Disney And Nick Stars Then And Now

Old Disney stars then and now like Hilary Duff, Raven-Symoné, Orlando Brown, Alyson Michalka, and more have created legacies for themselves as Disney icons.

Alyson Michalka

Disney Channel series Phil of the Future shot Alyson Michalka into the mainstream spotlight. The series aired from 2004 to 2006.

She contributed to Disney with a lineup of Cow Belles. The actress' time at Disney was indeed a vital part of her career.

Besides Disney, Alyson also flourished as a talented musician. Her latest work marks her role as Lexi Dunn in the 2022 drama TV series The Good Doctor.

Christy Carlson Romano

Christy Carlson Romano earned fame for lending her voice to the titular character of Kim Possible in the series Kim Possible. It aired from 2002 to 2007.

She contributed significantly to Disney's legacy for the show was a massive success. In fact, it became a remarkable part of Disney Channel's lineup.

Christy also starred in Cadet Kelly where she played the character of Kelly Collins alongside Hilary Duff. Likewise, she appeared in other Disney Channel series and movies.

Outside of Disney Channel, she pursued a career in film. That said, her contributions to Disney have left a positive impact on the audience.

Orlando Brown

That's So Raven successfully launched the career of Orlando Brown beside Raven-Symone. He starred as Eddie Thomas in the series that aired from 2003 to 2004.

Portraying the role of Raven's friend, Orlando earned a genuine fanbase. Likewise, his contributions to the series left a positive impact.

Likewise, Brown also made a brief appearance in the Disney Channel Original Movie The Even Stevens Movie in 2003. In 2022, he starred as Detective Brown in Bloody Hands.

Whereas, in 2023, Orlando appeared in the television series Bad Boys: Texas which premiered on March 20, 2023.

Disney Channel Stars 2000s include Miley Cyrus, Selena Gomez, The Jonas Brothers, Zac Efron, and more. They are still making grand rounds in the industry.

The Jonas Brothers

The Jonas Brothers comprising of brothers Kevin, Joe, and Nick are familiar faces to genuine fans of Camp Rock, a Disney Channel original movie.

The three brothers hit mainstream notability after starring in Camp Rock and later in their Disney Channel show, Jonas.

Undoubtedly, not only did Disney launch their careers, but their work at the channel earned them significant fame and a loyal fanbase.

However, the band fell apart eventually in 2013. The brothers worked on their individual projects until they reunited in 2019 and landed their first #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 with Sucker.

Not long ago in May 2023, they released their sixth studio album The Album featuring a guest appearance from Jon Bellion. They are going on a tour from August 12, 2023.

Demi Lovato

Camp Rock not only launched The Jonas Brothers career but Demi Lovato also hit international fame with the Disney Channel original film.

Demi Lovato and Joe's hit Camp Rock song This Is Me still has an enduring effect irrespective of being released in 2008.

Lovato also starred in the titular character of Sonny in the Disney Channel show Sonny with a Chance. Following Disney, she focused her energy on her music career.

That said, she did a few cameos in the shows like Will & Grace and Glee. Demi released her latest album in 2022 which debuted in the U.S. Billboard 200 chart.

Vanessa Hudgens

How can we forget Vanessa Hudgens who starred as Gabriella Montez in the Disney Original film High School Musical? She rose to stardom alongside Zac and Ashley.

The High School personality set a cultural phenomenon with her performance. Hudgens reprised her role in the sequel which also solidified its notability like the original.

Vanessa also starred in the movie High School Musical 3: Senior Year which was released in theatres rather than on the Disney Channel.

Throughout her time at Disney, she cemented her popularity among the audience and gained a loyal fanbase. Beyond Disney, she continued to grow as an actress.

Coming to 2023, the actress appeared as Naomi in the American drama film, Downtown Owl, which premiered on June 8, 2023.

Some of the most successful Disney stars are Hilary Duff, Miley Cyrus, Raven-Symoné, Selena Gomez, and Zac Efron. They boast successful careers to date.

Hilary Duff

Hilary Duff hit the spotlight with the notable Disney Channel show Lizzie McGuire which aired from 2001 to 2004. She portrayed the titular character of Lizzie.

Disney launched her career in the entertainment industry and earned her a loyal fanbase. Since then Hilary has been maintaining the notability with her outstanding exhibitions.

Besides Lizzie McGuire, she also starred in some other films like A Cinderella Story and Cadet Kelly during her time on Disney Channel.

Coming to 2023, Hilary stars in How I Met Your Father, a spin-off of the famous sitcom How I Met Your Mother.

Miley Cyrus

Without a doubt, many of you have known Miley Cyrus as the titular character Hannah Montana. She starred as a teenage girl Hannah who played a double life.

Her notable alter ego Hannah Montana earned Miley grand success. The character allowed her to blend acting and singing while her passion for the latter became more evident over the years.

Early this year, she released the pre-release single Flower, one of the most streamed TikTok viral songs on Spotify, which has already garnered over 1.3 billion streams on Spotify.

She dropped her 2023 album Endless Summer Vacation on March 10. Likewise, a documentary titled Miley Cyrus – Endless Summer Vacation (Backyard Sessions) also was issued the same day.

Raven-Symoné

Raven-Symoné gained fame starring as her titular character Raven in the Disney Channel series That's So Raven. The series aired from 2001 to 2004.

It was her charm and comedic timing that resonated with the viewers. It aided in the show's fame which in turn established her as a prominent Disney idol.

Raven also starred in Raven's Home, a spin-off of the series That's So Raven. Likewise, she played in Cory in the House and The Cheetah Girls.

In 2022, she starred as Ali in A Black Lady Sketch Show, an American TV sketch comedy series, in the episode titled Peaches and Eggplants For Errbody.

Selena Gomez

Without a second thought Selena Gomez who starred as Alex Russo in the Disney Channel show Wizards of Waverly Place makes it to the list.

She is one of the Disney idols who boasts a triumphant career in the entertainment industry. Gomez co-starred with Demi Lovato in Princess Protection Program.

Following her Disney days, Gomez turned her acting career to singing which gained more recognition. That said, her Disney legacy is undoubtedly an essential part of her early career.

Zac Efron

Decorated Disney icon Zac Efron found fame as Troy Bolton in the High School Musical. The successful Disney Original movie later developed into a franchise.

Beyond Disney, Efron earned success with films like 17 Again, Baywatch, and The Greatest Showman. In 2022, he starred in the documentary Down to Earth with Zac Efron.

Nickelodeon actors and actresses like Keke Palmer, Kenan Thompson, Melissa Joan Hart, Nick Cannon, and more created a legacy for themselves in the industry.

1. Keke Palmer
2. Kenan Thompson
3. Melissa Joan Hart
4. Nick Cannon
5. Elza González
6. Josh Peck
7. Nat & Alek Wolff
8. Cameron Ocasio
9. Daniella Monet
10. Ashley Argota

Keke Palmer

Keke Palmer's career took a leap after starring in the Nickelodeon sitcom True Jackson, VP. She had been into acting since her early days.

Likewise, Palmer also participated in the American Idol. In 2022, Keke appeared in four films, Alice, Jennifer Lopez: Halftime, Lightyear, and Nope.

Kenan Thompson

Kenan Thompson's Nickelodeon legacy spans over two decades. One of his iconic roles is in the show All That premiered in 1994.

Modern audiences might know him best for his now 10+ years tenure at Saturday Night Live.

Melissa Joan Hart

Melissa Joan Hart is best recognized for starring in two Nickelodeon shows Clarissa Explains It All and Sabrina the Teenage Witch.

Her legacy on Nickelodeon left an enduring impact on the network. Beyond Nickelodeon, Hart boasts a successful acting career.

Nickelodeon stars then and now like Ariana Grande, Emma Roberts, Ryan Reynolds, Jessica Alba, and more experienced growth in their significant careers with time.

Ariana Grande

One of the most listened-to artists on Spotify, Ariana Grande, starred on the Nickelodeon series Victorious alongside Elizabeth Gilles and Victoria Justice.

Given her utmost notability at the moment, some of us might forget that she was once a Nickelodeon star. Following her Nickelodeon days, her notability propelled her as a singer.

Emma Roberts

How can we forget Emma Roberts who starred as the little Addie singer from Unfabulous? In nearly no time, she breaks into the acting industry.

Emma is widely recognized for her works in the horror and thriller genres. She starred as Michelle in the 2023 romantic comedy film Maybe I Do.

Ryan Reynolds

Although, Ryan Reynold doesn't have a significant Nickelodeon legacy like others; however, the actor boasts a highly successful acting career.

His contributions to Fifteen, one of Nickelodeon's projects, remain a part of his early acting journey.