# Where Are These Disney Channel Original Movie Actors Now?

From left: Robert Ri’chard and Kyle Schmid in _Alley Cats Strike_ (2000); Phillip Van Dyke, Kimberly J. Brown and Daniel Kountz in _Halloweentown II: Kalabar’s Revenge_ (2001); and Eric Von Detten and Sam Horrigan in _Brink!_(1998). Photos and Logo Courtesy: The Walt Disney Company

The year is 1999. You’ve been waiting _months_ for the newest Disney Channel Original Movie (DCOM) to air. Finally, the intro starts. Kids are jumping weightlessly through film reels and that familiar DCOM song is playing. 

No matter which movie you’ve settled in to watch, it’ll shape the next few weeks of your life — partly because of the actors who brought movies like _Halloweentown_ (1998) and _Brink!_ (1998) to life. While some DCOM stars stayed in the spotlight, others chose new career paths. Here, we’re checking in with them to see where our favorite Disney Channel Original Movie actors are now. 

### Erik Von Detten

Best known for playing Andy “Brink” Brinker in the Disney Channel Original Movie _Brink!_ , Eric Von Detten stole our hearts as the leader of the “Soul Skaters”. But where’s the rollerblading heartthrob now? 

Erik Von Detten attends the premiere of the 100th Disney Channel Original Movie, _Adventures in Babysitting_ , on June 23, 2016 in Los Angeles. Photo Courtesy: Michael Tullberg/Getty Images

Von Detten’s last film credit was in 2010 for _Toy Story 3_ , where he reprised his role as Sid from the original _Toy Story_ film. Outside of acting, Von Detten is married with two young children and has worked at an asset management firm for over a decade.

### Sam Horrigan

The smirk, the attitude, the glowering stare — Sam Horrigan had it all when he played Val, the arrogant nemesis of Andy in _Brink!_. 

Sam Horrigan attends Classic Rewind Weekend 2022 at Showboat Atlantic City on June 24, 2022. Photo Courtesy: Bobby Bank/Getty Images

More than 25 years after playing the leader of team XBladz, Horrigan has starred in over 30 films and television shows. Today, he lives a more lowkey life, focusing on philanthropy and his family.

### Kimberly J. Brown

Kimberly J. Brown played Marnie Cromwell in _Halloweentown_ and two of its sequels — Disney made enemies of us all by casting a replacement for the fourth film, but we don’t have time to get into _that_ here. Brown also played Jamie Grover, the older sister to a set of quintuplets in the DCOM _Quints_. 

Kimberly Brown attends the 2018 Midsummer Scream — “The World’s Largest Halloween and Horror Convention” — in Long Beach, California. Photo Courtesy: Albert L. Ortega/Getty Images

Apart from acting — her most recent credit was on _General Hospital_ — Brown continues to relish all things Halloween. In addition to attending cons and the Spirit of Halloweentown celebration up in Oregon, where the parts of the movie were filmed, she’s a pretty great follow on TikTok. And she’s engaged to _Halloweentown II: Kalabar’s Revenge_ co-star Daniel Kountz. Talk about a magical ending!

### Kirsten Storms

Zoom, zoom, zoom — Kirsten Storms made our hearts go boom, boom in her role as Zenon the titular character in both _Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century_ and _Zenon: The Zequel_. Mischievous, brave and true to herself, Zenon was someone ‘90s kids everywhere could look up to. 

Ryan Paevey and Kirsten Storms speak onstage during the 42nd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards in 2015. Photo Courtesy: Allen Berezovsky/WireImage/Getty Images

Post-_Zequel_ , Storms has been cast in shows like _CSI: Miami_ and _General Hospital_. 

### Brandon Baker

From primo waves to fresh powder, Brandon Baker was the ultimate boarder in his role as Johnny Kapahala in the Disney Channel Original Movie _Johnny Tsunami_. Eight years after _Johnny Tsunami_ was released, Baker reprised his role in the long-awaited sequel, _Johnny Kapahala: Back on Board_. 

Brandon Baker officiates a wedding for Simply Eloped. Photo Courtesy: Simply Eloped

These days, Baker spends his days focused on fun, family, and creating music with his new musical group “The Cheeks” — and he officiates the occasional wedding, as seen here. 

### Ashley Tisdale

Sharpay Evans, played by Ashley Tisdale, was the ultimate Queen Bee of East High in the DCOM _High School Musical_. The original was one of the company’s most successful Disney Channel Original Movies ever, encouraging them to make two more _High School Musical_ films as well as a film centered around Tisdale’s character, _Sharpay’s Big Adventure_. 

Tan France and Ashley Tisdale celebrate the launch of the sustainable baby-care brand goodnest. Photo Courtesy: Noam Galai/Getty Images for goodnest

Most recently, Tisdale was a panelist on _The Masked Dancer_ but she’s also voiced Candace Flynn in _Phineas and Ferb the Movie: Candace Against the Universe_. Outside of acting, Tisdale and her husband, composer Christopher French, raise an adorable daughter together. 

### Ryan Merriman

Known for his roles in Disney Channel Original Movies like _Luck of the Irish_ , _Smart House_ and _A Ring of Endless Light_ , Ryan Merriman was a _big_ part of every ‘90s kid’s childhood. Now that he’s not accidentally creating a malicious A.I. house — predating Alexa by a few decades! — what’s he up to?

In 2014, Ryan Merriman attends the _Pretty Little Liars_ season finale screening in New York City. Photo Courtesy: Mike Pont/FilmMagic/Getty Images

Well, Merriman continues to act in some TV and film but, for the most part, is happy enjoying a low-key life and spending time outdoors.

### Shadia Simmons

The first Disney Channel Original Movie to address serious issues like racism, prejudice and apartheid, _The Color of Friendship_ stars Shadia Simmons as Piper, a young Black girl living in D.C. whose family hosts a white South African student during an exchange program. 

Shadia Simmons’ headshot. Photo Courtesy: Apple TV+

After this groundbreaking role, Simmons followed other pursuits. She doesn’t have any recent film or TV credits because she’s chosen a different path; Simmons is a high school teacher and acting coach.

### Joey Lawrence

It’s hard to talk about Joey Lawrence without mentioning his brothers, Matthew and Andrew Lawrence. The Lawrence Brothers were everywhere during the late ‘90s and early 200s, starring in shows and movies together, including two Disney Channel Originals — _Jumping Ship_ and _Horse Sense_. 

Joey Lawrence competes on _The Celebrity Dating Game_. Photo Courtesy: Craig Sjodin/ABC/Getty Images

While Joey, who’s continued acting, may be the most high-profile of the three, that doesn’t mean the trio has stopped collaborating. In 2021, they co-starred in the Christmas movie _Mistletoe Mixup_ , which was directed by Andrew Lawrence. It’s nice to see that level of brotherly love!

### Camilla Belle

As Sydney Miller in _Rip Girls_ , Camilla Belle had us all wishing that we could move to Hawai’i and live that surfer life. Miller was in the headlines a few years ago when she dated Joe Jonas after Taylor Swift, allegedly prompting Swift to write “Better Than Revenge” about her. 

Camilla Belle and Christopher Meloni on the set of _Law & Order: Organized Crime_ in 2022. Photo Courtesy: Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images

Despite the drama, Belle continues to act in television and film, most recently in the Netflix original film _Carter_ and in shows like _Law & Order: Organized Crime_. 

### Christy Carlson Romano

Another absolute staple of our childhood, Christy Carlson Romano starred in the DCOMs _Cadet Kelly_ , _The Even Stevens Movie_ and _Kim Possible: A Sitch in Time_. 

Christy Carlson Romano speaks during LA’s Comic-Con in 2019 as part of a _Kim Possible_ panel. Photo Courtesy: Chelsea Guglielmino/Getty Images

Romano has switched gears over the last few years, taking to social media where she has a large following on both Instagram and TikTok. In very overachiever Ren fashion, she also hosts two podcasts, _Vulnerable_ and _I Hear Voices_ , all while being a great mom and attending cons. 

### Hilary Duff

Starring as the title character in two Disney Channel Original Movies, _Cadet Kelly_ and _The Lizzie McGuire Movie_ , Hillary Duff was _everywhere_ in the early 2000s. We were supposed to get a _Lizzie McGuire_ reboot — but creative differences between Duff and Disney squashed that idea. 

Hilary Duff reads during Epic!’s Go Anywhere Summer Kickoff Celebration — in support of St. Jude Children’s Hospital — at The Grove in LA in 2022. Photo Courtesy: Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for Epic

Now, her most recent work has been starring in and producing _How I Met Your Father_. In her personal life, Duff is a mom of three; she and NHL player Mike Comrie have a son together, and Duff and her husband, singer/songwriter Matthew Koma, have two daughters.

### Chez Starbuck

In _The Thirteenth Year_ , Chez Starbuck plays Cody Griffin, a boy who begins to turn into a merman on his 13th birthday. Once you’ve gone through on-screen merman-puberty, what else is there to do? 

Chez Starbuck poses for a photo with his family. Photo Courtesy: Chez Starbuck

Chez Starbuck, whose real name is Cesaray Sarnella, owns and operates a family-owned company, The Shelf King. One look at his Instagram page shows you he’s living his best life and loving fatherhood.

### Raven-Symoné

Although Raven-Symoné hit it big on _That’s So Raven_ as the titular psychic, she also starred in _The Cheetah Girls_ alongside Adrienne Bailon, Sabrina Bryan and Kiely Williams. While Raven only worked on the first two of the total three _Cheetah Girls_ movies, she continued acting in both film and television. 

Raven-Symoné attends the surprise 17th birthday and EP release party for actor Issac Ryan Brown on July 12, 2022 in Northridge, California. Photo Courtesy: Michael Tullberg/Getty Images

While on a somewhat-hiatus from acting, Raven co-hosted _The View_ , and, later, reprised her TV series role on the _That’s So Raven_ follow-up,_Raven’s Home_ , in 2017. After sharing that she’s nonbinary and gay, the actor married partner Miranda Maday in 2020. 

### Alana Austin

Every tomboy in the ‘90s had a connection to Alana Austin’s character in the DCOM _Motocrossed_. The premise is _Twelfth Night_ meets motocross. When Andrea “Andi” Carson’s twin brother is injured, she pretends to be him so that they still have a shot at earning a motocross sponsorship. 

Alana Austin during _The Santa Trap_ World Premiere and Holiday Party at Universal Studios. Photo Courtesy: Jean-Paul Aussenard/WireImage/Getty Images

Even though it’s been over 20 years since we saw her for the first time as Andi — and over a decade since her last acting stint — we haven’t forgotten about this absolute legend. And judging by her Insta, she’s enjoying life with her husband and children. 

### Christina Vidal

You’ll remember her from _Brink!_ , no doubt. Christina Vidal played Gabriella, one of the Soul Skaters. As the only girl in the competition, Gabriella was definitely someone to look up to, especially as she held her own on the course. Since Vidal’s DCOM fame, she’s had quite a few TV and film roles to her name. 

Christina Vidal Mitchell in a promotional photo for ABC’s _United We Fall_. Photo Courtesy: Maarten de Boer/Getty Images

Most recently, Vidal worked on the Amazon Prime Video original series _Terminal List_ , alongside Chris Pratt, as well as the Netflix film _The Guilty_ , alongside Jake Gyllenhaal. 

### Adam Wylie 

_Under Wraps,_ which is about a group of friends who unwittingly bring an ancient mummy to life, was the first-ever Disney Channel Original Movie. Adam Wylie played the always-nervous Gilbert — an instant fan favorite. 

Adam Wylie attends the Los Angeles premiere of _The Odd Way Home_ in 2014. Photo Courtesy: Paul Archuleta/FilmMagic/Getty Images

Wylie is still active in film and television, doing mostly voice work. But perhaps most impressively he’s garnered a massive social media following. With over 1 million followers on TikTok, Wylie posts everything from magic tricks to hilarious (and nostalgic) throwbacks.

### Robert Ri’chard 

In the Disney Channel Original Movie _Alley Cats Strike_ , Todd McLemore, played by Robert Ri’chard, is a jock who ends up on a bowling team full of kids who lack confidence. You can probably tell where the story goes from there; still, the DCOM holds a special place in our hearts mostly because it introduced us to Ri’chard. 

In 2020, Robert Ri’chard attends the 6th Annual Diamond Awards at Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo Courtesy: Paras Griffin/Getty Images

After his moment in the Disney spotlight, Ri’chard most notably went on to star in _Coach Carter_ in 2005. Since then, he’s appeared in tons of movies, including _Real Talk_ and _The Fight That Never Ends_ , and has a recurring role in the TV series _Harlem_. 

### Shawn Ashmore

Okay, so you probably associate Shawn Ashmore with the _X-Men_ films; he played Bobby Drake — a.k.a. Iceman — and had an on-again, off-again thing with Anna Paquin’s Rogue. But you might also remember him from his role as Brad Rigly, Hilary Duff’s love interest in the DCOM _Cadet Kelly_. 

Shawn Ashmore in _The Rookie_ on ABC. Photo Courtesy: Raymond Liu/ABC/Getty Images

Shawn — not to be confused with his twin brother and fellow actor Aaron Ashmore — is still very active in the realms of both film and television. Currently, he stars in the ABC drama _The Rookie_ and had a guest role on the Amazon Prime Video hit series _The Boys_. 

### Taran Killam 

Known for his role as the dreamy popstar Jordan Cahill in the DCOM _Stuck in the Suburbs_ , Taran Killam went on to be a bona fide star on _Saturday Night Live_. Married to Cobie Smulders of _How I Met Your Mother_ fame, Killam also had a role on the hit TV series. 

In 2022, Taran Killam attends Showtime’s _I Love That For You_ premiere event in West Hollywood. Photo Courtesy: JC Olivera/Getty Images

Over the years, he’s had roles in everything from hit comedies like _Scrubs_ to Oscar-winning dramas like _12 Years a Slave_ to popular limited series like _American Crime Story_. If you’re looking to watch Killam in a starring role, check out the underrated comedy series _Single Parents_ (2018–20).

### Beverley Mitchell

In the Disney Channel Original Movie _Right on Track_ , Beverley Mitchell plays Erica Enders, the older of two sisters — the younger sibling is played by none other than Oscar winner and Captain Marvel herself, Brie Larson — who confront the prejudice of a male-dominated sport to become top-tier drag racers. 

Beverley Mitchell arrives at the world premiere of _Maleficent: Mistress of Evil_ at El Capitan Theater in 2019. Photo Courtesy: Gregg DeGuire/FilmMagic/Getty Images

Apart from her DCOM fame, Mitchell is well-known for playing Lucy on the long-running TV show _7th Heaven_ (1996–2007). More recently, Mitchell has starred in many made-for-TV movies; if you’ve tuned into the Hallmark Channel at Christmastime, you’ve likely been greeted by Mitchell’s smile. 

### Brenda Song

In _The Ultimate Christmas Present_ , Brenda Song plays Samantha Kwan, a teenager who, along with her friend, finds Santa’s weather machine and makes it snow in Los Angeles for the holidays. Although, in terms of Disney Channel fare, you might remember her a bit better from _The Suite Life of Zack and Cody_(2005–2008). 

Brenda Song attends the 2019 Golden Globe Ambassador Party in West Hollywood. Photo Courtesy: Leon Bennett/WireImage/Getty Images

Song has been acting since age five, so it’s certainly her long-standing career path. Most recently, she starred in the Amazon Freevee series _Love Accidentally_. As far as her personal life goes, Song is partnered with fellow former child star Macaulay Culkin of _Home Alone_ fame, and the couple have a child together.

### Clara Bryant

IHTV interviews former DCOM star Clara Bryant, who traded her acting chops for a law degree. Photo Courtesy: IHTV

Starring in two Disney Channel Original Movies, _Tru Confessions_ and _Under Wraps_ , Clara Bryant had her fair share of success as an actress. In 2008, she switched gears and decided that, rather than continue acting, she’d practice law. And follow those aspirations she did; currently, Bryant is a successful defense lawyer in Georgia.

### Josh Zuckerman

In what’s maybe the wildest DCOM in existence, Josh Zuckerman plays mischievous teenager Danny Wrigley in the Christmas-set _‘Twas the Night_. This movie, which also stars _Breaking Bad_ ’s Bryan Cranston, is full of internet scams, robberies, shakedowns and a bunch of other stuff that probably wouldn’t fly in a Disney movie today. But that’s why the 2000s were so great, right? 

Josh Zuckerman attends the premiere for the new Paramount+ series _The Offer_(2022). Photo Courtesy: Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Since his Disney Channel Original Movie days, Zuckerman has been in dozens of films and television series. Most recently, he was involved with the Paramount+ miniseries _The Offer_ , a biographical drama about the development and production of Francis Ford Coppola’s _The Godfather_(1972).

### Tahj Mowry

_The Poof Point_ , a DCOM about a classic time-machine mixup, stars Tahj Mowry as Eddie, the son of two scientists. Although, the actor’s most notable Disney Channel roles were in the comedy series _Smart Guy_ (1997–99) and the hit animated series _Kim Possible_. 

Tahj Mowry attends the Los Angeles premiere of Netflix’s _Me Time_ (2022) in LA. Photo Courtesy: David Livingston/Getty Images

Over the years, Mowry has garnered a long list of TV and movie credits. Some of those are for roles alongside his sisters, twins (and ‘90s icons) Tia and Tamera Mowry, who starred in _Sister, Sister_(1994–97). With starring roles in movies like _Welcome Matt_ (2021) and _Me Time_ (2022), we expect to see Mowry on our screens for years to come. Currently, he’s working on forthcoming TV series _The Muppets Mayhem_ , which will drop on Disney+ next year.