If you were a Disney Channel kid in the late 2010s, you definitely knew who Cyrus Goodman was. He was the neurotically charming, tater-tot-obsessed best friend on Andi Mack who basically broke the internet when he became the first character to actually say the words “I’m gay” on a Disney show. It was a massive deal. Honestly, for a lot of us, it was the first time we saw a queer kid just… existing… without it being a tragic plot point.
But then, the show ended. And while most child stars try to pivot to edgy indie films or pop music careers, Joshua Rush kinda did something else. Sure, he did plenty of voice acting—you’ve likely heard him as the title character in Where’s Waldo?—but his transition from the screen to the world of high-stakes politics and climate activism is what’s actually interesting.
The list of Joshua Rush movies and tv shows is surprisingly long for someone who isn't even 25 yet. He started as a toddler identifying car logos on local news and ended up a political science major at the University of Utah. It’s a wild trajectory.
The Early Days: More Than Just a Cute Face
Most people forget that before he was a Disney icon, Joshua was the go-to kid for "younger versions" of famous actors. If you look back at Heroes (around 2009), he was playing Little Sylar—a tiny version of Zachary Quinto’s terrifying villain. Shortly after, he showed up in Chuck as Young Chuck.
He was prolific. Like, really prolific.
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In 2012, he landed a major role in the feature film Parental Guidance. He played Turner Simmons, the grandson of Billy Crystal and Bette Midler. He had this stutter in the movie that he handled with so much nuance for a kid his age. It wasn't just a gimmick; it felt real. That performance earned him a couple of Young Artist Award nominations, and honestly, he deserved them.
Around this time, he was also doing a ton of voice work. You might not realize it, but he was in Gravity Falls (as Soldier Kid) and Star vs. the Forces of Evil. He has this specific vocal energy—high-pitched but articulate—that worked perfectly for animation.
Breaking Barriers with Andi Mack
We have to talk about Andi Mack. This show was different from the typical "laugh track" sitcoms Disney was pumping out. It dealt with teen pregnancy (the pilot’s big twist), anxiety, and, eventually, sexual orientation.
Playing Cyrus Goodman wasn't just another job. When Cyrus came out to Jonah Beck (played by Asher Angel) in the "One in a Minyan" episode, it wasn't just a milestone for the network; it was a personal turning point for Joshua too. Not long after the show wrapped its three-season run in 2019, Joshua himself came out as bisexual.
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He’s talked about how the fans’ reactions to Cyrus gave him the courage to be open about his own life. It’s rare to see that kind of symbiotic relationship between a character and an actor.
Key Roles You Might Have Missed
- Bunga in The Lion Guard: He voiced the honey badger for years. It’s a lot of screaming and "Zuka Zama," but he brought a ton of life to it.
- Toby in The Adventures of Puss in Boots: A main voice role on the Netflix series.
- Jacob in Emelie: If you want to see him in something darker, this 2015 thriller is it. He plays a kid being terrorized by a psychotic babysitter. It’s a far cry from Disney.
- Where’s Waldo?: He voiced Waldo from 2019 to 2021. It’s a lead role, and it’s basically the last major acting project he did before shifting his focus.
The Shift: Why Acting Became Second Priority
By 2020, something changed. Or maybe it had always been there. Joshua started a segment on Instagram called "News in a Rush." He’d break down complex political stories for Gen Z in under a minute. It wasn't just a hobby; he was genuinely good at it.
He didn't just talk about politics; he jumped into it. He worked as an intern at the U.S. House of Representatives. He spent time on Senator Ed Markey’s reelection campaign. He even became a senior advisor for the Young Democrats of America.
It’s easy to look at Joshua Rush movies and tv shows and think his career stopped, but it actually just evolved. He traded script readings for climate change summits and glacier retreat discussions with the UNEP.
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In 2026, he’s more likely to be found at a political rally or a policy meeting than on a red carpet. He’s been very vocal about the fact that while he loves acting, his passion for making a tangible difference in the world—specifically regarding climate change and LGBTQ+ rights—is where his heart is now.
What We Can Learn From His Career
Joshua Rush represents a new kind of "post-Disney" career. He didn't crash and burn, and he didn't try to force himself into a leading-man box that didn't fit. He used his platform to educate.
If you're looking to watch his work, start with Andi Mack. It’s the heart of his legacy. But don't sleep on his voice work in The Lion Guard or his early dramatic turn in Parental Guidance.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Watch for the Nuance: Re-watch the "One in a Minyan" episode of Andi Mack (Season 3, Episode 11) to see the exact moment Disney history was made.
- Follow the Activism: If you're interested in how celebrities pivot to politics, check out Joshua’s past "News in a Rush" archives on social media; they’re a masterclass in accessible communication.
- Explore the Voice Work: Check out Where's Waldo? on Dreamworks/Universal Kids to hear how his voice matured toward the end of his main acting stint.
He’s proven that you don't have to stay in the lane people pick for you when you're twelve. Whether he ever returns to a major film set or ends up running for office in 2036, his impact on representation is already permanent.