Disney Channel is the starting point for many of the biggest stars in the entertainment industry. The channel's original content gives cast members the opportunity to explore music and acting careersand it's fascinating to see how certain actors choose to pursue their careers, including Miley Cyrus, who now focuses primarily on music, and Zac Efron, who continues to act. Targeting primarily younger audiences, Disney Channel's original TV shows and movies have continued to be praised by critics and audiences alike over the years.
The widespread popularity of Disney Channel movies and shows has given its stars a platform like no other and allowed them to experiment with a variety of genres such as comedies and musicals. Although some of Disney Channel's former stars have left acting to focus on music or careers outside of the entertainment industry, each has achieved a great level of success outside of their respective Disney Channel original series and films.
10
Jonas Brothers
Starred in an episode of Hannah Montana
The Jonas Brothers are a band formed by brothers Joe, Nick and Kevin. The brothers are best known for their current music careers, but they first received attention after starring in an episode of a Disney Channel show.. Before the trio of brothers played a fictional band in the television film Rock Campthey were special guests on an episode of Hannah Montana“Me and Mr. Jonas and Mr. Jonas and Mr. Jonas.” The excitement surrounding the band's appearance is evident in the episode's numbers, which saw it as the highest-rated Hannah Montana episode.
Since leaving Disney Channel, the Jonas Brothers have separated their music and acting careers, only returning as a band in recent years. During his solo efforts, Nick was the band member who played more acting roles than his brothers. Notable films Nick has starred in include the Jumanji film sequels and the recent romantic comedy Love againled by his wife Priyanka Chopra Jonas.
9
Miley Cyrus
Starred as the lead in Hannah Montana
Miley Cyrus' film debut was in Tim Burton's film Big Fishwith his time on Disney Channel beginning just a few years later. Debuting in 2006, Hannah Montana told the story of a teenager who lives a double life as a pop singer of the same name. Throughout his years on the program, Cyrus showcased her vocal and acting skills, the former of which proved to be more indicative of the direction her career would take..
After her Disney days, Cyrus simultaneously invested in her music and acting careers, releasing albums and starring in films such as So disguised and voicing the character Mainframe in a post-credits scene for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. However, just like the Jonas Brothers, Cyrus pivoted and prioritized her singing career and won her first two Grammy Awards in 2024 for her song “Flowers.”
8
Vanessa Hudgens
Starred as Gabriella Montez in the High School Musical films
As a performer, Vanessa Hudgens got her start on stage in local musical theater productions, but eventually made her Disney Channel debut in the television film. Musical School. THE Musical School The films are considered some of the best Disney Channel Original Movies because of their catchy songs, well-choreographed numbers, and inspiring messages for audiences. Starring as Gabriella Montez, the smart and kind new girl at East High Hudgens proved to be a charming and musically gifted leading man on screen.
Following her end Musical School years, Hudgens went on to star in films that highlighted her diverse talents, from films like Bestial and Spring breakers to Tick, Tick… Boom! Hudgens recently had recurring roles on Bad Boys and The Princess Swap franchises, the latter in which Hudgens plays the role of two identical strangers who switch places.
7
Bridgit Mendler
Starred as Teddy Duncan in Good Luck Charlie
Unlike the other former Disney Channel stars mentioned, Bridgit Mendler's career in the spotlight ended relatively soon after her time on Good luck Charlie had come to an end. After taking on supporting roles in other Disney series, Jonas and Wizards of Waverly PlaceMendler played one of the sitcom's main children Good luck Charlie. Mendler also played the main character in the DCOM Lemonade Mouthwhere she showcased her vocal talent, which was further explored on her debut album, Hello, my name is…
However, after Mendler enrolled at MIT and Harvard, she made a drastic career change and focused on her entrepreneurial ventures. Earlier this year, Mendler announced that she was CEO and co-founder, alongside her husband, of a satellite data startup, Northwood Space. The company's goal is to produce satellite ground stations to help companies obtain large amounts of data quickly and reliably.
6
Olivia Rodrigo
Starred as Paige Olvera in Bizaardvark
Quickly rising to fame after the release of “Drivers License” in 2021, Olivia Rodrigo may be best known for her music career, but her entry into the entertainment industry was through a Disney Channel show. In 2016, Rodrigo debuted on TV in Bizaardvarka comedy series in which two best friends find fame through online comedy videos. After BizaardvarkRodrigo led the Disney+ mockumentary series High School Musical: The Musical: The Series.
Happening where Musical School was filmed, Rodrigo played Nini, one of the East High students participating in a presentation inspired by the DCOM. However, after Rodrigo's musical career took off, the actor completely separated himself from the series and Disney Channel. Since his Disney Channel days, Rodrigo has continued to find more musical success, winning three Grammy Awards and embarking on success STOMACH World Tour.
5
Selena Gomes
Starred as Alex Russo in Wizards of Waverly Place
Although Selena Gomez began her career with minor roles in Barney and friends and Zack and Cody's Suite Lifethe oldest series that Gomez is most associated with is Wizards of Waverly Place. In 2007, Gomez began playing the series' protagonist, Alex Russo, the mischievous middle child of a family of wizards. The Disney Channel show ended in 2012 and opened up opportunities for Gomez to take on more mature roles.
Spring breakers and To escape were two of Gomez's first projects outside of Disney Channel, and she continued to star in a variety of films, both live-action and animated, such as those on Hotel Transylvania franchise. Recently, Gomez took on the lead role of Mabel Mora in the Hulu film Only murders in the buildingwhere she also serves as executive producer. Gomez's latest project is the Netflix crime comedy Emilia Pérez. Gomez's participation in the film earned her the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival, alongside her co-stars.
4
Jenna Ortega
Starred as Harley Diaz in Stuck in the Middle
After playing the younger version of the titular character on The CW's Joan, the VirginJenna Ortega led the Disney Channel series Stuck in the middle. In the show, Ortega played Harley Diaz, the middle child of the family, known for her creative inventions. The series lasted three seasons and in the following years Ortega's acting career gradually gained critical and public attention. Although Ortega hasn't returned to her music career or retired from acting like other former Disney Channel stars, she has had a unique change in her work.
Stepping away from work at Disney Channel, Ortega starred The consequencesa drama about the trauma surrounding a school shooting. Ortega's performance in the film caught the attention of critics and received positive feedback, being recognized as his breakout role. The following year, after playing the titular character in the Netflix film Wednesdayand taking on prominent roles in horror films Scream and XOrtega has cemented his status in the horror genre.
3
Zac Efron
Starred as Troy Bolton in the High School Musical films
Before landing the role of Troy Bolton in Musical SchoolZac Efron has appeared in popular TV series like Firefly and Emergency Room. However, Efron rose to fame when the high school student was conflicted between his passion for basketball and musical theater. Although Efron didn't sing Musical Schoolhe did in the sequels and the actor would continue to sing periodically in films such as Hairspray and The greatest showman.
Efron's musicals are some of his most beloved projects, but his filmography shows the impressive range he has as an actor. Neighbors and 17 again highlight Efron's comedic talents, while the moving biopic The Iron Claw shows a serious side of the actor that left critics and audiences completely impressed.. Efron hasn't been recognized at major award shows like his Disney Channel counterparts, but there's no denying his growth and success as an actor.
2
Zendaya
Starred as Rocky Blue in Shake It Up
The TV series that Zendaya will most likely be recognized for is Euphoriawhere she plays Rue Bennett and serves as a behind-the-scenes executive producer. In 2020, Zendaya won an Emmy for her performance, allowing her to become the youngest winner of the Lead Actress in a Drama Series award. However, Zendaya made her television debut with Disney Channel Shake in 2010. Zendaya led another comedy series for the channel, KC undercoveras well as some television films.
When Zendaya left Disney Channel, she began focusing on film roles rather than TV roles.starting with Spider-Man: Homecoming in 2017. Since then, Zendaya has worked with renowned directors such as Denis Villeneuve and Luca Guadagnino on Dune films and Challengersrespectively. In this latest film, Zendaya plays a promising tennis player turned coach after a career-ending injury. Zendaya's performance as the complex character earned her a Golden Globe nomination.
1
Ryan Gosling
Starred as Mouseketeer in the new Mickey Mouse Club
Due to his current status as a huge movie star, people sometimes forget that Ryan Gosling got his start on the Disney Channel. Alongside other acclaimed artists such as Keri Russell and Britney Spears, Gosling starred in a revival of The Mickey Mouse Clubaptly titled The new Mickey Mouse club. The main cast members, known as the Mouseketeers, appeared in a variety of sketches, music videos, and other live performances, although Gosling did not have as much air time as his co-stars.
Gosling has been nominated for many of his performances throughout his career and there's no denying his star quality. Since his short time at Disney Channel, Gosling has produced, directed, and led a variety of films.showing his range as an actor. From his dramatic roles in films such as The Notebook and Blue Valentine's Day for your humorous in The cool guys and BarbieThere's something for everyone in Gosling's filmography.