Disney and Nickelodeon Child Stars: Where Are They Now?

Selena Gomez broke out on Disney Channel, playing Alex Russo on the TV series Wizards of Waverly Place, which ran from 2007 to 2012. Her sarcastic, teenage witch captured younger audiences, making her a mainstay at the network for years, as she made cameos on other Disney shows and starred in 2009’s Princess Protection Program with Demi Lovato.

After her time at Disney, Gomez continued acting as well as pursuing a music career. She’s released seven studio albums to date and earned three Grammy nominations. On the acting side, her most recent acting roles include the Emmy-winning TV series Only Murders in the Building and the Oscar-winning film Emilia Pérez.

She’s also married to Benny Blanco.

Miley Cyrus’ starring role as Miley Stewart/Hannah Montana on the Disney Channel series Hannah Montana, from 2006–2011, launched her career as a child. She also made guest appearances on other Disney shows as well as led 2009’s Hannah Montana: The Movie.

While Cyrus has starred in a few post-Disney film and TV projects over the years, including The Last Song, LOL, So Undercover and Black Mirror, her focus has mostly been on music. She’s released nine studio albums, including her most recent, Something Beautiful, in 2025. Cyrus has also won three Grammys, including record of the year for “Flowers.”

Before becoming an Emmy-winning actress, Zendaya starred on two Disney Channel shows. She played Rocky Blue on Shake It Up, opposite Bella Thorne, from 2010 to 2013, and later K.C. Undercover, which ran from 2015 to 2018. She also starred in the Disney Channel Original Movies Frenemies (2012) and Zapped (2014).

Once Zendaya stepped away from the kids’ network, she quickly stepped into more mature roles, including her Emmy-winning role on Rue in Euphoria, which premieres its third season in 2026. On the film side, she’s starred in major blockbusters, such as the Spider-Man franchise, opposite Tom Holland (her now husband), Dune: Part One and Dune: Part Two, as well as Challengers.

Zendaya shows no signs of slowing down as she has several upcoming projects, including The Drama, The Odyssey, Spider-Man: Brand New Day, Dune: Part Three and Shrek 5.

Demi Lovato made a name for herself as a teenager, starring in the Disney series Sonny With a Chance and as the character Mitchie Torres in the films Camp Rock (2008) and Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam (2010). The Jonas Brothers also starred in the two Disney films.

Following her time at the network, Lovato put most of her focus on music. She’s released nine studio albums so far, with her most recent, It’s Not That Deep, dropping in 2025. She’s also earned two Grammy nominations.

Lovato has also been candid over the years about her long-term struggle with substance abuse and addiction, including her near-fatal overdose in 2018. She specifically opened up in the 2021 docuseries Demi Lovato: Dancing With the Devil.

She is married to Jordan “Jutes” Lutes.

The Jonas Brothers — comprised of brothers Kevin Jonas, Joe Jonas and Nick Jonas — first became teen idols in the mid-2000s, after dropping several hit songs and starring in multiple Disney Channel projects. Some of their early hits included a cover of “Year 3000,” as well as the tracks “S.O.S.” and “Burnin’ Up.” In addition to music, they continue to capture hearts with their own Disney series, Jonas L.A., and the Camp Rock movies.

After releasing several albums, the group split in 2013 to pursue individual projects. Nick found success with his solo music career, while Joe was the lead singer for the band DNCE and Kevin focused on entrepreneurship.

However, the Jonas Brothers reunited in 2019 and have since released more studio albums and went on multiple world tours. In total, they have released six studio albums together as a group over the years. They also released a holiday film, A Very Jonas Christmas Movie, in 2025.

Kevin currently shares two daughters with his wife, Danielle Deleasa Jonas; Nick has a child with his wife, Priyanka Chopra Jonas; and Joe shares two daughters with ex-wife Sophie Turner.

Zac Efron became a teen idol after starring as Troy Bolton in the 2006 Disney Channel hit High School Musical. He reprised the role in two more films, 2007’s High School Musical 2 and 2008’s High School Musical 3: Senior Year.

Since his days on Disney, he’s starred in numerous films, from 2007’s Hairspray and 2012’s The Lucky One to 2014’s Neighbors and 2017’s The Greatest Showman. His most recent projects include 2023’s The Iron Claw and 2024’s A Family Affair.

He also appeared in and executive produced the Netflix docuseries, Down to Earth With Zac Efron, for two seasons.

Sabrina Carpenter may be a global pop star now, but she initially found stardom playing Maya Hart on the Disney Channel series Girl Meets World from 2014 to 2017.

While she’s appeared in a handful of films since, such as 2019’s Tall Girl, 2020’s Work It, 2020’s Clouds and 2022’s Emergency, Carpenter’s main focus has been on music. She’s released a total of seven studio albums, including 2024’s Short n’ Sweet, which launched her into a global pop superstar, debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. Her most recent album was 2025’s Man’s Best Friend, which also debuted at No. 1.

Carpenter has also earned two Grammys, including 12 nominations.

Hilary Duff first captured people’s attention leading the hit Disney Channel series Lizzie McGuire from 2001 to 2004. She also starred in 2003’s The Lizzie McGuire Movie.

She continued to become a household name with her roles in 2003’s Cheaper by the Dozen, 2004’s A Cinderella Story, 2004’s Raise Your Voice and 2006’s Material Girls. She also had a recurring role on Gossip Girl in 2009. More recently, she starred on Younger from 2015 to 2021 and How I Met Your Father from 2022 to 2023.

In addition to acting, Duff also had a successful music career, releasing several albums before taking a hiatus from music. She returned in 2026 with her sixth studio album, Luck… Or Something.

Duff shares three daughters with husband Matthew Koma and a son with ex-husband Mike Comrie.

Olivia Rodrigo is known as a global superstar now, but she actually first achieved fame through her roles on the Disney Channel show Bizaardvark, playing Paige Olvera from 2016 to 2019, and the Disney+ series High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, playing Nini from 2019 to 2022.

She was then launched to international stardom when her debut single, “Drivers License,” exploded in 2021, topping the Billboard Hot 100 chart. She followed it with her debut album, Sour, and her sophomore album, Guts, in 2023.

Rodrigo has also won three Grammys, including 14 nominations.

Vanessa Hudgens first garnered attention for her breakout role as Gabriella Montez in the Disney Channel’s High School Musical franchise, which included three films that ran from 2006 to 2008.

After Disney, she starred in the controversial 2012 film Spring Breakers, and later made her Broadway debut as the title character in the revival of Gigi in 2015. More recently, she’s starred in several holiday films for Netflix, including 2018’s The Princess Switch, 2019’s The Knight Before Christmas, 2020’s The Princess Switch: Switched Again and 2021’s The Princess Switch 3. She also appeared in the 2024 rom-com French Girl.

Hudgens also had a short music career, releasing two pop albums, V (2006) and Identified (2008).

She is married to Cole Tucker, and they have two children together.

Ariana Grande got her start playing the bubbly Cat Valentine on Nickelodeon’s Victorious, from 2010 to 2013, as well as its spinoff Sam & Cat, from 2013 to 2014.

Following her time on the kids’ network, she turned her focus to music, releasing her debut album, Yours Truly, in 2013 and launching to global stardom. Not only did it top the Billboard 200 chart, but it also featured the hit single “The Way.” She went on to release several more smash hits, including “Problem,” “Dangerous Woman” and “thank u, next,” among many others. Grande has released a total of seven studio albums, including her most recent, 2024’s Eternal Sunshine.

She’s also earned three Grammys, including 19 nominations.

Grande later landed her dream role as Glinda in the big-screen adaptation of the Wicked Broadway musical. She starred opposite Cynthia Erivo in 2024’s Wicked and 2025’s Wicked: For Good, and received a best supporting actress Oscar nomination for her performance in the first film. As for other roles, she also appeared in the TV series Scream Queens in 2015.

She next stars in Focker In-Law.

Keke Palmer became a child star, first leading the critically acclaimed film Akeelah and the Bee (2006). She followed that with her starring roles in the Disney Channel Original Movie Jump In! (2007), with Corbin Bleu; the Nickelodeon sitcom True Jackson, VP (2008–2011); and the Nickelodeon movie Rags (2012).

After making a name for herself, Palmer also branched into music. She’s released several albums and EPs throughout her career, including her most recent, the 2023 studio album Big Boss and 2025 EP DivaGurl.

Since entering adulthood, Palmer has starred in numerous onscreen projects, including Hustlers (2019), Alice (2022), Nope (2022), One of Them Days (2025), Good Fortune (2025), The ‘Burbs (2026) and I Love Boosters (2026).

Palmer has also been hosting her podcast, Baby, This Is Keke Palmer, since 2022. And she’s won two Emmys.

She shares a son with ex-partner Darius Jackson.

Miranda Cosgrove dominated Nickelodeon as a child, first playing the mischievous Megan Parker on Drake & Josh from 2004 to 2007. She later landed the leading role as Carly Shay on the hit Nickelodeon series iCarly from 2007 to 2012.

She also appeared in 2003’s School of Rock early in her career, but after her time on Nickelodeon, she stepped away from the spotlight for several years and attended college. She eventually returned, reprising her role in the iCarly revival from 2021 to 2023. Cosgrove has also voiced the character Margo in the Despicable Me films and led her first rom-com, The Wrong Paris, in 2025.

Victoria Justice rose to fame on Nickelodeon after her role as Lola Martinez on Zoey 101, and then later as the lead on the hit show Victorious, playing Tori Vega.

Since then, she’s not appeared in several more onscreen projects, but also been working her her music career. Justice has released several singles and EPs, including her most recent tracks, “Santa Darlin’” and “Love Zombie” in 2025.

Her other screen credits include Eye Candy (2015), Trust (2021), A Perfect Pairing (2022), Depravity (2024), California King (2025) and Suits LA (2025).

Emma Roberts first caught people’s attention as Addie Singer on Nickelodeon’s Unfabulous from 2004 to 2007.

In addition to her show on the kids’ network, Roberts also starred in Aquamarine (2006), Nancy Drew (2007) and Hotel for Dogs (2009) as a teen. She later transitioned to more mature roles, such as in We’re the Millers (2013), Nerve (2016), Billionaire Boys Club (2018), Little Italy (2018), Holidate (2020), Maybe I Do (2023) and Space Cadet (2024).

She’s also been a frequent Ryan Murphy collaborator, including American Horror Story (2013-2024) and Scream Queens (2015-2016). And she served as an executive producer on Tell Me Lies.

Roberts shares one child with ex-partner, Garrett Hedlund.

Josh Peck starred on the hit Nickelodeon series The Amanda Show before he went on to play Josh Nichols on the network’s sitcom Drake & Josh from 2004 to 2007.

In addition to acting, Peck has also established himself on social media, boasting more than 32 million followers across multiple platforms. His other screen credits include Red Dawn (2012), The Mindy Project (2013-2014), The Timber (2015), Grandfathered (2015-2016), Oppenheimer (2023), How I Met Your Father (2022-2023) and Cross (2026). He’s also worked as a voice actor, including in the Ice Age animated franchise.

Peck shares two children with his wife, Paige O’Brien.

Drake Bell rose to fame as a child with his appearances on several Nickelodeon shows, including The Amanda Show (1999-2002) and on the hit sitcom Drake & Josh (2004–2007).

While he’s pivoted to focusing more on his music career, releasing several albums and EPs over the years, and later finding popularity in Mexico, he’s also done some voice acting and appeared in various other projects.

It was also revealed in the 2024 docuseries Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV that Bell was also the unnamed victim sexually abused by Nickelodeon dialogue coach Brian Peck when he was 15 years old. Peck was ultimately convicted in 2004 and registered as a sex offender.

Kenan Thompson rose to fame on the Nickelodeon series All That, which ran from 1994 to 1998, and the popular sitcom Kenan & Kel, which aired from 1996 to 2000, as well as the 1997 movie Good Burger.

While he’s appeared in dozens of other projects, including some voice work, since his time on the children’s network, he really made a name for himself on Saturday Night Live, becoming the longest-running cast member on the NBC sketch comedy series. He’s been on SNL since 2003.

He also revived his character, Dexter Reed, for 2023’s Good Burger 2.

Bella Thorne’s claim to fame was her role as CeCe Jones on Disney Channel’s Shake It Up, which ran from 2010 to 2013. She starred alongside Zendaya.

After Disney, Thorne had appeared in several other projects, such as The DUFF (2015), You Get Me (2017), Midnight Sun (2018), Girl (2020), Paradise City (2021), Time Is Up (2021), Game of Love (2022) and Find Your Friends (2025).

In addition to acting, she’s also released several singles and EPs. And also gained massive attention as an OnlyFans creator in 2020, but has since turned her focus back on acting and directing.

While twins Dylan and Cole Sprouse appeared in a handful of projects as young children, they really made a name for themselves on the Disney Channel show The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, which ran from 2005 to 2008, and its spinoff The Suite Life on Deck, which aired from 2008 to 2011. They also teamed for The Suite Life Movie in 2011.

Following their time on Disney, they took a hiatus from acting to attend college. But they both returned to Hollywood, with Cole starring in Riverdale (2017-2023), Five Feet Apart (2019) and Lisa Frankenstein (2024), as well as more projects in the works.

As for Dylan, he’s starred in After We Collided (2020), My Fake Boyfriend (2022), Beautiful Disaster (2023), Beautiful Wedding (2024), Aftermath (2024) and Under Fire (2025). He’s also married to Barbara Palvin.

As a teen, Bridgit Mendler became a household name with her starring roles in Disney projects, such as Teddy Duncan on Good Luck Charlie (2010–2014) and Olivia in the musical film Lemonade Mouth (2011). She also had a recurring role on Wizards of Waverly Place.

Aside from acting, she released several EPs and her debut studio album, Hello My Name Is…, in 2011. Her hit song “Ready or Not” also went Platinum in the U.S.

Mendler has since left entertainment and gone on to earn degrees from several prestigious institutions. She’s now the CEO and co-founder of tech startup Northwood Space, which is developing ground infrastructure to improve communication with satellites. 

Raven-Symoné was a standout star on The Cosby Show (1989-1992), but it was her lead role in the hit series That’s So Raven (2003–2007) that made her a trailblazer on Disney Channel. She also starred as Galleria in the Disney movies The Cheetah Girls (2003) and The Cheetah Girls 2 (2006).

She’s made appearances in several other projects throughout her career, but later reprised her role as Raven Baxter in the spinoff Raven’s Home, which aired from 2017 to 2023. She also served as an executive producer on the series. Once Raven’s Home ended, she signed a multiyear overall deal with Disney to help develop new comedies.

Raven-Symoné also hosts the podcast, Tea Time With Raven & Miranda, with her wife, Miranda Maday.

One of Shia LaBeouf’s earliest notable roles was playing Louis Stevens on the Disney Channel series Even Stevens (2000–2003), and in 2003’s The Even Stevens Movie, which also earned him a Daytime Emmy.

Once he stepped away from Disney, he found more mainstream success with his roles in Holes (2003), the blockbuster Transformers franchise (2007-2011), Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008), Nymphomaniac: Vol. I and Vol. 1 (2013), Fury (2014), Honey Boy (2019), The Peanut Butter Falcon (2019), Pieces of a Woman (2020), Megalopolis (2024) and Salvable (2025).

Throughout his career, LaBeouf has been at the center of legal trouble as well as alcohol-related and behavioral incidents. He previously settled a 2025 sexual battery lawsuit with singer FKA twigs, and was then arrested in 2026 during Mardi Gras in New Orleans and charged with multiple counts of simple battery.

In the late ’90s and early 2000s, Amanda Bynes cemented her status as a Nickelodeon child star with her roles on All That (1996–2000) and The Amanda Show (1999–2002).

Post Nickelodeon, she continued to find success as a comedic queen as a teen, with her performances in Big Fat Liar (2002), What a Girl Wants (2003), She’s the Man (2006), Hairspray (2007), Sydney White (2007) and Easy A (2010), as well as the TV series What I Like About You (2002-2006).

After her last onscreen role in Easy A, Bynes battled legal and mental health struggles for several years. She was also in a nearly nine-year conservatorship, which ended in 2022. She’s now focusing on her health, while pursuing a career in cosmetology and living out of the spotlight in Los Angeles.

Dove Cameron scored her breakout role playing twins in the Disney Channel sitcom Liv and Maddie (2013–2017). Her performance also earned her a Daytime Emmy Award. She found more success with Disney, starring as Mal, daughter of Maleficent, in the popular Descendants movie franchise, starting in 2015.

Cameron has since moved past her days at Disney, most recently starring opposite Nickelodeon alum Avan Jogia in the TV series 56 Days. In addition to acting, she’s also working on her music career, releasing her EP, Alchemical: Volume 1, in 2023, with more music on the way.