Where Are They Now?

Where Are They Now?

Many of us were glued to the TV during the Golden Age of Disney Channel with shows such as Wizards of Waverly Place, Hannah Montana, Sonny With A Chance, That’s So Raven, The Suite Life Of Zack and Cody and much more. We were able to escape into their worlds as we tackled our daily lives during our adolescent years.

After surveying a groups of students in grades 9-12, the most popular shows were Wizards of Waverly Place, Hannah Montana, Jessie and SpongeBob.

Some people might wonder why were these TV shows loved by so many children? 

Caitlin Covington, a sophomore, said, “Wizards of Waverly Place was my favorite show because it had romance, magic and supernatural elements that really intrigued me as a kid.”

Four actresses still shine today, despite going through the ups and downs of life:  Jennifer Stone, Selena Gomez, Demi Lovato and Miley Cyrus.

Shortly after her acting career in Wizards of Waverly Place, Jennifer Stone, went on to study psychology. After being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in 2013, her career path changed to nursing. This is very inspiring to children that grew up watching her. She took her successful acting life and turned it into something that we need now more than ever. 

Selena Gomez starred in many Disney movies growing up. The show that she is most known for is Wizards of Waverly Place. As the starring role in that show, setting her acting pathway straight, Gomez faced some extreme health issues. She had to get a kidney transplant. Her lifelong best friend was luckily a match and able to help her and donate her kidney. After facing complications after the surgery and being rushed into emergency surgery again, she has learned to not take life for granted. This made her become such an outstanding role model for children. 

Not only did this actress rise to stardom as the main character Mitchie Torres in the Disney Channel musical film Camp Rock, the sequel Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam and the series Sonny With A Chance. Demi Lovato has a long lasting impact on the Disney Channel name. After hitting a rock in her career four years ago, Lovato relapsed following six years of sobriety and was rushed to the hospital. A couple of years later, she is happily engaged with the love of her life and is back to performing. 

Miley Cyrus is best known in the Disney community for playing Miley Stewart/Hannah Montana in the Disney Channel original series Hannah Montana and ended up being a singing sensation by the time she reached 20.  Cyrus has had an up and down experience with sobriety and divorce. She expresses that you are not alone in any situation that you are in. Just like the star she is, she rose through her problems and just announced recently that she signed with Columbia Records for her music moving forward. 

The Disney Channel continues to produce memorable shows with influential actors and actresses.  Grab some popcorn and take some time to reminisce.