If you spent any part of the 2010s glued to the Disney Channel, you remember Dez Wade. He was the guy with the neon-orange hair, the cargo shorts that seemed to hold an entire universe, and a level of chaotic energy that made Austin & Ally the hit it was. Calum Worthy, the Canadian actor behind the fanny packs, played that lovable weirdo for four seasons. But if you haven't kept up with Dez from Austin and Ally now, you might be shocked to find out he’s no longer just the "funny sidekick." In fact, he’s currently at the center of one of the most intense tech controversies of 2026.
He isn't wearing the suspenders anymore. Honestly, the transformation is a bit jarring if you’re still picturing him sticking a trombone up his nose.
From Disney Dork to Dark Drama
Most child stars struggle to break out of the "mouse house" mold. Calum Worthy didn't just break out; he smashed the door down and set it on fire. After the show wrapped in 2016, he started taking roles that were the polar opposite of Dez. We’re talking about projects like American Vandal, where he played the deceptively simple Alex Trimboli, and his bone-chilling performance in The Act.
If you haven't seen The Act on Hulu, go watch it. He played Nick Godejohn, the real-life boyfriend of Gypsy Rose Blanchard. It was a haunting, transformative performance that proved he had serious dramatic chops. No jokes. No sight gags. Just raw, uncomfortable talent.
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The 2026 Shift: Enter the World of AI
But the real story isn't just his acting. As of early 2026, the biggest news surrounding Dez from Austin and Ally now involves his role as a tech entrepreneur. Worthy is the co-founder and head of business development for a company called 2wai.
They launched an app in late 2025 that has people divided. Basically, it uses AI to create "HoloAvatars"—digital clones of people that can talk, look, and even share memories like the original person.
It sounds like a Black Mirror episode. Because it kinda is.
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The app, specifically its ability to create digital recreations of deceased loved ones, sparked a massive firestorm on social media. Critics are calling it "digital necromancy." Worthy has been the face of the company, defending the tech as a way to build a "living archive of humanity." It’s a far cry from directing music videos for Austin Moon.
What is Calum Worthy doing right now?
While he’s busy in the tech world, he hasn't quit the screen. 2025 saw him starring in the indie thriller Sew Torn, directed by Freddy MacDonald. In the film, he plays Joshua Armitage, a role that leans back into his ability to handle "twisty" and "crime-laced" narratives.
- Acting Status: Still very much active, focusing on genre-bending indies.
- Tech Career: Leading 2wai and pushing the boundaries of AI avatars.
- Activism: He remains a vocal advocate for the Climate Reality Project.
He’s 34 now. He looks different, sure—no more bowl cuts—but that same expressive face that made Dez a meme-lord is still there. It’s just being used to discuss the ethics of AI and high-stakes drama instead of slapstick comedy.
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Why the "Dez" Legacy Still Matters
People still search for Dez from Austin and Ally now because that character represented a specific kind of unfiltered joy. Even as Worthy moves into "scary" tech and dark dramas, he often speaks fondly of his Disney days. In recent interviews for Sew Torn, he’s mentioned how much the show meant to him and how he stays in touch with Ross Lynch and the rest of the crew.
The pivot from a goofy kid's character to a tech founder involved in AI controversy is probably the most "Dez" thing that could happen in real life. It’s unexpected. It’s a little weird. And it has everyone talking.
If you want to keep tabs on what he’s doing next, the best move is to follow his actual projects rather than just waiting for a reboot. While Disney nostalgia is at an all-time high, Worthy seems much more interested in the future—specifically a future where your digital avatar might outlive you.
To see the shift for yourself, start by watching his performance in The Act to erase the Disney image, then look into the 2wai app launch videos to see his current "tech founder" persona in action. It’s a wild ride.