You remember the wig. That neon-blonde, synthetic-looking bob was basically the center of the universe back in 2006. If you were a kid then, you weren't just watching a show; you were witnessing the birth of a multi-billion dollar blueprint for how modern fame works. But honestly, looking back at the Hannah Montana series cast from the vantage point of 2026, the real story isn't the glitter. It’s the survival.
Most people think these actors just disappeared into the Disney vault once the "Best of Both Worlds" tour buses stopped rolling. They didn't.
Some of them are winning Grammys. Others are literally directing the next generation of child stars. And one of them? Well, he’s still answering questions about how he played a teenager while he was actually nearing 30.
Miley Cyrus: The Disney Legend Who Refused to Stay Small
Miley Cyrus is 33 now. Wrap your head around that. In 2024, she was officially named a Disney Legend—the youngest person ever to get that title. It was a full-circle moment that felt weirdly earned, considering how hard she tried to set that legacy on fire during her Bangerz era.
People always ask: "Was it all a PR stunt?"
Probably not. Miley has been vocal about the "body dysmorphia" she felt wearing that wig from age 11. She told Marie Claire years ago that she was made to look like someone she wasn't for so long that she forgot who she actually was. By 2026, she’s settled into this rock-vocalist-powerhouse lane that feels way more authentic than the "Miley Stewart" persona.
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She's engaged to Maxx Morando now, and her music—like the massive hit "Flowers"—proves she didn't need the secret identity to stay relevant. She just needed to be herself. Finally.
The Lilly Truscott Pivot: Why Emily Osment is the Cast's Secret Weapon
If Miley was the star, Emily Osment was the glue. Most sidekicks from 2000s sitcoms faded away. Emily did the opposite.
You’ve probably seen her on your screen recently without even realizing it. She spent years as a lead on Young & Hungry, but her biggest move was jumping into the Big Bang Theory universe. Playing Mandy McAllister on Young Sheldon (and the subsequent spin-off Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage) proved she has the best comedic timing of the entire group.
Honestly, Emily's career is the most "professional" of the bunch. No scandals. Just a steady stream of work. She also does voice acting for shows like Family Guy and Dead End: Paranormal Park. She’s the proof that you can survive the Disney machine and still have a "normal" Hollywood career.
Jason Earles and the "Wait, How Old Was He?" Factor
Let’s address the elephant in the room. When Hannah Montana started, Jason Earles was 28. He was playing a 16-year-old. By the time the show ended in 2011, he was 34 playing a high school/college kid.
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It’s the great Hollywood mystery of the 2000s.
In 2026, Jason is nearing 50, and he’s essentially become the "Elder Statesman" of the Disney Channel. He didn't just walk away from the Mouse House; he moved behind the scenes. He worked as an acting coach and mentor on High School Musical: The Musical: The Series. He’s basically the guy who teaches the new kids how to not lose their minds when they become famous overnight.
He’s also been incredibly open on podcasts lately about the "lying about his age" thing, which he says was basically a necessity to get the job. It worked. Jackson Stewart remains one of the most iconic "annoying older brothers" in TV history.
The Billy Ray Renaissance and the "Old Town Road" Aftermath
Billy Ray Cyrus is a fascinating case study in how to reinvent yourself three times. First, he was the "Achy Breaky Heart" guy. Then, he was Robby Ray Stewart. Then, he became the guy who helped Lil Nas X break every record in existence with "Old Town Road."
By 2026, his personal life has been... a lot. After his long marriage to Tish Cyrus ended, there was that very public, very short-lived marriage to Firerose. It was messy. The legal back-and-forth was all over the news in 2024 and 2025.
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But musically? He’s still at it. He just released a duet with his daughter Noah called "On Our Way Along" (produced by his son Braison). Despite the family drama—and there’s been plenty of rumors about rifts between the siblings—Billy Ray seems to be focusing on the "legacy" part of his career now. He’s 64, still touring, and still wearing the soul patch. Some things never change.
Whatever Happened to Oliver and Rico?
Mitchel Musso (Oliver Oken) and Moises Arias (Rico Suave) took the most "indie" paths.
- Mitchel Musso: He had a rougher transition. After a DUI in 2011, he was written out of Pair of Kings and his relationship with Disney cooled off. He’s done some voice work for Phineas and Ferb and released a mixtape called Ghost in late 2022. He’s still making music, but he’s definitely stayed out of the mainstream spotlight.
- Moises Arias: If you want to talk about a "glow-up" in terms of acting chops, look at Moises. He didn't stay the "annoying kid at the surf shop." He became a serious film actor. Have you seen Monos? Or The King of Staten Island? He’s become a favorite for directors like Judd Apatow. He also does incredible photography. He’s arguably the most "artistic" member of the cast.
The Legacy of the Beach House
The Hannah Montana series cast was the first to experience what we now call "Influencer Culture." The show was about a girl managing a public persona and a private reality. Today, every 13-year-old on TikTok is doing the same thing.
The cast members who survived the best were the ones who realized the "wig" was just a costume. Miley had to burn it down to find herself. Emily just kept working. Jason started teaching.
If you're looking to revisit the magic, the entire series is still sitting on Disney+, but the real story is in the credits. These weren't just characters; they were kids (and one 28-year-old) caught in a cultural hurricane.
Next Steps for the Superfan:
- Check out the Disney Legend ceremony from 2024 to see Miley's emotional speech about her time on the show.
- Watch Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage to see Emily Osment's current work; it’s a masterclass in sitcom acting.
- Listen to the 2025 podcast interviews with Jason Earles for the real "behind-the-scenes" dirt on what Disney contracts actually looked like in the 2000s.
The beach house in Malibu might have been a set in Burbank, but the impact this cast had on pop culture is still very, very real.