Lizzie, she has not only developed her music career but has also acted in countless films and television shows such as, ‘How I Met Your Mother’ and ‘Younger.’

This list would not be complete without Christy Carlson Romano, best known from her Disney days for her portrayal of Ren Stevens on Disney Channel’s Even Stevens. She also starred opposite Hillary Duff in Disney’s 2002 original movie Cadet Kelly.  However, we can’t forget her role voicing Disney’s beloved Kim Possible in which she also appeared in the fairly recent live-action movie.

Lindsay Lohan rose to fame as a child star, starring as both twins in the 1998 Disney remake of The Parent Trap, but she also played some memorable characters in some fan-favorite Disney Channel original movies. Who can forget her iconic character, Lexi Gold in the 2002 movie ‘Get a Clue’? She portrayed a high school teenager and aspiring journalist who investigates a mystery alongside her classmates after one of her teachers goes missing. We can’t mention Lindsay’s Disney days without recalling Disney’s 2000 film ‘Life-Size‘ either, where she starred alongside Tyra Banks. Banks playing a Barbie, who literally “comes to life.” Can it even get any better than that?

Before America Ferrera was a household name in cult-classic films such as The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants and shows like Ugly Betty where she played the title character she was a Disney kid. She portrayed Yolanda in the 2002 Disney Channel movie, Gotta Kick It Up! The Disney Channel original film centered around a girl’s dance team, predominantly Latin, that struggles to find their sync but gets a second chance with a new dance coach willing to put in the work to help them.

You may originally remember Canadian actor Shawn Ashmore from the Disney Channel show ‘In a Heartbeat’ or maybe you forgot. Ashmore has made a big name for himself in the industry since his Disney days, perhaps most recognized for his roles as Wesley Evers in the hit show, ‘The Rookie’ or who can forget his portrayal of Bobby Drake, “Iceman,” in the X-Men franchise.

Courtnee Draper is perhaps the original Disney girl, she was first introduced into the Disney space as Morgan in the hit Disney show, The Jersey in which a group of sport-loving friends find a magic jersey that lets them travel back in time and participate in iconic sporting events, the show lasted 6 seasons. Additionally, Draper starred in some memorable Disney Channel original movies such as 1999’s The Thirteenth Year and 2000’s Stepsister from Planet Weird. 

Storms appeared as the lead role in the futuristic sci-fi flick Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century and its sequel and threequel. She also appeared as Emily on Johnny Tsunami. You may also recognize her as a voice on Kim Possible, in which she voiced a few minor characters most notably the character of Bonnie Rockwaller. She even appeared in a 2003 episode of That’s So Ravan. 

American actor Ben Foster broke into the industry as a child. You may have forgotten his time on Disney Channel’s 90s show ‘Flash Forward‘ portraying middle schooler Tucker James, but we sure haven’t. The show centered its time around two best buds narrating the ups and downs of their middle school experience all while comparing it to past moments from their childhood.

Tahj Mowry is an American actor and singer. He comes from quite a famous family, his sisters being twins Tia and Tamera Mowry. He starred in the Disney-affiliated show, Smart Guy, in which he played Supersmart 10-year-old T.J. Henderson and how he tackles high school challenges alongside his older siblings. Additionally, he appeared in the Disney Channel original films, Hounded and The Poof Point, respectively. We also must note ‘Seventeen Again‘ where he acted alongside his real-life sisters.

Surprise, Eric Matthews has arrived. Will Friedle arguably most known for his role on Boy Meets World also appeared on Disney. Not only did he star in Disney Channel’s original movie, My Date with the President’s Daughter, as Duncan Fletcher, but he also voiced another beloved Disney character on Kim Possible, none other than, Ron Stoppable. Since his days working with Disney, he has made a lucrative career in various and steady voice-acting jobs. Some would even say he is, “unstoppable.”

Harnois joined the acting profession at age five when she starred in One Magic Christmas and Where Are The Children? You might remember her from the all-singing, all-dancing 1992 series, Adventures In Wonderland. She got the role after turning twelve and even won an award for her efforts.

Lee Thompson Young fell in love with acting at an early age. Before he knew it he was starring in the Disney channel hit, ‘The Famous Jett Jackson‘ as the title character, Jett Jackson, a teenager and actor who moves his hit show back to his hometown in search of some normalcy. He also portrayed a supporting role in 1999’s ‘Johnny Tsunami.’

Kay Panabaker made her Disney Channel debut in the series ‘Phil of the Future’ centered around a family from the future that is stuck in the past (our present). Panabaker portrayed Debbie Berwick who is a type-A personality student, she is both naive and kind and considers Pim (Amy Bruckner) her best friend. Pim is a loveable yet mischievous girl of the future who sometimes takes advantage of this. Panabaker went on to start in additional Disney Channel films such as “Life is Ruff” alongside Kyle Massey and the film “Read it and Weep” in which she played opposite her real-life sister Danielle Panabaker.

We can’t mention Kay without noting her older sister Danielle. As a Disney Channel kid, she starred in several original movies, including the 2004 Disney Channel Original Movie, Stuck in the Suburbs alongside Brenda Song. She was also cast in the 2005 superhero comedy film Sky High, and Isabella in Read It and Weep alongside her sister, Kay.

You may remember him as everybody’s favorite annoying brother and perpetual evil schemer, Matt McGuire, but Jake Thomas, the actor who played him on the classic Disney sitcom Lizzie McGuire is now all grown up. He picked up a Young Artist Award for his performance in 2001’s A.I. Artificial Intelligence. 

Metchik played the second-oldest brother, Steven Floyd, in the 1991 sitcom, The Torkelsons. You may not recognize him as a Disney star but through his voicing work he brought to life a minor character in Disney’s Hercules, until as late as 2012. Since then, he hasn’t been seen much in front of the camera, but he’s still in the entertainment business.

Jason Priestley is a Canadian-American actor and director. He began acting as a child and has continued his career into adulthood. He first started his career in commercials before progressing to film and television. His role as Brandon Walsh in ‘Beverly Hills, 90210’ is perhaps what turned him into a bonafide teen idol and fast-tracked his career’s success.

They are known as the mischievous and awesome Marin twins of Disney’s 2005 sitcom The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, but they started in the business even before they could talk. The young brothers notably appeared in 1999’s Big Daddy and everyone’s favorite sitcom about 20-something friends in New York City, Friends. The Suite Life of Zack & Cody was such a hit that it went on to a 2008 sequel series and a movie in 2011.

Raven-Symoné may be most famous for her comedic timing and impeccable mic-drop one-liners as a child actress, appearing as Olivia Kendall on The Cosby Show, but you can’t think of Raven-Symoné without mentioning her Disney career. She was everyone’s favorite best friend in Disney’s Zenon franchise as Zenon’s bestie Zebula Wade, not to mention her own hit Disney show ‘That’s So Raven’ in which she has psychic abilities. How about Disney’s Cheetah Girls franchise? Need we say more?

Only true Disney fans will know this one. Kaley Cuoco as a Disney Channel Kid? Yes, you heard right! Cuoco starred in some nostalgic Disney Channel original movies that will surely transport you to another time. She portrayed Lori in the 1997 Disney film Toothless with Kirstie Alley, as well as Elisa Bowers in the 2000 Disney Channel Original Movie Alley Cats Strike. The movie takes place in a small town and follows a group of quirky teens who love bowling and set out to win a school trophy with the help of an unlikely Jock. Kaley was also on her own animated Disney Channel show, 2004’s Brandy & Mr. Whiskers, where she voiced the title character of Brandy.

The Jonas Brothers, who are indeed real-life brothers, originally rose to fame as a musical trio. The Laurence Brothers walked so the Jonas Brothers could run. In case you needed a refresher, Camp Rock, another Disney Channel classic premiered in 2008 starring all three brothers, Kevin, Joe, and Nick Jonas alongside Demi Lovato in which they all attend a prestigious music summer camp. Additionally, the brothers made their own Disney mark with their 2009 Disney channel show, titled ‘Jonas.‘

Selena Gomez was the star of Wizards of Waverly Place, a show where she and her family were wizards. Naturally, it was a hit and sprung Selena into fame. Before she landed her own starring role in a Disney original she also had some memorable guest appearances on some other Disney classics, like ‘Hannah Montana’ and ‘The Suite Life of Zack & Cody.’

Best known as Max Russo on Wizards of Waverly Place, grown-up Jake now divides his time between acting, the fitness industry, and doing work for children’s charities. He’s grown into quite a handsome young man—and apparently, we weren’t the only ones to take notice.

Fans of Sonny With A Chance and So Random! will recognize Knight as Chad Dylan Cooper, AKA Chaddy, AKA, CDC, Sonny’s egoistical rival and eventual friend. Knight not only has acting talents but is also a talented singer and dancer. It is no wonder he was cast in the Disney Channel’s musically inclined film, Starstruck. What has Knight been doing since both his Disney shows ended in 2012? 

Zendaya made her TV debut in the Disney show Shake It Up as Rocky Blue, during its run from 2010 to 2013 alongside costar Bella Thorne. The show centered its storyline around two best friends who love to dance. She had several guest roles in some Disney shows like “Good Luck Charlie” as well as roles in Disney Channel original films, “Frenemies” (2012) and “Zapped” (2014). She even went on to her own Disney channel show, K.C. Undercover.

Fans of That’s So Raven will remember Chelsie Daniels, played by the stunning Anneliese van der Pol. Her part on That’s So Raven was one of her first roles, and she’s been seen on TV and in films since, such as the Twilight parody, Vampires Suck.

That’s So Raven actor Kyle Massey, who played Cory Baxter in the show, was so popular that he spawned his own spin-off show, Cory In The House in which his date becomes head chef to President and they moved to D.C. The spin-off show was the first of its kind for Disney, it ran for two seasons. He also starred in a Disney Channel Original Movie, such as Life is Ruff opposite Kay Panabaker. Even then he showcased his musical talents, his hip-hop single “It’s a Dog” was featured in the film.

We all fell in love with Vanessa Hudgens in 2006 as Gabriella Montez in the Disney Channel Original Movie ‘High School Musical.’ The film focuses on Hudgens’s character as she starts a new school and falls in love with the basketball team captain despite being from different social circles. She reprised her role in all the films in the franchise due to its positive audience reception. She went on to guest star in several ‘The Suite Life of Zack and Cody’ episodes as well during her Disney days.

Laura Marano portrayed the title character of Ally in the Disney Channel Original show, ‘Austin & Ally‘ throughout its TV run from 2011 to 2016. The show chronicles the lives of two best friends, Austin and Ally as they aspire to break into the music industry as a musician and a songwriter, respectively. Laura Marano nowadays is still a famous face even after her Disney stardom is long behind her.

Sophia was introduced to the Disney scene as a guest star on the popular Disney Channel series Austin & Ally. She was then cast as Evie, the daughter of the Evil Queen in the 2015 Disney Channel Original movie, Descendants and its following film sequels.