Before she was a global superstar, Miley Cyrus was just a teenager stepping into the spotlight as Miley Stewart—a regular girl living a secret life as pop sensation Hannah Montana. As the daughter of country singer Billy Ray Cyrus, she had entertainment in her blood, but Hannah Montana launched her into a level of fame few child stars ever experience.
The show’s success quickly led to sold-out tours, hit albums, and a massive fan base that followed her every move.
After the show ended in 2011, Miley Cyrus made it clear she was shedding her Disney image for good. Her 2013 album Bangerz marked a dramatic reinvention, complete with controversial performances and headlines that kept her in the public eye. Since then, she’s continued evolving musically, earning critical acclaim for albums like Plastic Hearts and winning her first Grammy in 2024 for her hit song, "Flowers."
While she’s had her share of public scrutiny and polarizing moments, Miley has remained one of the most successful and talked-about stars to come out of Disney.
Billy Ray Cyrus was already a country music star thanks to his hit “Achy Breaky Heart” long before he played Robby Ray Stewart, Miley’s on-screen dad.
His real-life relationship with Miley added an extra layer of charm to the show, making their father-daughter dynamic feel authentic and heartfelt.
Following Hannah Montana, Billy Ray continued working in music and television, though his career saw a resurgence when he collaborated with Lil Nas X on the record-breaking hit “Old Town Road.”
In recent years, his personal life has made headlines, including a high-profile divorce and family tensions that have played out publicly. Still, he remains a recognizable figure in both country music and pop culture.
Emily Osment played Lilly Truscott, Miley’s loyal best friend who was in on her big secret from day one.
Before landing the role, Emily had already built a solid résumé as a child actress, appearing in films like Spy Kids 2 and Spy Kids 3-D, proving she had both comedic timing and on-screen charm.
After Hannah Montana, Osment continued acting steadily, successfully transitioning into more mature roles. She starred in the sitcom Young & Hungry and later took on a lead role in Young Sheldon, showing her staying power in television.
While she largely avoided controversy, she’s remained a consistent presence in Hollywood, quietly building a respectable and enduring career. She didn't attend the Hannah Montana 20th anniiversary special because of scheduling conflicts.
Dolly Parton made memorable appearances on Hannah Montana as Aunt Dolly, bringing her signature charm and star power to the show.
By that point, she was already a living legend in country music, known for her decades-long career, philanthropy, and unmistakable personality.
In the years since, Dolly Parton has only cemented her legacy further. She’s continued releasing music, writing books, and expanding her business ventures, including her theme park Dollywood.
She also earned widespread praise for her philanthropic efforts, including funding vaccine research during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dolly remains one of the most beloved and respected figures in entertainment.
Cody Linley played Jake Ryan, the charming (and sometimes frustrating) actor who served as Miley’s love interest.
Before joining the cast of Hannah Montana, Linley had already appeared in films like Cheaper by the Dozen, but the show gave him a major boost in teen popularity.
After the series wrapped, Linley stepped back from the spotlight compared to some of his co-stars. He appeared on Dancing with the Stars and took on a handful of acting roles, but his career never reached the same level of visibility.
While he’s largely stayed out of controversy, he’s kept a relatively low profile in recent years, occasionally resurfacing for nostalgic interviews and fan events.
Jason Earles played Miley’s older brother Jackson Stewart, delivering plenty of comedic moments despite being significantly older than his teenage character in real life.
Before the show, Earles had worked in smaller roles, but Hannah Montana made him a familiar face to millions of viewers.
Post-Hannah Montana, Earles continued working with Disney, starring in the series Kickin’ It. While he hasn’t maintained a high-profile career in recent years, he’s remained active in the industry and has embraced his role in one of Disney Channel’s most iconic shows.
He’s largely avoided scandal and seems to enjoy a quieter life compared to some of his former co-stars.
Selena Gomez had a recurring role on Hannah Montana as Mikayla, a rival pop star who loved getting under Hannah’s skin.
Though it wasn’t a main role, it helped solidify her place within the Disney universe at the time, alongside her starring role in Wizards of Waverly Place.
Since then, Selena Gomez has become one of the most influential celebrities of her generation. She’s found massive success in music with multiple chart-topping albums and hits, while also establishing herself as a producer and actress in projects like Only Murders in the Building.
Her journey hasn’t been without challenges; she’s been open about her struggles with lupus, mental health, and time spent in rehab, but her transparency has only deepened her connection with fans. Today, she’s also a successful businesswoman—and a billionaire—with her beauty brand Rare Beauty.
Mitchel Musso played Oliver Oken, Miley’s quirky and lovable friend who eventually became part of her inner circle.
He was also a Disney Channel regular, lending his voice to Phineas and Ferb and starring in other projects during his time with the network.
However, Musso’s career hit a major bump after his 2011 DUI arrest, which led to his removal from some Disney projects. Since then, he’s continued working in entertainment, particularly in voice acting, but hasn’t regained the same level of fame he once had.
While he’s kept a lower profile in recent years, fans still remember him fondly as part of the original Hannah Montana trio.
