Child stars from the Disney Channel: then and now

Many years have passed, and not all the children and teens of the Disney Channel have met a similar fate. This happy boy would turn into a tortured young man. Aaron Carter passed away in November 2022 at the age of 34.

It makes you wonder... How have the other Disney kids fared since their times of fame in the 1990s and early 2000s? Let's have a look!

Acclaimed for her secondary role in the Jonas Brothers movie 'Camp Rock' (2008), the actress had her own sitcom only a year afterward: 'Sonny with a Chance'.

More than a decade later, Demi Lovato's change has been wild. She is a music idol, a terrific coach in 'The Voice', and one of the few celebrities that have openly spoken about their addictions.

Although the actor had an incredible cinematic career at an early age, it was the Disney movie 'High School Musical' (2006) that pushed him into the spotlight. He was 19, had a questionable middle-length haircut, and a melting smile.

Years have gone by, and now Zac Efron has grown not only as an actor but also in muscles. We love the six-pack, but the platinum is a no for us.

Nick Jonas' career has been one of the most followed after his Disney journey. He was only 15 when his innocent face and wild curly hair made everyone scream in the successful movie, 'Camp Rock' (2008).

Next to him in the picture: Miley Cyrus

Now, with double the muscles, he is a music and acting star and happily married to actress Priyanka Chopra.

At only 13 years old, Zendaya arrived at Disney Channel in 2010 and played the role of Rocky Blue in 'Shake it up.'

A decade later, she would win the Emmy for Best Actress for her role in the hit series 'Euphoria.' She is a total Hollywood star by now.

The most rebellious Disney twins starred in their own series in 2005: 'The Suite Life of Zack & Cody.' They were only 12 and already had a long acting history on TV.

When their Disney era ended, they made a stop along the way to complete their studies and then returned to the acting world. Recently, we could see Cole in the hit show 'Riverdale.'

Selena Gomez was practically born with a camera filming her. Her role as Alex Russo in 'Wizards of Waverly Place' was the one that made her world famous. She was just 14 when she filmed the first season.

Currently, she is a TV and movie star, for example in the Disney Plus detective 'Only Murders in the Building,' while also working on a very successful makeup company: Rare Beauty.

Without a doubt, Miley has experienced the most radical change in Disney channel history. The actress was 13 when she started shooting 'Hannah Montana' (2006) and the amount of success of the show was unreal.

When her Disney era ended, Miley Cyrus wanted to leave her innocent Disney image behind and become a wild and rebellious pop star. And she has certainly accomplished that.

When the bucket haircut suits you, you know you have natural beauty... And Joe Jonas (m) certainly did when 'Camp Rock' premiered in 2008.

With time, he has transformed his image and style but has always kept his good humor. Since May 2019, he has been married to the 'Game of Thrones' actress Sophie Turner (image).

Hilary Duff was the first big Disney star of the 21st century. She was only 13 when she started in the successful series 'Lizzie McGuire' (2001).

Today, she is really focused on her role as a mother taking care of her three children, but still succeeds in her acting career: She has recently premiered the Hulu series, 'How I Met Your Father,' where she is the protagonist.

The oldest of the Jonas Brothers was 21 years old when the 'Camp Rock' movie transformed him into an international star. However, he was the first to put his career aside to start a family.

In recent years, he has reunited with his brothers to bring back the band, but this time it has a fresher and more mature sound.

It's surprising to see the extended filmography of such a young actress. Bella Thorne was born in 1997 and made her Disney debut in the series 'Shake it up' when she was only 12. There, she proved her talent as an actress.

Since her Disney years, Thorne hasn't stopped making movies. Yet, her current look is nowhere near the innocent Disney girl she once was.

Aaron Carter's time at Disney didn't last long. His personal problems threw him out of the Star System, and he no longer had the 'good boy' image after that.

Sadly, the singer passed away in November 2022. He was about to make his comeback on television with the pilot of the sitcom 'Group.'

At age 17, sweet Vanessa made everyone fall in love with her 'High School Musical' character, Gabriella. The actress stole our hearts with her beautiful dark brown hair, especially that of Zac Efron - an on-screen romance that would turn into a real-life one.

Since then, the actress has worked non-stop and we were able to see her in the amazing live production 'Grease,' for example. For Netflix, she made 'The Princess Switch,' which was also quite popular - but nothing like the success of her Disney days.

His character, Chad Danforth, was serious competition for Zac Efron's Troy Bolton in 'High School Musical.'

He was a fleeting Disney star and since the hit movie, we haven't seen him much. But since 2019, thanks to Disney, he's been back on screen with 'High School Musical: the Series.'

Lindsay is loved by many for her now iconic roles in movies like 'The Parent Trap', 'Mean Girls' or 'Freaky Friday.' She also followed the classic story of the Disney girl who went from on-screen perfect to a real-life path of partying and excesses.

The result for Lohan has been an erratic acting career, even though she's recently come back for the Netflix series 'Sick Note' and the Christmas movie 'Falling for You.'

Max was Selena Gomez's rebellious and adorable little brother in the Disney series 'Wizards of Waverly Place.'

Although he frequents the red carpets, Jake T. Austin hasn't been up to much since his role in the family drama 'The Fosters' (2013-2018).

She was known for her very preppy and glamorous role as London Tipton in 'The Suite Life of Zack & Cody' (2008), although she appeared in other Disney shows as well.

Brenda Song is one of the Disney stars who have worked most since their time at the Channel. Song is also a fashion guru and the partner of iconic movie star and podcaster Macaulay Culkin.

She was Lily and Lola: Hannah Montana's best friend and the one keeping the popstar's secret. Here she's standing as the second from the right, in between Miley Cyrus and Jason Earles.

Although the series ended in 2011, we have been able to see Haley Joel Osment's sister in series like 'Mom' or 'The Kominsky Method.'

Not many people know that when the actor was portraying Hannah Montana's brother, he was almost 30 years old.

In fact, although being in his 40s, he looks even younger now. That's because Jason Earles has a rare illness, 'Kallmann Syndrome,' that keeps him from looking older. He's still active in showbiz, for example in 'High School Musical: The Series,' but he hasn't been near the level of success from his early Disney years.

Harper was Alex's (Selena Gomez) best friend in 'Wizards of Waverly Place,' and her character was both odd and cute. Jennifer Stone started at 13 years old and was 18 when the series ended.

Although the actress hasn't changed much, her career hasn't been as successful as it was during her time with Disney.

She was 21 when she played the infamous role of Sharpay Evans in 'High School Musical' (2006). Even if she's still remembered by that character, Sharpay wasn't even her most famous for Disney… She was also the voice of Candance, the annoying old sister in 'Phineas & Ferb' (2007-2015).

In the image, Ashley Tisdale and Brenda Song in 2005.

She's worked as a panelist on the 'Masked Singer' spinoff, 'The Masked Dancer' and also appeared in a few series, such as 'Carol's Second Act' and 'Merry Happy Whatever.'