You remember the kid. The one with the bowl cut and the high-pitched voice who was constantly causing chaos for Zendaya and Bella Thorne. If you grew up in the 2010s, Flynn Jones was basically the annoying younger brother you either loved or wanted to mute. Davis Cleveland was that kid. He was everywhere for a minute there, a staple of the Disney Channel golden era.
But then, the screen went dark.
Most child actors transition into "gritty" indie movies or start a pop music career that feels a little too forced. Davis took a left turn that nobody saw coming. Instead of fighting for a spot in a Marvel movie, he traded the soundstage for a dental office. Seriously.
The Flynn Jones Era and the Disney Machine
Before we get into the "where are they now" stuff, we have to look at the sheer volume of Davis Cleveland movies and tv shows that existed during his peak. This kid wasn't just a one-hit-wonder on Shake It Up. He was a professional "little brother" for the entire network.
He started tiny. Most people don't realize he was in Criminal Minds at age six. He played Ricky in an episode called "Masterpiece." Seeing a Disney kid in a show about serial killers is always a trip, but he had that precocious energy even then.
Then came the sitcom circuit:
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- How I Met Your Mother (He played Andy, the kid Barney tries to teach to be a wingman... sort of).
- Desperate Housewives (A quick guest spot as Jeffrey).
- Ghost Whisperer (As Tyler Harmon).
By the time Shake It Up premiered in 2010, Davis was already a veteran. He played Flynn Jones for three seasons. It’s hard to overstate how big that show was. It wasn't just about the dancing; it was the start of Zendaya’s world domination. Davis was right there in the middle of it, earning Young Artist Award nominations and becoming a household face for the pre-teen crowd.
Switching Networks: The Nickelodeon Pivot
When Shake It Up wrapped in 2013, everyone expected Davis to get his own spin-off or maybe a record deal. Instead, he did something kind of rare: he crossed the picket line over to Nickelodeon.
Usually, you're either a Disney kid or a Nick kid. Davis did both.
He starred in Rufus (2016) and Rufus 2 (2017) alongside Jace Norman from Henry Danger. He played Manny, the kid whose dog miraculously turns into a human. It was peak Nickelodeon—silly, high-energy, and perfect for his comedic timing. Around the same time, he showed up in Legendary Dudas and a Christmas movie called Alone for Christmas.
And then? He just... stopped.
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Why Davis Cleveland Left Hollywood Behind
Honestly, it’s refreshing. Most people in this industry cling to fame until it’s long gone. Davis Cleveland chose a different path.
He moved back to Texas. He went to Texas A&M University. He didn't just go for a "general studies" degree either. He went into the dental program. As of 2026, he’s focused on becoming a dentist.
It’s a massive shift. You go from being recognized at Disneyland to looking at X-rays of wisdom teeth. But if you look at his social media, he seems way more content than the average former child star. He’s living a normal life, traveling, and staying out of the tabloids.
The Full Filmography Breakdown
If you're looking for a quick list of Davis Cleveland movies and tv shows to binge for nostalgia, here is the essential roadmap of his career:
- Criminal Minds (2008): Ricky (Episode: "Masterpiece")
- How I Met Your Mother (2008): Andy (Episode: "The Fight")
- Desperate Housewives (2009): Jeffrey
- Shake It Up (2010–2013): Flynn Jones (The career-defining role)
- Zeke and Luther (2010–2011): Roy Waffles
- Hannah Montana (2010): Little Boy (He was in two episodes!)
- Good Luck Charlie (2011): Walker / Flynn Jones
- Alone for Christmas (2013): Dillon
- Rizzoli & Isles (2014): Zach Langley
- Rufus & Rufus 2 (2016-2017): Manny
What We Can Learn from the Flynn Jones Exit
The entertainment industry is brutal on kids. We've seen it a million times. But Davis Cleveland represents the "Third Way." You don't have to be a superstar forever, and you don't have to have a public meltdown. You can just do your job, save your money, and go become a dentist in Texas.
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It’s a weirdly "alpha" move to walk away from Hollywood at the height of your potential. Most people can't do it. The ego won't let them.
If you're looking for his latest "project," you won't find it on Netflix or Disney+. You'll likely find it in a medical journal or a local Texas practice in a few years. He’s traded the red carpet for a lab coat, and honestly? Good for him.
If you're feeling nostalgic, go back and watch the Good Luck Charlie crossover episode "Charlie Shakes It Up." It’s probably the peak of that era of television. It captures exactly why Davis was so good—he could hold his own against actors twice his age without breaking a sweat.
The next time you’re sitting in a dentist's chair, take a look at the guy behind the mask. If he has a familiar spark in his eye and a Texas A&M degree on the wall, you might just be getting a cleaning from Flynn Jones.
Actionable Insight for Fans:
If you want to keep up with Davis today, don't look for IMDb updates. His acting days appear to be firmly in the rearview mirror. Instead, follow his occasional updates on Instagram where he shares glimpses of his life at Texas A&M and his travels. It's a great reminder that success isn't always defined by a Screen Actors Guild card—sometimes it's just about finding a career that makes you happy away from the cameras.