Then And Now Disney Characters

By molly atherton 8 months ago

Step right up, folks, for a magical journey through time! Today, we're unleashing the sorcery of nostalgia as we embark on a whimsical expedition, comparing the timeless icons of Disney's yesteryears with their modern-day makeovers. Buckle up, as we spin the clock and teleport through the enchanted realms of Disney's evolution. From classic castles to futuristic landscapes, let's explore how our beloved characters have transformed from pixelated pioneers to high-definition heroes!

1. Olivia Rodrigo Then (Paige Olvera)

Olivia Rodrigo's ascent from her beginnings on the Disney Channel to her current status as a bona fide singing sensation is nothing short of a modern-day fairy tale. Rewind the reels, and you'll find her debut as Paige Olvera in the quirky and comical world of "Bizaardvark."

Image source/ justjaredOlivia Rodrigo first started out her career with the big break n the Disney Channel - it's hard to image she's the same singing superstar we now know! She starred as Paige Olvera in Bizaardvark before going on to star in High School Musical the series.Original content sourced from Femanin.com

2. Olivia Rodrigo Now

At a mere 19 years young, Olivia Rodrigo isn't just riding the waves of success; she's orchestrating a full-blown symphony of achievements that have sent shockwaves through the music industry. Blink, and you might miss the meteoric rise of this songbird.

Image source/ RedditNow, she's 19 years old and she is an award winning global hit singer with 5 number one singles and a Grammy to her name as well as an award for best solo performance and best pop album. She's one of the most popular pop stars in the world right now and she's currently in a relationship with Zack Bia.

3. Zendaya Then (Rocky Blue)

Zendaya's journey into the limelight began as a fresh-faced 14-year-old, dazzling Disney audiences as the spirited Rocky Blue in the hit series "Shake It Up." Alongside her partner-in-crime, Bella Thorne, Zendaya twirled her way into our hearts.

Image source/ PinterestZendaya first starred in the Disney series Shake It Up where she played the character Rocky Blue. She was just 14 years old at the time and she continued in the show alongside Bella Thorne from 2010 to 2013. After the show ended she decided to leave Disney to take on roles elsewhere and broaden her career.

4. Zendaya Now

Zendaya's meteoric rise beyond the Disney universe has been nothing short of spectacular, catapulting her into the stratosphere of Hollywood's elite. Take a peek at her recent resume, and you'll find her gracing the silver screen in blockbusters like "Spider-Man: No Way Home".

Image source/ PinterestWhich totally worked because Zendaya has gone from strength to strength and she's starred in the likes of Spiderman: No Way Home and The Greatest Showman. Her acting has received a Golden Globe award as well as two Primetime Emmy Awards. She's in a relationship with Tom Holland as one of the most loved couples in Hollywood.

5. Miley Cyrus Then (Hannah Montana)

Miley Cyrus burst onto the entertainment scene like a shooting star, leaving a trail of glittering stardust as the effervescent Hannah Montana. It was a role that not only defined an era but also set the stage for Miley's transformative journey from Disney's darling to the multifaceted artist we know today.

Image source/ wikifandomMiley Cyrus started off her huge career when she was the star of the Disney show Hannah Montana - a very different persona to now. She played the lead character for four seasons so by the end of her first role, she had already made a name for herself in the world of acting.

6. Miley Cyrus Now

Miley Cyrus, the chameleon of the entertainment world, has transcended her Disney origins to become a polymath of the industry. Her metamorphosis from a beloved teen idol to an independent, unapologetic force in music, acting, and advocacy has been nothing short of awe-inspiring.

Image source/ InstagramMiley Cyrus is now a successful singer, songwriter as well as an actress. She's now renowned for her independent attitude and she's not afraid to stand up for what she believes in, which has led to a few controversies in her adulthood. She's currently worth an impressive amount.

7. Hilary Duff Then (Lizzie McGuire)

"Lizzie McGuire" was more than just a TV show; it was a cultural phenomenon that etched its way into the hearts of a generation. In the midst of its whimsical storytelling and relatable teen dilemmas, it introduced us to the effervescent talent of Hilary Duff.

Image source/ Disney.fandomLizzie McGuire was one of everyone's favourite Disney shows. And, its where Hilary Duff first established a name for herself, particularly in the acting scene. It ran for two seasons and then Hilary Duff branched out in her career, taking on the main role in a Cinderella Story.

8. Hilary Duff Now

As the years rolled on, Hilary Duff, now 35, gracefully navigated a shift in focus, steering her multifaceted talents toward a diverse array of endeavors beyond the realm of acting. While her presence on screen might have become less frequent, her impact in various arenas only continued to expand.

Image source/ AlamyDuff (35) in later years has done less acting than her previous years and followed her other pursuits such as fashion and design, as well as working closely with charities who help children. And she also has three children, Luca, Banks and Mae with her previous husband and her current husband names Koma.

9. Shia LaBeouf Then (Louis Stevens)

Shia LaBeouf's journey into the limelight commenced with the sprightly, mischievous character of Louis Stevens in the Disney Channel's hit series "Even Stevens." His magnetic presence on screen wasn't just captivating; it was a harbinger of the raw talent and dedication.

Image source/ PhiladelphiainquirerShia LaBeouf played one of the main roles (Louis Stevens) in the Disney Channel series called Even Stevens. He very quickly took to acting and was nominated for Young Artist Award nominations in both 2001 and 2002, as well as a Daytime Emmy Awards in 2003.

10. Shia LaBeouf Now

As Shia LaBeouf transitioned into adulthood, the spotlight that once celebrated his rise in Hollywood cast a stark, revealing glare on the tumultuous journey he traversed. Despite starring in blockbuster hits like "Transformers" and joining the revered franchise of "Indiana Jones."

Image source/ celebsecretsTowards his adulthood things really took a turn and the once childhood favourite quickly plunged into turmoil and controversy. Despite his success (starring in major films such as The Transformers and Indiana Jones) he was arrested on several different occasions and was admitted to rehab.

11. Dylan Sprouse Then (Zach)

Dylan Sprouse's journey into the spotlight began with the iconic portrayal of Zack Martin in "The Suite Life of Zack & Cody" alongside his twin brother, Cole. The dynamic duo's adventures in the Tipton Hotel not only captured the hearts of viewers but also paved the way for a lifelong bond with their audience.

Image source/ PiratesandprincessesAs we all know, Dylan Sprouse along with his brother starred in The Suite Life of Zack & Cody as well as the spin off series The Suite Life on Deck. He looks back fondly at his time on the show and appreciates how well it has helped him in the rest of his career.

12. Dylan Sprouse Now

In recent years, Dylan Sprouse has deliberately charted a different course in his acting career, opting for a more selective approach in his choice of roles. Rather than chasing the glitz and glamour of mainstream productions, he's ventured into the realm of short and independent films.

Image source/ AlamyDylan Sprouse . More recently however, Dylan has not starred in many roles. In fact, he prefers to select short and independent films and so he remains much more out of the spotlight and focuses on his relationship with model Barbara Palvin.

13. Cole Sprouse Then (Cody)

Cole Sprouse, the other half of the dynamic duo in "The Suite Life" franchise alongside his twin brother, Dylan, brought a distinctive flavor to the screen. His portrayal as the more grounded and cerebral counterpart to his brother's mischief-filled character added depth and balance.

Image source/ PinterestOf course, Cole Sprouse was the other half of the Suite Life duo along with his brother. Cole played the more sensible of the two, the intelligent one compared to his rebellious counterpart. In total the two brothers starred in the two Disney shows for 6 years.

14. Cole Sprouse Now

Cole Sprouse's post-Disney journey led him to the enigmatic world of "Riverdale," a popular Netflix series that reimagined the classic Archie Comics characters in a contemporary, darker setting. His portrayal of Jughead Jones showcased a newfound depth and maturity in his acting prowess.

Image source/ InstagramCole went on to land a role in the popular Netflix series Riverdale where he struck up his relationship with Lili Reinhart. Cole Sprouse also took a recent career break from Hollywood, but in 2022 he starred in the movie named Moonshot. He also now has two sons of his own (not twins sadly!).

15. Madison Hu Then (Frankie Wong)

Madison Hu's journey into the world of entertainment ignited in 2008, marking the genesis of a budding acting career that would see her leave an indelible mark on Disney Channel screens. Her early foray into the realm of acting laid the groundwork for her eventual breakout roles.

Image source/ IMDbMadison Hu started her tv debut on the Disney channel and she is most remembered for playing Frankie Wong in the series Boardwalk. Before this, she played Marci on the Disney series Best Friends Whenever. She first started acting in 2008 and stopped acting on the Disney channel in 2016.

16. Madison Hu Now

Madison Hu's evolution from her Disney Channel days has been nothing short of a cinematic whirlwind, propelling her into the expansive world of Hollywood movies and collaborations that extend beyond the bounds of children's television.

Image source/ RedditNow Madison Hu (aged 20) is an American actress who has left behind her Disney days and she's now involved with Hollywood movies such as Voyagers and The Boogeyman. She's also good friends with singer Olivia Rodrigo and she starred in Olivia Rodrigo: SOUR Prom.

17. Jake Thomas Then (Matt McGuire)

Jake Thomas's journey into the world of acting began at a remarkably young age when he stepped into the mischievous shoes of Matt McGuire, the pint-sized prankster and younger brother to the titular character in "Lizzie McGuire."

Image source/ celebsecretsJake Thomas started his acting career very early, he played the annoying but very endearing little brother of Lizzie McGuire whose mission was to prank his bigger sister. He was just 11 years old when he first started filming for Disney and he continued his role for both of the seasons.

18. Jake Thomas Now

After his spirited run on Disney Channel, Jake Thomas embarked on an exciting journey that led him beyond the confines of children's television, venturing into more mature and diverse roles across prime-time TV. His transition from the comedic realm of Disney to the gripping dramas.

Image source/ FacebookJake Thomas continued his journey on the Disney channel for some years before moving on to TV series such as , NCIS, CSI: NY, Storytellers and S.W.A.T. He's now 32 years old. He made a very successful name for himself as an actor of more serious shows on prime time TV. He's currently in a relationship with Carly Schroeder.

19. Rowan Blanchard Then ( Riley Matthews)

Rowan Blanchard's journey into the entertainment world ignited at a remarkably young age when she was cast in the action-packed "Spy Kids: All the Time in the World" at just 9 years old. Her foray into Hollywood kickstarted a career that would soon blossom.

Image source/ YouTubeRowan Blanchard started her career at the age of 9 years old when she was cast for Spy Kids: All the Time in the World (2011). She then landed her part for the Disney channel back in 2013. She started out on the series of Girl Meets World, starring as Riley Matthews.

20. Rowan Blachard Now

Rowan Blanchard's trajectory post-Disney saw her venture into an array of captivating roles across television, showcasing her versatility and depth as an actress. Her transition from the lighthearted world of Disney to more mature and complex characters unfolded seamlessly.

Image source/ SpotifySince her Disney days, Blanchard has taken on roles such as Jackie Geary, a character on the ABC sitcom The Goldbergs which she continued for a full year in 2017. She then starred as Alexandra Cavill in the TNT series Snowpiercer which she continues to do to this day.

21. Sabrina Carpenter Then (Maya)

Sabrina Carpenter's rise in the entertainment world began with her breakout role as Maya Hart in the beloved Disney series "Girl Meets World." As Maya, she breathed life into a character defined by her confidence, rebellious spirit, and a knack for keeping everyone on their toes.

Image source/ YouTubeSabrina Carpenter played character Maya in the Disney series Girl Meets World. She played a confident, rebellious girl who had a reputation for being the 'bad girl'. After starring on Girl Meets World, she went on to play Jenny Parker in Adventures in Babysitting.

22. Sabrina Carpenter Now

Sabrina Carpenter's journey post-Disney has been an exhilarating rollercoaster across television, film, and music, showcasing her multifaceted talents and relentless pursuit of artistic expression. Her ventures into the realm of television.

Image source/ RedditSince then, she's starred in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, and The Goodwin Games. She's also recently starred in feature films such as Clouds, Tall Girl and Work It. And, she has continued to pursue her music career since releasing her first single in 2016 Her latest, was Emails I Can't Send which was released in 2022.

23. Madison Pettis Then (Sophie Martinez)

Madison Pettis's journey in the entertainment industry began at a tender age, stepping into the shoes of the spirited and charming Sophie Martinez in the Disney Channel series "Cory in the House." Portraying the daughter of the President of the United States.

Image source/ mycast

Madison Pettis started out her career very young, playing the 8 year old Sophie Martinez in the Disney hit Cory In The House! She plays the role of the president's daughter and is dubbed 'America's Angel' in the series, however she has a secret sneaky side to her.

24. Madison Pettis Now

Madison Pettis's journey from her Disney debut to her present-day success showcases a remarkable evolution both on and off the screen. Now at 24 years old, she stands as a prominent and accomplished actress, boasting an impressive repertoire of roles across various mediums.

Image source/ InstagramMadison Pettis is now 24 years old and she has become a very successful and popular actress with many acting credits to her name, as well as a huge social media following amassing 20 million over recent years. And in 2018 she went right back to where she started, Disney Channel, filming Sofia the First.

25. China Ann McClain Then (Chyna Parks)

China Anne McClain's ascent in the entertainment industry began at a remarkably young age, showcasing her talent and charisma from the tender age of 7. However, her breakthrough moment arrived when she secured the lead role as the effervescent and musically gifted China Parks.

Image source/ cloud9China Ann McClain played the main character China Parks, a very bubbly outgoing teen in A.N.T. Farm who was a musical prodigy. She was 7 when she first started acting, but her main debut happened when she landed the lead role of the China Parks. The show ran from 2011 to 2014.

26. China Ann McClain Now

China Anne McClain's career continued to flourish beyond her Disney days, showcasing her talent and versatility across different platforms. She notably starred in the acclaimed series "Black Lightning," as Jennifer Pierce, a young superhero grappling with her newfound powers.

Image source/ RedditChina Ann McClain is an American actress and singer. She starred in the movie Black Lightening. She has recently chosen to take a break in her career after losing one of her best friends Cameron Boyce. She then decided to focus on helping children who are struggling with mental health issues.

27. Carlon Jeffery Then (Cameron Parks)

Carlon Jeffrey's stint as Cameron Parks in Disney Channel's "A.N.T. Farm" marked a significant chapter in his early acting career. Portraying the brother of the bubbly and musically gifted China Parks, he became a familiar face to fans of the show throughout its seasons.

Image source/ disney.fandomCarlon Jeffrey played China Parks brother, Cameron Parks, on A.N.T Farm. He continued hi roles for the entirety of the show, starring as a main character in seasons 1 and 2 and a guest in season 3. He began the series when he was 15, and by the time he had finished he was 17.

28. Carlon Jeffery Now

Carlon Jeffrey's journey beyond his role in "A.N.T. Farm" has seen him venture into various projects across television and film. His post-Disney endeavors included appearances in smaller TV shows and short films, where he continued to showcase his acting talents and explore diverse roles outside the realm of children's television.

Image source/ Entertainment TonightCarlon Jeffrey has starred in a few small TV shows and short films. His last movie was Cloud 9 where he played the character Dink, a main role. He also loves music and is trying to pursue his career in rapping where he goes by the name of Lil' C-Note.

29. Sierra McCormick Then (Olive Doyle)

Sierra McCormick's introduction to the world of Disney marked the beginning of an impressive journey in the realm of children's television. Her breakout role as Olive Doyle in "A.N.T. Farm" from 2011 to 2013 showcased her talent and endearing personality.

Image source/ wikifandom

Sierra McCormick loved her Disney background. She starred on A.N.T Far, from 2011 to 2013 playing Olive Doyle and, she also starred as a guest role in Hannah Montana playing Gillian. She then continued her Disney career and went on the star in JESSIE.

30. Sierra McCormick Now

Sierra McCormick's post-Disney journey has been marked by a series of compelling roles in both television and film, showcasing her versatility and talent beyond the realms of children's television. Her transition to more mature and diverse roles underscored her commitment to evolving as an actress.

Image source/ InstagramSince Disney, Sierra McCormick has continued to pursue a career in TV and film. In 2016 she had a role as Sarah in the TV film Sorority Nightmare. In 2019 she was nominated for a Critic's Choice Super Award for her film The Vast of Night and in 2021 she starred in the hit series American Horror Stories.

31. Bradley Steven Perry Then (Gabe Duncan)

Bradley Steven Perry's foray into the world of Disney Channel was propelled by his standout role as Gabe Duncan in the beloved series "Good Luck Charlie." Portraying one of the spirited Duncan siblings, Gabe, the witty and aspiring 'cool' teenager, quickly became a fan favorite.