Hannah Montana: Where Are They Now? A Look Back at Disney’s Pop Sensation
Raise your hand if you haven’t sung, danced, and dreamed with Hannah Montana. Everyone wanted to be, or at least have as a friend, the girl next door who wore a blonde wig at night and transformed into a pop star. A character with a double identity that marked the golden age of Disney, when the series managed to intercept the pre-adolescent audience even as likewise winning over adults.
It was March 24, 2006, when the first episode aired in the United States. Twenty years later, Disney+ celebrated this “Hannahversary” with a dedicated special Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special. Together with her, her father entered the afternoons of millennials all over the world (even in real life) Billy Ray Cyrus (Robbt Ray Stewart), friends Lilly (Emily Osment) and Oliver (Mitchel Musso), and brother Jackson (Jason Earles). But what happened to them after 2011, when the last episode of the four seasons (and a film) aired, with Miley Cyrus taking off her wig on stage, revealing her identity to everyone?
The Cast Today: A Two-Decade Update
The 20th Anniversary Special, released on March 24, features Miley Cyrus sitting down with Alex Cooper, host of the “Call Her Daddy” podcast, to discuss the show’s impact. The special also includes appearances from key cast members and behind-the-scenes stories USA Today.
Miley Cyrus
Miley Cyrus, of course, continued her successful music career, evolving from teen pop star to a versatile artist exploring various genres. She has released numerous albums and singles, and continues to perform and record music.
Billy Ray Cyrus
Billy Ray Cyrus continued his career as a country music artist, and also appeared in various television shows and films. He notably joined his daughter on stage for performances and collaborations.
Emily Osment (Lilly Truscott)
Emily Osment has continued to act in television and film, with roles in shows like “Young & Hungry” and “Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin.” She has also pursued a career in music, releasing her own songs and albums.
Mitchel Musso (Oliver Oken)
Mitchel Musso has continued to function as an actor and musician. He has appeared in various television shows and films, and has released music as a solo artist.
Jason Earles (Jackson Stewart)
Jason Earles has continued to act, appearing in television shows and films, including Disney Channel’s “Kickin’ It.”
The Legacy of Hannah Montana
“Hannah Montana” premiered on the Disney Channel on March 24, 2006, and ran until January 16, 2011 Disney+. The show’s premise – a teenage girl leading a double life as a pop star – resonated with audiences and launched Miley Cyrus to superstardom. The series also spawned a successful film, “Hannah Montana: The Movie,” and a popular soundtrack.
The 20th Anniversary Special is currently streaming on Disney+ Forbes, offering fans a nostalgic trip back to the world of Hannah Montana and a chance to see where the cast is today.