It’s easy to assume that child actors on the Disney Channel remain in the entertainment industry forever. While some, like Demi Lovato and Selena Gomez, have stayed in the spotlight, many others have chosen drastically different paths. Let’s explore the surprising career turns of ten former Disney stars who left Hollywood behind.
10. Ashlie Brillault
Ashlie Brillault, known for her role as Kate Sanders on Lizzie McGuire, decided acting wasn’t for her after the show. She pursued a degree in political science at California State University Long Beach and then earned a law degree from the University of Denver. Today, she’s a lawyer and a partner at a law firm, focusing on criminal justice reform. She once mentioned her desire to do something more impactful than television, and she’s certainly achieved that.
9. Clayton Snyder
Clayton Snyder, who played Ethan Craft on Lizzie McGuire, took a different route after high school. He attended Pepperdine University and became a professional water polo player in Italy. Now, he works full-time in real estate, selling homes. He finds it amusing when clients recognize him from his Disney days. According to Snyder, it makes him feel good knowing that they are working with him for his real estate expertise and not because of his acting background.
8. Nick Spano
Nick Spano, famous for playing Donnie on Disney’s Even Stevens, eventually grew tired of acting. After graduating from UCLA, he opened a spa and a market management firm. In 2015, he made another career switch by opening Re/creation Café, a coffee house and community space in Los Angeles. The café hosts art shows and social events, providing a creative outlet for the local community.
“Re/creation Café is a creative community space and eatery,” Spano explained. The cafe is designed to encourage adults to play and connect through food, art and music.
7. Kay Panabaker
Kay Panabaker, who starred in several Disney Channel shows like Phil of the Future and Life Is Ruff, stepped away from acting in 2012 to pursue her passion for animals. After studying zoology at UCLA and completing an animal husbandry program at Santa Fe College, she now works with wild animals at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Florida.
“Looking back, finding my true passion was worth all of the extra time,” Panabaker said. She also mentioned that working with animals feeds her soul more than acting ever did.
6. Amy Bruckner
Amy Bruckner, known as Pim Diffy on Phil of the Future, decided to pursue law after her time on the show. She studied human rights and feminist theory at New York University and then attended UCLA School of Law. Now known as Amelia, she works at a law firm in Los Angeles, representing movie studios and television networks. She is still in entertainment, but at a different level.
5. Jennifer Stone
Jennifer Stone, who played Harper on Wizards of Waverly Place, took a significant turn when she became an emergency room nurse. Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, she became interested in medicine and helping others. She values the empathy and understanding she gained from acting, which she now applies in her nursing career.
4. Morgan York
Morgan York, who appeared on Hannah Montana, transitioned to a career in literature. She now works at a publishing house and aspires to become a published author. York explained that acting stopped being fun, and the constant scrutiny wasn’t worth it anymore. It seemed like a mature decision once she realized it was time to move on.
3. Daniel Lee Benson
Daniel Lee Benson, who played Zeke on Wizards of Waverly Place, faced unexpected challenges after leaving acting. After leaked suggestive photos of him were spread online, he decided to join OnlyFans. He now has a large following and says he’s found support within the adult entertainment industry. It was an unexpected decision for sure, but he has received great support for it.
2. Tiffany Thornton
Tiffany Thornton, Demi Lovato’s co-star on Sonny with a Chance, became a cheerleading coach. She worked at a Christian college in Arkansas before returning to cheerleading, mentoring young women. Thornton finds joy in guiding and teaching the value of cheerleading to her students.
1. Bridgit Mendler
Bridgit Mendler, the star of Good Luck Charlie, made a surprising career shift into space technology. She earned degrees from USC, MIT, and Harvard Law School. Mendler then worked at the Federal Communications Commission’s Space Bureau and later founded Northwood Space, a company building ground stations for satellite communication.
“The vision is a data highway between Earth and space,” Mendler told CNBC. Her company has already raised millions in funding, marking a significant departure from her acting career.
These Disney Channel alums prove that success can be found in many different fields. Their stories show the importance of following your passions, even if it leads you far from the spotlight they once knew.
Which career change surprised you the most? Leave your comment below!
