Celebrities Who Were Former Disney Kids

Zendaya Then

Zendaya Then

Zendaya first danced her way into our hearts on the Disney Channel hit show Shake It Up, playing the aspiring dancer Rocky Blue. The show was a huge success, making her a familiar face for kids and families everywhere.

She later starred in her own series, K.C. Undercover, where she played a high school math whiz training to be an undercover spy. This role showed off her acting range, mixing comedy, action, and heartfelt moments for three exciting seasons.

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Zendaya Now

Zendaya Now

Today, Zendaya is a major movie star. She plays MJ in the new Spider-Man films and Chani in the sci-fi epic Dune. Her roles have taken her from high-flying superhero adventures to distant desert planets, proving her incredible talent.

She also stars in the popular show Euphoria as Rue Bennett, a role that won her major awards. Zendaya has become one of the most successful and sought-after actors in Hollywood. She has several big movies coming out in 2026, including The Odyssey, Spider-Man: Brand New Day, and Dune: Part Three.

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Selena Gomez Then

Selena Gomez Then

Selena Gomez cast a spell on audiences as the witty, trouble-making wizard Alex Russo on the hit Disney Channel show Wizards of Waverly Place. The show was a huge fan favorite, following the adventures of three siblings learning to use their magical powers.

Before landing her own series, Gomez also made guest appearances on other popular Disney shows. She played the pop star rival Mikayla on Hannah Montana and had a role on The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, making her a well-known Disney star.

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Selena Gomez Now

Selena Gomez Now

Now, Gomez is a successful actress, singer, and businesswoman. She stars in the mystery-comedy series Only Murders in the Building, playing the clever and curious Mabel Mora. The role has earned her praise and introduced her to a new audience.

Beyond acting, she has released chart-topping albums and launched her own popular makeup line, Rare Beauty. Gomez uses her platform to talk about important issues, connecting with millions of fans around the world and proving she can do it all.

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Zac Efron Then

Zac Efron Then

Zac Efron became a household name playing Troy Bolton, the basketball star who secretly loves to sing, in Disney's High School Musical. The movie was a massive hit, and everyone was soon singing along to its catchy tunes and watching Troy's journey.

The success of the first film led to two sequels, including High School Musical 3: Senior Year, which was released in theaters. Efron's role as the popular jock with a heart of gold made him one of the biggest stars of his generation.

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Zac Efron Now

Zac Efron Now

These days, Efron has taken on a variety of challenging roles in movies. He starred in the hit musical The Greatest Showman and played the serious role of a wrestler in The Iron Claw, showing his impressive acting skills.

He also hosts the Netflix travel show Down to Earth with Zac Efron, where he explores sustainable ways to live. From musicals to dramas to exploring the world, Efron continues to entertain audiences with his wide range of talents.

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Miley Cyrus Then

Miley Cyrus Then

Miley Cyrus shot to fame as the star of the Disney Channel series Hannah Montana. She played Miley Stewart, a regular teen who secretly lived a double life as the famous pop star Hannah Montana, leading to hilarious situations and heartfelt moments.

The show was a cultural phenomenon, leading to a blockbuster movie and sold-out concert tours. Cyrus’s role as the girl with the best of both worlds made her an icon for millions of fans and one of Disney's most recognizable stars.

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Miley Cyrus Now

Miley Cyrus Now

Today, Cyrus is a Grammy-winning superstar known for her bold style and powerful voice. She faced a lot of controversy as she broke away from her Disney image, shocking fans with edgy performances and daring music videos like "Wrecking Ball," but proved her growth as an artist with hit songs like “Flowers.”

Despite criticism and public debate, she’s reinvented herself through hit music, major collaborations, and unforgettable appearances, proving her staying power in pop culture. Cyrus has successfully transitioned from a teen idol to a respected and influential figure in the music industry.

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Shia LaBeouf Then

Shia LaBeouf Then

Shia LaBeouf got his big break on the Disney Channel show Even Stevens. He played the hilarious and goofy younger brother, Louis Stevens. His funny antics and knack for getting into trouble made him a standout star and a favorite among viewers.

The role earned him a Daytime Emmy Award and led to his first Disney Channel Original Movie, Tru Confessions. As Louis Stevens, LaBeouf's comedic timing and energetic performance were a huge part of what made the popular series so memorable.

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Shia LaBeouf Now

Shia LaBeouf Now

Now, LaBeouf is known for his work in major blockbuster films and independent movies. He starred in the action-packed Transformers series as Sam Witwicky and wrote and starred in Honey Boy, a challenging role loosely based on his life.

Unfortunately, LaBeouf’s career has been marked by legal issues. He’s been charged with disorderly conduct, misdemeanor battery, and petty theft. An ex-girlfriend, singer and actor FKA Twigs, accused him of abuse. Most recently, he was arrested at Mardi Gras in New Orleans in 2026 for allegedly fighting people.

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