If you grew up during the mid-2000s, there is a 100% chance you had a very strong opinion about Jake Ryan. Whether you thought he was the ultimate dream guy or just the guy who broke Miley’s heart, Cody Linley was everywhere. But here’s the thing: most people think he vanished once Hannah Montana wrapped. They’re wrong.
Actually, the journey of Cody Linley movies and tv shows started way before Disney and continued long after the mouse ears were put away. From his early days as a child star in Texas to his survival in the Sharknado franchise, Cody has had one of those careers that is way more varied than you probably remember. Honestly, he’s been working since he was eight.
From Texas Roots to Blockbuster Bullies
Cody didn’t just wake up as a teen idol. He put in the work on some pretty heavy-hitting sets before he could even drive. His debut was a 1998 TV movie called Still Holding On: The Legend of Cadillac Jack, where he shared a role with his brother, Chad. That’s a cool bit of trivia—they both played the same character at different ages.
By the time 2000 rolled around, Cody was appearing in movies you’ve definitely seen on cable. He was in My Dog Skip with Kevin Bacon and Where the Heart Is with Natalie Portman. He even had a small role as "Tough Boy" in the Sandra Bullock hit Miss Congeniality.
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One of his most underrated early turns was in Cheaper by the Dozen (2003). He played Quinn, the bully who picked on the Baker kids. It’s funny looking back now, seeing this kid who would become a global heartthrob playing a total jerk. He was also great in the indie film When Zachary Beaver Came to Town, which really proved he had more range than just being the "pretty boy" in the background.
The Jake Ryan Phenomenon and the Disney Era
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room. Hannah Montana. When Cody landed the role of Jake Ryan in 2006, things changed overnight.
Jake was the quintessential Hollywood star character—charming, a little bit arrogant, but ultimately vulnerable. His "on-again, off-again" relationship with Miley Stewart was the primary romantic arc for a huge chunk of the show. Fans were devastated when his character was eventually written off after getting caught cheating on Miley in the final season. It was a bold move for a Disney show, basically turning the golden boy into a villain.
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While he was doing the Disney thing, Cody was also branching out into other genres:
- Hoot (2006): He starred alongside a young Brie Larson and Logan Lerman. It was a quirky movie about saving owls, and Cody played "Mullet Fingers," a barefoot runaway.
- The Haunting Hour: Don't Think About It (2007): He teamed up with another Disney alum, Emily Osment, for this R.L. Stine adaptation. It’s a nostalgic spooky classic for Gen Z.
- That's So Raven: He had a guest spot as Daryl in the "Five Finger Discount" episode. It's one of those "hey, I know that guy!" moments when you rewatch the old series.
Dancing with the Stars and Beyond
In 2008, Cody took a massive leap by joining Dancing with the Stars Season 7. He was only 18 at the time, making him the youngest contestant in the show's history at that point. Partnered with Julianne Hough, he made it all the way to the semi-finals, finishing in fourth place.
It was during this time that he really started to transition out of the child star mold. People saw him as an athlete and a performer in his own right, not just a character on a sitcom. He even had to dance with Edyta Śliwińska for a couple of weeks when Julianne had a health scare. The kid had poise under pressure, basically.
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What He's Been Doing Lately
So, where did he go? He didn't quit acting; he just changed lanes. He did a stint on Melissa & Joey as Aiden Haber, a recurring character who was a bit of a departure from his Disney days. He also moved into more niche and independent projects.
The Sharknado movies are probably his most visible recent work. He joined the cult-classic franchise in Sharknado: The 4th Awakens and Sharknado 5: Global Swarming as Matthew Shepard. It’s campy, it’s ridiculous, and he clearly had a blast doing it.
Lately, Cody has shifted a lot of his energy into teaching. He runs "Acting with Cody," where he coaches new actors on how to navigate the industry. It’s a smart move. He’s been in the business for nearly 30 years—who better to learn from than someone who survived the Disney machine and came out the other side?
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're looking to revisit the best of Cody Linley movies and tv shows, here is a solid way to do it:
- Start with the Staples: Watch Hoot and his first few appearances in Hannah Montana (Season 1, "New Kid in School"). It shows his peak teen-idol charisma.
- Check the Early Work: Find a copy of When Zachary Beaver Came to Town. It’s a genuine, heartfelt performance that gets overlooked.
- The DWTS Clips: YouTube still has most of his Season 7 performances. His Jitterbug and Samba are genuinely impressive for a non-pro.
- Follow the Now: Check out his social media or his acting workshops. He often shares behind-the-scenes stories about the "old days" of Disney that are pretty fascinating for anyone who lived through that era.
The reality is that Cody Linley didn't "disappear." He grew up. He traded the high-intensity spotlight of being a teen heartthrob for a more balanced life of acting, teaching, and appearing in projects that he actually enjoys. Whether there's a Hannah Montana reunion in the works or not, his legacy as the face of 2000s teen TV is pretty much set in stone.