Then and Now: See What the Cast of Hannah Montana is up to Today

The Beginning of Hannah Montana

The hit Disney Channel show Hannah Montana starring Miley Cyrus began in 2006 and came to an end in 2011 after 4 incredible seasons. The show followed Miley Stewart, played by Cyrus, who lived a double life as an average teenage girl and a famous pop singer named Hannah Montana. Her secret identity was known only to her close friends and family, including her brother Jackson Stewart (Jason Earles) and her best friend Lilly Truscott (Emily Osment).

Miley Cyrus as Miley Stewart/Hannah Montana

Miley Cyrus quickly became a household name for her portrayal of Hannah Montana. The show propelled her into global fame as both an actress and a singer. After Hannah Montana ended in 2011, Miley went on to release several hit albums and transition into more mature roles in films. She is about to release her 8th studio album Endless Summer Vacation in March 2023. It's incredible to look back at her humble Disney beginnings compared to the edgy pop icon she has become today.

Emily Osment as Lilly Truscott

Emily Osment played Miley’s spitfire best friend Lilly Truscott in Hannah Montana. She and Miley got into all sorts of mischief while keeping Miley’s pop star identity a secret. After the show ended, Osment went on to star as Gabi Diamond on the ABC Family sitcom Young & Hungry from 2014-2018. She has also appeared in several TV movies and smaller film roles over the years. Osment is still close with Miley and recently accompanied her to an LGBTQ charity event in 2022.

The Stewart Family

Miley’s family was featured heavily on Hannah Montana, with her dad Robby and brother Jackson helping hide Miley’s secret identity and keep her grounded. Miley’s family supported her dreams of becoming a singer but also valued their privacy and normal lives.

Billy Ray Cyrus as Robby Stewart

Billy Ray Cyrus starred as Miley’s laidback dad Robby Stewart. He managed Hannah’s music career behind-the-scenes and wrote many of her hit songs. Billy Ray was already an established country star before joining the show which ran from 2006-2011. After Hannah Montana, Billy Ray competed on Dancing with the Stars and went on to earn his first #1 single in over 2 decades with the viral TikTok remix of “Old Town Road” with Lil Nas X in 2019.

Jason Earles as Jackson Stewart

Jason Earles portrayed Robby’s son and Miley’s older brother Jackson. Jackson often provided sibling rivalry and comic relief on the show. Since the show ended, Jason Earles returned to school and got married in 2017. He still acts occasionally but has spent the past few years focused on his personal life after so many years in the Disney spotlight.

Miley's Best Friends

In addition to Lilly Truscott, Miley had a close group of best friends who she leaned on for support. They helped give her a sense of normalcy despite her double life as a pop sensation.

Moises Arias as Rico Suave

Moises Arias played the mischievous Rico Suave, who was always trying to expose Miley's secret identity. Rico was Jackson Stewart’s frenemy and Often provided comedic subplot lines along with Jackson. After Hannah Montana, Arias went on to appear in films like Ender's Game, Ben Is Back, and The Kings of Summer. He also does rap music under the name Five Eight. He can soon be seen alongside Demi Moore in the upcoming erotic thriller Submission.

Mitchel Musso as Oliver Oken

Another one of Miley’s trusted best friends was the wacky Oliver Oken, played by Mitchel Musso. Oliver provided comic relief along with loads of loyalty to Miley. After Hannah Montana wrapped, Musso was the lead voice in the Disney film Phineas and Ferb from 2008-2015. He also released several songs and later focused more on his music career. He still acts occasionally but spends more time touring with his band. While he is not seen much with Miley anymore, they will always have a special bond from their days on Disney Channel.

Enemies and Rivals

What kid TV show would be complete without a few mean girls and nemeses? Hannah Montana was no exception. These are the young stars who played Miley and Hannah Montana’s rivals on the show.

Shanica Knowles as Amber Addison

Shanica Knowles appeared for a few seasons as Amber Addison, Hannah Montana’s snooty rival. Amber often taunted Miley and tried to figure out her pop star secret identity. Shanica went on to appear in several TV movies after her Hannah Montana days. Some of her most memorable post-Montana roles were on shows like Hannah Montana spinoff A Different World and comedy House of Lies starring Don Cheadle. These days she works more behind the camera, directing short films and other content.

Anna Maria Perez de Tagle as Ashley Dewitt

Anna Maria Perez de Tagle played Ashley Dewitt, another one of Hannah’s back-up dancer rivals. The mean girl role fit Anna well, but since the show ended she has moved on to more mature roles. She had a stint on Broadway in Godspell and more recently became a series regular on hit ABC shows like Baby Daddy and Hannah Montana spinoff Nashville. She continues to act while also focusing on her music career and modeling work.

Where Are They Now?

It's hard to believe it has been over 10 years since Hannah Montana ended. Many of the show's stars have gone on to other roles in Hollywood or left acting altogether. One thing is certain - their time on the Disney Channel playing these iconic characters cemented their fame and kicked off promising careers in entertainment.

Miley Cyrus has undoubtedly reached heights beyond her Hannah Montana days, evolving from a Disney star into a highly respected musician and activist. Others like Mitchel Musso, Emily Osment, and Billy Ray Cyrus have branched out in new directions in music and entertainment as well over the past decade.

And we can’t forget the legacy Hannah Montana left for a whole generation of kids who grew up loving the music and Miley’s message to pursue your dreams. The show broke records during its peak and still lives on through streaming and reruns introducing new audiences to the Hannah Montana phenomenon.

No matter what path each cast member has taken, they will always have the special bond from those years together on the Disney lot pursuing their acting dreams. Hannah Montana was lightning in a bottle, and its young stars experienced fame and success that follows them to this day.

FAQs

What was Hannah Montana about?

Hannah Montana was a Disney Channel show starring Miley Cyrus as Miley Stewart, an average teenage girl who secretly lived a double life as the famous pop singer Hannah Montana. Her father Robby (Billy Ray Cyrus) managed her music career while she tried to navigate high school and fame with her best friends.

How many seasons of Hannah Montana were there?

There were 4 seasons of Hannah Montana from 2006-2011 with a total of 98 episodes. The show also had a popular Hannah Montana movie in 2009 at the height of its popularity and success.

Where can I watch Hannah Montana in 2023?

You can stream all episodes of Hannah Montana on Disney+ now. This gives new viewers a chance to watch or re-watch the iconic series. You can also purchase full season DVD sets online or find reruns airing occasionally on Disney Channel.

Will there be a Hannah Montana reunion or reboot?

There has been some speculation about a possible Hannah Montana cast reunion or reboot over the years, but nothing officially confirmed yet. Given the show’s continued popularity in syndication, many fans would love to see Miley back in her blonde Hannah wig for new episodes or an update on the characters as adults.