It feels like just yesterday we were watching a wide-eyed Texan girl hop out of a taxi in Times Square. Honestly, the cast of Disney Channel Jessie became a staple of our childhood afternoons. Whether you were obsessed with Emma’s fashion sense or Ravi’s giant lizard, that penthouse at the Upper West Side felt like a second home. But the show ended in 2015. Since then, the actors have gone through some pretty massive transformations—some heartbreaking, others incredibly inspiring.
The transition from "Disney kid" to "serious adult actor" is never easy. Some disappear into obscurity. Others, like the ones from this show, have managed to stay remarkably relevant in 2026.
Debby Ryan: From Nanny to Netflix Powerhouse
Debby Ryan was the glue. She didn't just play Jessie Prescott; she was one of the first Disney stars to actually step behind the camera, directing episodes while she was still a teenager. That ambition didn't stop when the show wrapped.
You've probably seen her all over Netflix by now. She took a dark turn with Insatiable, which was a huge departure from her "Hey Jessie" days. Since then, she’s leaned into indie films and thrillers like Night Teeth and Spin Me Round. Off-screen, her life is pretty much goals. She married Twenty One Pilots drummer Josh Dun in a secret 2019 New Year’s Eve ceremony. They’ve been living a relatively low-key life in Columbus, Ohio, showing off their eclectic home in Architectural Digest. She’s still acting, but she’s much more selective about her projects these days.
💡 You might also like: Disney Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail: Is the New York Botanical Garden Event Worth Your Money?
Peyton List is the Queen of the "New Adult" Genre
If you told me back in 2011 that Emma Ross would become one of the most feared fighters on TV, I wouldn't have believed you. Peyton List has arguably had the most successful "tough girl" pivot.
Her role as Tory Nichols in Cobra Kai completely changed how Hollywood sees her. She’s not the "pretty blonde" anymore; she’s a legitimate action star. Right now, in early 2026, she is starring in the third season of the supernatural hit School Spirits on Paramount+. She also produces the show. It’s a huge deal for a former Disney star to have that kind of creative control.
What happened to the younger kids?
- Skai Jackson (Zuri Ross): Skai became a literal meme before becoming a fashion icon. She’s been the face of L'Oréal and released a memoir called Reach for the Skai. Life has moved fast for her; she welcomed her first son in January 2025.
- Karan Brar (Ravi Ross): Karan has moved away from the "nerdy kid" trope. He’s been doing a lot of voice work but has recently made a massive splash in the theater world. As of January 2026, he’s leading the Off-Broadway play Data, playing a complex programmer. It’s a far cry from carrying around Mrs. Kipling.
Remembering Cameron Boyce
It is impossible to talk about the cast of Disney Channel Jessie without mentioning Cameron Boyce. His passing in 2019 from SUDEP (Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy) was a gut-punch to the entire industry.
📖 Related: Diego Klattenhoff Movies and TV Shows: Why He’s the Best Actor You Keep Forgetting You Know
Cameron wasn't just a talented dancer and actor; he was a humanitarian. Today, his legacy lives on through The Cameron Boyce Foundation, which his parents, Libby and Victor, run. They focus on epilepsy research and ending gun violence. Every year, the Jessie cast members are usually seen at the foundation's gala. It’s clear they weren't just "work friends"—they were a family.
Kevin Chamberlin: The Butler is a TikTok King
The most unexpected post-Disney career has to be Kevin Chamberlin’s. We all knew him as the lazy, sarcastic butler Bertram. But in the 2020s, he became a viral sensation on TikTok.
He participated in the "Ratatouille Musical" trend and showed off his insane Broadway pipes to a whole new generation. Even now, he stays busy with theater and voice acting. He’s actually writing a memoir set for release in 2027 that promises a lot of "tea" about his days on Broadway and Disney.
👉 See also: Did Mac Miller Like Donald Trump? What Really Happened Between the Rapper and the President
The Reality of the Ross Family Today
Looking back, the show was a bit of a lightning strike. It’s rare for an entire ensemble to stay this active in the industry. Most of them have avoided the "child star curse" by diversifying—doing theater, producing, or starting foundations.
If you want to keep up with them, the best thing to do is follow their current projects rather than just re-watching the old episodes. Check out School Spirits for Peyton, or look into the Cameron Boyce Foundation if you want to support the causes Cameron cared about. Their growth proves that there is definitely life after Disney.
Current Status of the Main Cast (January 2026):
- Debby Ryan: Focused on indie film production and brand partnerships.
- Peyton List: Starring in School Spirits Season 3 and Cobra Kai.
- Skai Jackson: Navigating new motherhood and high-fashion modeling.
- Karan Brar: Currently performing in live theater in New York City.
- Kevin Chamberlin: Active in voiceover work and social media content creation.
To truly appreciate where they are now, you can watch Peyton List's transition into dramatic roles in School Spirits or look for Karan Brar's latest stage credits in NYC. Supporting The Cameron Boyce Foundation remains the best way to honor the legacy of the cast's most beloved member.