If you were watching daytime TV or the Disney Channel back in 2016, you literally could not escape Nicolas Bechtel. He was everywhere. He had this specific brand of "precocious kid" energy that didn't feel scripted or annoying, which is a rare feat in Hollywood.
Most people know him as the tiny, suit-wearing mastermind Spencer Cassadine on General Hospital or the mischievous Lewie Diaz on Stuck in the Middle. But then, things got quiet.
The transition from "child star" to "adult actor" is a minefield. Many don't make it across. For Bechtel, the journey through Nicolas Bechtel movies and tv shows hasn't just been about racking up credits; it’s been about outgrowing the very roles that made him famous.
The Soap Opera Prodigy: Spencer Cassadine
Let’s be honest. Soap opera kids are usually just there to look cute or get kidnapped. Bechtel changed that.
When he stepped onto the set of General Hospital in 2013, he was only eight years old. He wasn't playing a normal kid, though. He was playing Spencer Cassadine, a mini-aristocrat with a vocabulary better than most adults. He wore three-piece suits. He plotted. He had "town house" energy.
He stayed in that role on and off until 2020. Over those seven years, he appeared in over 100 episodes. He even nabbed a Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Young Actor in a Drama Series in 2016. It felt like he’d be on that show forever.
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Then came the "SORAS" (Soap Opera Rapid Aging Syndrome). In 2021, the show decided to age the character up to a young adult. Nicholas Alexander Chavez took over the role. It was a weird moment for fans who had watched Bechtel grow up. Honestly, it was a "sad day" for Bechtel too—he even posted on social media about how much the character meant to him.
The Disney Era and Jenna Ortega
While he was busy being a dramatic prince on ABC, he was also a chaotic twin on Disney.
Stuck in the Middle was a massive hit. It’s where a lot of people first saw Jenna Ortega before she became Wednesday. Bechtel played Lewie Diaz, one half of the "invincible" twins with Malachi Barton.
- Role: Lewie Diaz
- Run: 2016–2018 (57 episodes)
- Vibe: Professional troublemaker
The show was basically a launchpad. While Ortega went on to global superstardom, Bechtel took a slightly more low-key path, focusing on specific projects rather than just "anything that came along."
Breaking the "Kid Actor" Mold
In 2016, Bechtel did something most Disney kids aren't allowed to do: he went dark. He appeared in The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story.
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He played a young Rob Kardashian. Think about that for a second. He was acting alongside David Schwimmer and John Travolta. It was a tiny role—only four episodes—but it proved he could handle heavy, prestige TV.
He followed that up with a guest spot on Grey’s Anatomy (as a kid named Jack) and a weirdly memorable turn in American Horror Stories in 2021. In the "Game Over" episode, he played Rory. It was a far cry from the Disney Channel sunshine.
The Big Screen Move: I Still Believe
In 2020, Bechtel made the jump to feature films with I Still Believe. It’s a biographical drama about Christian music star Jeremy Camp.
Bechtel played Jared, Jeremy’s younger brother. It wasn't a starring role, but it was a "grown-up" role. No more jokes about pudding baths or sibling rivalry. It was grounded. It was emotional. It showed that he was ready for the next phase of his career.
Where is Nicolas Bechtel now?
As of early 2026, the conversation around Bechtel has shifted. He’s no longer the kid in the suit. He’s 20 years old now.
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Fans recently lost their minds over a new profile picture he shared on X (formerly Twitter). He looks completely different. The "precocious" look is gone, replaced by a sharp, mature aesthetic.
There have been rumors—and heavy fan campaigns—to bring him back to General Hospital in a different role. While that hasn't happened yet, the industry is watching. He’s in that "sweet spot" where he has the technical skill of a veteran (12+ years of experience) but the face of a newcomer.
Filmography Snapshot
- Days of Our Lives (2012): His debut as Josh.
- The Goodwin Games (2013): Young Keith.
- Rake (2014): Max Leon (7 episodes).
- Underdog Kids (2015): His first real martial arts/action role as Sean.
- I Still Believe (2020): Jared Camp.
Why He Still Matters
The reason Bechtel stays relevant isn't just nostalgia. It’s because he was actually good. Most child actors are coached to be "big" and "loud." Bechtel was subtle.
He understood timing. Whether he was acting opposite soap veterans or Disney stars, he never got lost in the background. That kind of talent doesn't just go away when you hit your twenties.
If you're looking to track his career, the best move is to watch his transition from Stuck in the Middle to American Horror Stories. You can literally see the gears shifting. He’s moving away from the "kid" label and toward something much more interesting.
Next Steps for Fans:
If you want to catch his best work, start with the 2016-2017 seasons of General Hospital. His chemistry with the late Tyler Christopher (who played his father, Nikolas) is some of the best acting in the show’s modern history. After that, check out I Still Believe on streaming to see his more mature side. Keep an eye on his social media for casting announcements—word is he’s looking at more indie film projects in late 2026.