List of Popular Child Actors: Then and Now
Among everything, Cartoons and TV shows are the two things that have been a major part of our memorable childhood days. Be it Disney’s cartoon characters like Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy, Pluto, or TV shows’ popular child artists like Hanna Montana, Lizzie McGuire, Troy Bolton, Raven, they all have made our childhood memories a bit sweeter. Well, the animated characters haven’t aged a bit in all these years, but our favorite TV shows’ child actors are fully grown up and some of them are still entertaining us through their exceptional talent and skill. Want to know how your favorite child actors look like? Just check out the list below of Famous child stars of our time.
List of Popular Child Actors: Then and Now
1.) Miley Cyrus (Born November 23, 1992) (Age 26)
Miley Cyrus is an Actress, American singer, and songwriter. After playing minor roles in the television series Doc and the film Big Fish as a child, Cyrus became a teen idol in 2006 when she starred in the Disney Channel television series Hannah Montana, playing the character Miley Stewart. The Actress is now 26 years old recently released her seventh album titled – She is Miley Cyrus, comprising three songs.
2.) Hilary Duff (Born September 28, 1987) (Age 31)
Hilary Duff is an American actress, songwriter, singer, author, designer, and producer. Duff started her acting career at a very young age. She quickly became a teen idol after playing the title character of the hit television series Lizzie McGuire (2001–2004) and starting in the film based on the series, The Lizzie McGuire Movie (2003). Afterward, Duff appeared in many films, playing leading roles in Cheaper by the Dozen (1&2), Agent Cody Banks, and A Cinderella Story.
3.) Vanessa Hudgens (Born December 14, 1988) (Age 30)
No all Disney Channel Original Movies had a long life as High School Musical, which not only got one but two sequels (and a Sharpay-focused spin-off). It won’t be wrong to say that Vanessa Hudgens, who played Gabriella, gave an exceptional performance. Since then, Vanessa has starred in many films like Sucker Punch (2011) and Spring Breakers (2013). Well, well, well, The Disney star is also rumored to be starring as Catwoman in the new Batman movie.
4.) Zac Efron (Born October 18, 1987)(Age 31)
A Disney retrospective without Zac Efron is not possible. The East High School sensation Troy Bolton, Zac played the role of Troy in the three installments of the High School Musical franchise. After that, Efron starred in many movies that include Neighbors, The Lucky One, and Baywatch. Last, Efron was seen playing Ted Bundy in the biopic titled Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Vile and Evil.
5.) Ashley Tisdale (Born July 2, 1985)(Age 34)
Another High School Musical starrer, Ashley Tisdale rose to fame after playing the character of Sharpay Evans in High School Musical that she got a spin-off of her character in 2011 titled Sharpay’s Fabulous Adventure. Post her Disney days, Tisdale appeared in movies like Amateur Night and Playing It Cool.
6.) Lucas Grabeel (Born November 23, 1984)(Age 34)
Remember Lucas Grabeel who played Sharpay’s twin brother? Lucas and his older brother, Ryan, have worked as a voice actor since their Disney days. One of the fun facts about Lucas is that he played the character of young Lex Luthor on Smallville, and 5 years later, he starred as the Superboy on the same show.
7.) Adrienne Bailon (Born October 24, 1983)(Age 35)
In 2003, Adrienne Bailon starred in North West’s beloved movie, The Cheetah Girls. She is also a former member of girl groups 3LW. At present, Bailon is one of the four co-hosts of the daytime talk show The Real.
8.) Selena Gomez (Born July 22, 1992) (Age 27)
Like Miley Cyrus, Selena Gomez is another most famous former Disney star that kids admired a lot. Although Selena started acting from 2002 on Barney & Friends, she didn’t get much recognition until 2007, when she played the character of Alex Russo on Disney’s Wizards of Waverly Place. She played the told till the show gone off-air in 2012. Currently, Selena is a well-known name in the film industry as she is a Signer, Actress, and Producer.
9.) Bella Thorne (Born October 8, 1997)(Age 21)
Before starring in the lead role in Disney’s Shake It Up (2010), Bella Thorne appeared on, Entourage, Dirty Sexy Money, and in one episode of The O.C. playing a young Taylor Townsend. At present, Bella appeared on Freeform’s Famous in Love and begun her own makeup line.
10.) Brenda Song (Born March 27, 1988) (Age 31)
Brenda Song is not only known for starring in shows for Disney Channel but also for Nickelodeon. The biggest Disney show of Brenda was The Suite Life of Zack & Cody that aired from 2005 to 2008. She also starred in the Sprouse twins as the titular brothers. Currently, she appeared on shows like Superstore and Pure Genius.
11.) Cole Sprouse (Born August 4, 1992) (Age 27)
Cole Sprouse got his big break on The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, where he played the role of Cody. The man who is now popular as Riverdale’s Jughead also played Ross’s son on Friends from 2000 to 2002.
12.) Dylan Sprouse (Born August 4, 1992) (Age 27)
Brother of Cole Sprouse, Dylan Sprouse appeared as Zack Martin on the Disney Channel series. Since then he has continued acting and has also opened a meadery in Brooklyn.
13.) Demi Lovato (Born August 20, 1992) (Age 26)
Demi Lovato begun her career as with television series Barney & Friends (2002 – 2004) and rose to fame with her exceptional performance as Mitchie Torres in the Disney Channel TV film Camp Rock (2008) and Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam (2010). She gained further popularity as a pop icon and by appearing in the lead role in Sonny With a Chance (2009 to 2011).
14.) Shia LaBeouf (Born June 11, 1986) (Age 33)
Another Disney boy, Shia LaBeouf was seen as a child star in Disney’s Even Stevens (2000 to 2003) where he played the role of Louis Stevens. For the role, LaBeouf received nomination for the Young Artist Award (2001) category and he won the Daytime Emmy Award in 2003. After his Disney days, LaBeouf starred in one of Indiana Jones movie and rose to fame with Transformer film series.
15.) Jake T. Austin (Born December 3, 1994) (Age 24)
Jake T. Austin played Alex’s (Selena Gomez) little brother on Wizards of Waverly Place from 2007 to 2011. He’s since appeared on The Fosters, competed on Dancing With the Stars, and provided voices for The Emoji Movie and Rio.
16.) Zendaya (Born September 1, 1996) (age 22)
Zendaya is a popular American actress and singer who began her career as a child model by working for Macy’s, Mervyns, and Old Navt. She also did an iCarly toys ad and appeared as a back-up dancer in a commercial for Sears. Zendeya gained popularity after her role as Rocky Blue on the Disney Channel sitcom Shake It Up (2010–2013). In 2017, she appeared in Spider-Man: Homecoming and The Greatest Showman. And at present, she is impressing the audience with her show Euphoria at HBO.
17.) Nick Jonas (Born Semptember 16, 1992) (Age 26)
Nick Jonas is the youngest of the Jonas Brothers who is not only a solo pop star but also a talented actor. He recently married an Indian actress and former Miss World, Priyanka Chopra who is 10 years older than him.
18.) Joe Jonas (Born August 15, 1989) (Age 29)
The second (middle) Jonas Brothers, Joe Jonas is the front man of the DNCE band which is well known for its single Cake by the Ocean. Joe is married to Sophie Turner, who appeared in the role of Sansa Stark in Game of Thrones.
19.) Kevin Jonas (Born November 5, 1987) (Age 31)
The eldest Jonas Brothers is a married man and a dad of two beautiful daughters. However, there is no stopping the daddy from going on tour as the Jonas Brothers have reunited.
20.) Kyle Massey (Born August 28, 1991) (Age 27)
Well known for appearing as Raven’s brother in That’s So Raven (2003 to 2007), Kyle Massey reprised his role in the spin-off of the same show (That’s So Raven) titled Cory in the House. Since then, Massey participated in Dancing With the Stars and also appeared in TV shows Gotham and Being Mary Jane.
21.) Mitchel Musso (Born July 9, 1991) (Age 28)
As a kid, Mitchel Musso appeared in the role of Oliver in Hannah Montana. In 2015, Musso landed his voice for a role on the animated show Phineas and Ferb. The last Musso was seen in a movie called Bachelor Lions.
22.) Olivia Holt (Born August 5, 1997) (Age 22)
Olivia Holt appeared in the Disney XD show Kickin’ It from 2011 to 2015. Also, she appeared in the TV shows Dog With a Blog and Shake It Up. And recently, Holt got the titular role in the new show Cloak & Dagger, which is based on the Marvel Comics Character.
23.) Raven-Symoné (Born December 10, 1985) (Age 33)
After gaining fame for herself through The Cosby Show, Raven-Symoné appeared in the role of Raven Baxter on That’s So Raven (2003 to 2007). After that, Symone hosted the talk show The View and appeared on the ABC sitcom Black-ish as Dre’s sister.
24.) Jake Thomas (Born January 30, 1990) (Age 29)
Do you remember little brother of Lizzie McGuire, Matt? Well, that cuty pie, Jake Thomas is 29 now and is still impressing the audience with his acting. Thomas has appeared in Cory in the House, NCIS, CSI, Criminal Minds, Storytellers, and many more films and shows.
25.) Rowan Blanchard (Born October 14, 2001) (Age 17)
Rowan Blanchard first acting break was when she was 5 years old. In 2010, Rowan got the role in The Back-up plan and in 2011, she was one of the main casts of the Disney Junior Original series Dance A Lot Robot. The 17 year old has appeared in many Films and Television series and is soon going to appear in TNT’s Snowpiercer with Jennifer Connelly.
26.) Jason Priestley (Born August 28, 1969) (Age 49)
The Canadian actor and director, Jason Priestley, is best known for portraying Brandon Walsh in the TV series Beverly Hills, 90210 from 1990 to 2000. Started his career doing commercials, Jason got his first movie break in The Boy Who Could Fly (1986). Since then, he has appeared in numerous Films and Television Series. At present, Jason is busy with the sixth series of Beverly Hills 90210.
27.) Aly Michalka (Born March 25, 1989) (Age 30)
Aly Michalka appeared in the American science fiction sitcom, Phil of the Future from 2004 to 2006. Then, she quickly moved into non-Disney roles. Alongside Emma Stone, Aly appeared in Easy A (2010) and also starred in the CW show iZombie.
28.) Ross Lynch (Born December 29) (Age 23)
After playing the lead role in Austin & Ally (2011), Ross Lynch appeared in the Disney Channel Original Movie – “Teen Beach Movie” while also playing in his Rock Band, R5. When Ross starred as a serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer in My Friend Dahmer, he left Disney in 2017. At present, Ross is playing the lead role in Netflix’s series Chilling Adventures of Sabrina.
29.) Debby Ryan (Born May 13,1993) (Age 26)
In 2000s and 2010s, Debby Ryan was all over the Disney Channel. She appeared in numerous TV series like The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, Wizards of Waverly Place, and Austin & Ally. From 2011 to 2015, sje also appeared in her own show Jessie. Currently, the 26 years old actress and singer is playing the lead role in Netflix’s Insatiable.
30.) Camilla Belle (Born October 2, 1986) (Age 32)
The Brazilian American actress, director, writer, and producer, Camilla Belle, made her professional debut in a print advertisement in 1987. And later on, she appeared in numerous popular Films and Television Series which include Poison Ivy II, Jurassic Park: The Lost World, 10,000 BC, Diablo, Annie: A Royal Adventure!, Replacing Dad, Rip Girls and many more. Soon, Camilla is going to be seen a comedy web television series Dollface.
31.) Emily Osment (Born March 19, 1992) (Age 27)
Emily Jordan Osment began her career as a child actress when she appeared in a commercial for a flower delivery company. From there, Emily has appeared in multiple Films and Television Series which includes Famous titles such as Spy Kids 2, Spy Kids 3-D, Hannah Montana-The Movie, Beverly Hills, Biba Bear, Friends, Dadnapped, Jonas, American Dead, Christmas Wonderland and many more. Soon, Emily is going to star in Almost Family, a drama television series.
32.) David Henrie (Born July 11, 1989) (Age 30)
All you really need to know about David Henrie’s life post–Wizards of Waverley Place is that he’s still super-good friends with Selena. Not only did Selena attend David’s 2017 wedding to Maria Cahill, but they also went to Italy together last summer—just a few months before David was arrested for unintentionally bringing a loaded gun to LAX. Yikes! In happier news, David and his wife welcomed their first child together in March, and you can find him over on Cameo if you’re in the mood for a personalized video.
33.) Jennifer Stone (Born February 12, 1993) (Age 26)
Jennifer Lindsay Stone is well known for her lead role in Harriet the Spy: Blog Wars and portraying Harper Finkle on the Disney Channel series Wizards of Waverly Place. Stone received a Young Artist award nomination for her first cast as Martha in Secondhand Lions. Jennifer has starred in numerous Television series such as Mean Girls 2, Deadtime Stories and more. Jennifer is soon going to appear in two films titled Santa Girl and The Perfect Night.
34.) Mia Talerico (Born September 17, 2008) (Age 10)
Remember Charlie (aka Mia Talerico) from Good Luck Charlie? The 10-month old at the time of Good Luck Charlie is now having a YouTube channel where she does “Unboxing Videos” and has also got a job on the kids’ show Mani.
35.) Bridgit Mendler (Born December 18, 1992) (Age 26)
Another Good Luck Charlie star, Bridgit Mendler is completely unrecognizable these days. The actress is now not only an actress but also a popular singer and songwriter. Bridgit recently got engaged to her long-term boyfriend—whom she met after moving away from her Good Luck Charlie costar Shane Harper. Moreover, she is soon going to be seen in a dark comedy Television series Merry Happy Whatever.
36.) Peyton Elizabeth Lee (Born May 22. 2004) (Age 15)
Well, Andi Mack got off-air recently, but star Peyton Elizabeth Lee is still ON and her career is now blooming. The actress just bagged the main role in Disney’s upcoming contemporary fantasy film The Secret Society of Second Born Royals, where she will be seen portraying the role of a princess.
37.) Christy Carlson Romano (Born March 20, 1984) (Age 35)
While Christy Carlson Romano is best known for her role as Ren Stevens in the Disney Channel sitcom Even Stevens, however her biggest break was perhaps voicing Kim in Disney’s Kim Possible. Apart from showing here talent as an actress, voice actress, and singer, she has also written a novel.
38.) Dove Cameron (Born January 15, 1996) (Age 23)
Well who doesn’t know Dove Cameron who played the dual role in the Disney Channel teen sitcom Live and Maddie and portraying Mal in the Descendants film series. Also, Cameron has frequently appeared in the television series of Marvel Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (2018). With more than 25 million followers on Instagram followers, Dove is a true social media star. She recently landed her voice for The Angry Bird Movie 2.
39.) Joey Bragg (Born July 20, 1996) (Age 23)
The costar of Dove Cameron from Liv and Maddie (2013-2017), Joey Bragg, is a fully grown up boy now. After working in dozens of Television and Films, Bragg is soon going to be seen in a “To Be Announced” film Reach.
40.) Peyton List (Born April 6, 1998) (Age 21)
Peyton List starred in not just one but two Disney shows – Jessie and Bunk’d. Since then, the list of List’s Film and Television Series has grown up significant in numbers. Peyton has appeared in numerous films and television series which include 27 Dresses, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days, Remember Me, The Sorcerer’s Apprentice and more. At present, Payton List is busy with two TV series – Project Runway All Stars and Cobra Kai.
41.) Skai Jackson (Born April 8, 2002) (Age 17)
Skai Jackson is well known for her performances in Disney Shows – Jessie and Bunk’d. Not only this, the actress is also known for completely shutting down Azealia Banks on Twitter for making homophobic and racist comments on Zayn Malik. a few years ago. She is now a popular YouTube star and is doing animated voiceover work as well.
42.) Karan Brar (Born January 18, 1999) (Age 20)
How can one forget the cuteness of Karan Brar was as Ravi on the Disney Show Bunk’d? The 6 Years old then, is now a grown up man and can be seen in all sorts of fancy movies/shows such as Pacific Rim: Uprising and Schooled (a Goldbergs spin-off), Invisible Sister, Youth & Consequences (web series) and many more.
43.) Kirsten Storms (Born April 8, 1984) (Age 35)
Kirsten Renee Storms begin her career as child model at the age of 5 by doing several commercial advertisements. Kirsten gained tremendous popularity when she got the big break in Disney Channel Original Movie Zenon (triology). Her other notable works include Emily in Johnny Tsunami, Bonnie Rockwaller in Kim Possible.
44.) Kimberly J. Brown (Born November 16, 1984) (Age 34)
Kimberly J. Brown is still remembered for her role of the teen witch Marnie Piper in the Halloweentown films. Before getting role as Marnie Pipr, Kimberly rose to fame for her role as Marah Lewis on Guiding Light and Annie Wheaton in the original miniseries, Rose Red miniseries.
45.) Tia Mowry (Born July 6, 1978) (Age 41)
Tia Mowry first gained popularity for lead role as Tia Landry in the sitcom Sister, Sister along side her identical twin sister Tamera Mowry. After the success of their sitcom, both sisters share the screen together in the Disney Channel Original Movie Twitches and its sequel Twitches Too. The mother of two is currently busy with two Web TV series – Price of Peoria and Family Reunion.
46.) Tamera Mowry (Born July 6, 1978) (Age 41)
Like Tia Mowry, Tamera also built her successful career through Sister, Sister, Twitches, and Twitches Too. Tamera went on to play Dr. Kayla Thornton on the medical drama Strong Medicine. The duo of sisters together was so appreciated by audience that even a reality TV show Tia & Tamera was aired in 2011 which run for three seasons, ending in 2013.
47.) Tiffany Thornton (Born February 14, 1986) (Age 33)
Remember Tiffany Thornton from Sonny With a Chance? Well, the actress has been through a lot after her show ended in 2011.Tiffany’s first husband and the father of her two sons, Christopher Carney, passed away in a tragic accident. Remarried to a pastor with whom Tiffany had a baby girl, she is currently focusing on her family.
48.) Raviv Ullman (Born January 24, 1986) (Age 33 )
When it’s about the list of Popular Child Actors, how can we forget this Israeli-American actor, director, and musician, Raviv Ullman, who mesmerized everyone through his cuteness in Disney Channel series Phil of the Future. The first professional break for Raviv was as Louis in the national touring company of the King and I where he shared screen with Jesse McCrtney. He made his Movie debut with Crossfire (1998) and TV debut with Guiding Light (2002). Since then, Raviv has performed in many films, TV series, and stages which include notable names like Driftwood, Pixel Perfect, Rita Rocks, Strangers, The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner, Bad Jews and many, many more.
49.) Sabrina Bryan (Born September 16, 1984) (Age 34)
It won’t be wrong to say that there are very less things that Sabrina hasn’t been a part of. Well, she is a Singer, Actress, Author, Songwriter, Fashion Designer, Choreographer, Dancer, Television Personality, and maybe more. Best known as a member of the girl group The Cheetah Girls and movie of Disney Channel Original Movie with the same name and its sequels (The Cheetah Girls 2 and The Cheetah Girls: One World), Sabrina has a long list of Films, TV Shows, Web series to her name. The popular one includes titles such as Help Me, Help You, Dance Night Obsession, Mrs, Santa Claus, Mostly Ghostly, King’s Pawn, Dinner With Friends, Bad Sex With Good People and more.
50.) Kiely Williams (Born July 9, 1986) (Age 33)
Like Sabrina Bryan, Kiely Williams was also a member of former girl groups The Cheetah Girls. Before the Cheetah Girls happened, Williams along with Naturi Naughton and Adrienne Bailon formed the girld group 3LW. The acting career of Kiely begun after she got signed by Disney Channel to star in the film –The Cheetah Girls. The film went onto become a huge success and opened more doors for the talented singer cum actress. The actress seems to be having a break from her professional career and is currently enjoying her married life.
What you have to say about this list of child actors then and now? Did we miss any name? Let us know your comments in the section below.
