Honestly, if you’ve spent any time on the Disney Channel or Netflix in the last few years, you’ve definitely seen Shelby Simmons. She has that kind of screen presence that just sticks. But here’s the thing: most people just pigeonhole her as "that girl from Bunk'd."
While her time as Ava King at Camp Kikiwaka was a huge deal, it’s really just one chapter in a much bigger story. From her early days doing school plays in Richmond, Virginia—where she played Princess Fiona in Shrek, by the way—to her more recent work in major films, she’s been quietly building a really diverse resume.
The Breakthrough: Shelby Simmons Movies and TV Shows You Actually Know
Most of us first noticed her around 2018 or 2019. She didn't just stumble into a lead role; she put in the work with guest spots on some of the biggest kid-friendly shows of the decade.
You might remember her as Shanelle in Game Shakers or Jacqueline in School of Rock. She even popped up in Andi Mack as Natalie. Those roles were small, sure, but they were the foundation. Then came Prince of Peoria on Netflix. Playing Sydney Quinn, she got to show off her comedic timing as the crush and confidante to the main characters.
It was a solid show that ended too soon for many fans.
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Life at Camp Kikiwaka
When she joined the cast of Bunk'd in Season 4, she brought a totally different energy. Ava King was the big-city girl who had never even been camping before. Watching her transition from a fish-out-of-water counselor to the "camp overlord" (her words, not mine) was one of the better character arcs on the show.
She stayed through Season 5 and even came back for a guest appearance in the series finale in 2024. That final episode, "Happy Trails," was a real full-circle moment for fans who had watched the show evolve since 2015.
Expanding the Portfolio: Beyond the Sitcom
If you think she's only about the multi-cam sitcom life, you're missing out on some of her best work. She’s been making some smart moves into film and voice acting that show a lot more range.
- Stargirl (2020): She played Hillari Kimble in this Disney+ adaptation of the Jerry Spinelli novel. This wasn't a "laugh track" role. It was grounded and a bit more dramatic, showing she could handle a different kind of tone.
- Selfie Dad (2020): She played Hannah Marcus in this faith-based comedy. It might not have been a blockbuster, but it showed her versatility in different genres.
- Snow Day (2022): This was a musical reimagining of the 2000 classic. She played Claire, and it gave her a chance to lean into that high-energy, musical performance style that Nickelodeon fans love.
- Night at the Museum: Kahmunrah Rises Again (2022): She provided voice work for this animated installment of the massive franchise, proving she doesn't even need to be on screen to make an impact.
Basically, she's been everywhere.
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What’s Next for Shelby?
As of early 2026, things aren't slowing down. She was recently spotted at the 2026 LA Art Show, looking very much like a seasoned Hollywood pro. There's also a lot of buzz surrounding her upcoming projects like A Big Bold Beautiful Journey, which is slated for a 2026 release.
She’s also been linked to projects like Slay Day and One Stupid Thing. It’s clear she’s moving into more mature, feature-length territory. It’s that transition period where an actor goes from "Disney kid" to "serious actor," and she seems to be navigating it pretty gracefully.
Real Talk: Why She Sticks Around
The industry is brutal, especially for child stars trying to grow up. Why is she still working?
First off, she’s got the range. She can do the over-the-top Nickelodeon comedy, but she can also play the grounded teen in a Disney+ drama. Second, she’s stayed busy. She didn't just wait for the next big series; she took voice roles, did TV movies, and kept her face out there.
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Also, it helps that she seems genuinely liked by her peers. You’ll often see her name alongside other rising stars like Gavin Lewis or Theodore Barnes. Networking matters in this town, and she’s clearly doing it right.
Actionable Steps for Fans and Industry Observers
If you’re trying to keep up with her career or just want to see more of her work, here is how you can actually do that without getting lost in the weeds:
- Watch the "Prince of Peoria" Specials: Most people just watch the series, but the Christmas special (A Christmas Moose Miracle) is actually some of her funniest work.
- Check out her voice work: If you haven't seen the animated Night at the Museum, it’s worth a watch just to see how she handles voice acting compared to live-action.
- Track her 2026 releases: Keep an eye on the release dates for A Big Bold Beautiful Journey. This is likely going to be the film that determines her "adult" career trajectory.
- Revisit the Bunk'd finale: If you dropped off the show after Season 5, go back and watch the Season 7 finale. Her cameo is a nice nod to her impact on the series.
Shelby Simmons is definitely in that "watch this space" category. She’s already done a lot, but it feels like the best stuff is actually just starting to happen now.