If you grew up during the golden era of the Disney Channel, you definitely remember the collective gasp when Jake Ryan first walked into Seaview Middle School. He was the quintessential teen heartthrob—blonde hair, a slightly arrogant smirk, and that "Zombie High" fame that made every girl in the show (and on the couch at home) swoon.
But behind the character who constantly kept Miley Stewart on her toes was an actor named Cody Linley.
Honestly, Linley didn't just play a character; he became the face of first loves and messy breakups for a whole generation. He brought a certain charm to a role that could have easily been one-dimensional. Instead of just being "the famous guy," he gave us Leslie (his real name on the show, remember?), the boy who bought Miley a star and eventually broke her heart in a way that fans are still arguing about on Reddit today.
Who is Cody Linley?
Cody Linley wasn't some random kid Disney plucked off the street. He was born on November 20, 1989, in Lewisville, Texas. By the time he landed the role of Jake Ryan, he was already a veteran of the industry.
Have you ever rewatched Cheaper by the Dozen or Miss Congeniality and had that "wait, I know him" moment? That was Cody. He played Quinn in Cheaper by the Dozen (the bully, believe it or not) and had a small part in Miss Congeniality as "Tough Boy." He even starred in the 2006 film Hoot alongside Logan Lerman and Brie Larson.
By the time 2006 rolled around, he was more than ready for the Disney machine.
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The Jake Ryan "Legacy" on Hannah Montana
Jake Ryan was supposed to be the "endgame" for Miley. Their chemistry was undeniable, mostly because Linley and Miley Cyrus were actually friends off-screen. He appeared in about 12 episodes across all four seasons, but his impact felt way bigger than that.
Think back to the "Achy Jakey Heart" episodes. That was peak Disney drama. Jake literally jumped out of the sky in a tuxedo to win Miley back. It was ridiculous. It was over-the-top. It was exactly what we wanted.
But then, things took a turn.
The Cheating Scandal That Ruined Everything
If you want to start a fight in a room full of Gen Z-ers, just mention how Jake Ryan’s story ended. In Season 4, the writers decided to have Jake cheat on Miley. It felt... wrong. It was abrupt and, frankly, didn't fit the "Leslie" we had grown to love.
Why did they do it? There have been plenty of rumors over the years. Some fans speculate it was because Linley was busy with other projects, like his stint on Dancing with the Stars. Others think the writers just needed a way to clear the path for Jesse (played by Drew Roy) to become the final love interest. Whatever the reason, it remains one of the most controversial character assassinations in Disney history.
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Linley himself has mentioned in recent interviews that he knows how much fans hated that ending. He’s even joked that "everyone makes mistakes," but let’s be real—the fans haven't fully forgiven the writers for that one.
Life After the Wig: Where is Cody Linley Now?
So, what happened to the boy who was once the biggest crush on television? He didn't disappear, but he definitely stepped away from the massive Hollywood spotlight.
- Dancing with the Stars: In 2008, Cody competed in Season 7 of the hit show. He was paired with Julianne Hough and actually did surprisingly well, finishing in fourth place. He was only 18 at the time!
- Acting Coaching: This is probably the coolest part of his "second act." Cody followed in his mother's footsteps (Cathryn Sullivan is a famous acting coach) and started "Acting with Cody." He now helps the next generation of actors find their footing.
- The Sharknado Era: Yes, he was in Sharknado 4 and 5. It’s a bit of a departure from Seaview Middle School, but it shows he doesn't take himself too seriously.
He’s also remained incredibly supportive of Miley Cyrus. If you check his social media, he occasionally posts throwbacks or birthday wishes for her. It's nice to see that the "Jake and Miley" bond wasn't just for the cameras.
The 2026 Reunion Rumors
As of early 2026, the internet is buzzing again. With the 20th anniversary of Hannah Montana approaching in just a year or so, there are whispers of a reboot or a reunion special.
In a recent 2025 interview, Cody was asked if he’d return. His answer? "I'm in." He’s even pitched ideas for where Jake would be now. Maybe he’s a washed-up actor, or maybe he finally grew up and became the "normal person" he promised Miley he’d be.
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Why Jake Ryan Still Matters
We care about who played Jake Ryan because he represented a specific time in pop culture. He was the "movie star" crush that felt somewhat attainable. Cody Linley brought a vulnerability to the role that made us forgive Jake for being a brat in the early seasons.
Whether you were Team Jake or Team Jesse (or maybe Team Travis from the movie—we see you), you can't deny that Cody Linley’s portrayal was a cornerstone of the show's success.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
If you're feeling nostalgic, you can still catch Cody's work beyond the Disney Channel.
- Watch "Hoot": It’s a great look at Cody’s range before the heartthrob labels took over.
- Check out "Acting with Cody": If you're an aspiring actor, his workshops are highly rated and offer a bridge between "Disney style" and professional technique.
- Follow the Reunion News: Keep an eye on official Disney+ announcements. With the success of Wizards Beyond Waverly Place sequels, a Hannah Montana return is looking more likely than ever.
The mystery of who played Jake Ryan is solved, but the legacy of those blonde highlights and "Zombie High" jokes will probably live on forever.