If you spent any part of the mid-2010s glued to the Disney Channel, you definitely remember the "Miggie" drama. It was the kind of television relationship that felt like a high-stakes sports game, mostly because the characters were constantly playing basketball. But when people look back, they usually have one burning question: who plays Diggie in Liv and Maddie?
That would be Ryan McCartan.
Honestly, he wasn't just another guest star. Ryan turned Digbert "Diggie" Smalls into one of the most memorable recurring characters in Disney history. He had this specific vibe—confident but goofy, athletic but sensitive—that made him the perfect foil for Dove Cameron’s Maddie Rooney.
The Guy Behind the Jersey: Who is Ryan McCartan?
Ryan McCartan wasn't some random kid off the street. Before he ever stepped onto the Ridgewood High basketball court, he was already a massive deal in the theater world. In 2011, he won the Jimmy Award, which is basically the Oscars for high school musical theater performers.
He joined the cast of Liv and Maddie in 2013 during its first season. He was supposed to be a recurring love interest, but the chemistry with Dove Cameron was so palpable that he stayed for the long haul.
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People often forget he was actually Dove Cameron’s real-life boyfriend for years. They weren't just "TV cute." They were "engaged in real life" cute. That’s probably why every time Diggie looked at Maddie, it felt way more authentic than your average sitcom romance. They even started a pop duo together called The Girl and the Dreamcatcher. If you haven't heard "Glowing in the Dark," you're missing out on some peak 2016 aesthetics.
Why Diggie Smalls Was... Kinda Controversial?
Look, if you talk to Liv and Maddie purists today, the "Diggie vs. Josh" debate is still a war zone.
When who plays Diggie in Liv and Maddie becomes the topic, the conversation usually shifts to his character arc. Diggie was great in the beginning, but then he left for Tundrabania (a fictional country that sounds cold and miserable). Then he went to Australia. He was constantly leaving!
This opened the door for Josh Willcox, played by Lucas Adams. Josh was the "safe" choice. He was sweet, he was there, and he didn't move to other continents every six months.
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But fans couldn't let go of Ryan McCartan. Even after the real-life breakup between Ryan and Dove in late 2016—which was pretty messy and played out across social media—the show decided to have Maddie and Diggie end up together in the series finale, "End-a-Rooney." It was a polarizing choice. Some people felt he was a "toxic homewrecker" who only came back when he saw Maddie was happy with someone else. Others saw it as soulmates finding their way back.
Life After Disney: Where is Ryan Now?
If you haven't kept up with Ryan since the show ended in 2017, you might be surprised to find out he's become a legitimate Broadway powerhouse. He didn't just stay in the "Disney star" lane.
- Heathers: The Musical: He originated the role of Jason "J.D." Dean Off-Broadway. If you’ve seen the "Dead Girl Walking" or "Meant to Be Yours" clips on TikTok, that’s him.
- Wicked: He made his Broadway debut as Fiyero in 2018.
- Frozen: He played Prince Hans on Broadway and in the national tour. (Playing the villain was a nice change from the "boyfriend" roles).
- The Great Gatsby: As of early 2025 and moving into 2026, he has been starring as Jay Gatsby on Broadway, succeeding Jeremy Jordan.
Basically, he's moved far beyond the basketball shorts. He's also been incredibly open about his personal life. He’s discussed his battle with Type 1 diabetes and has shared deeply personal stories about his past, including identifying as queer/bisexual.
The "Miggie" Legacy
Whenever you rewatch Liv and Maddie on Disney+, the character of Diggie stands out because Ryan McCartan brought a weirdly high level of craft to a Disney Channel show. Most actors in those roles just "hit their marks and bark their sparks," as they say in the industry. Ryan actually acted.
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He made the breakup scenes hurt. He made the "Twin-a-Rooney" moments funny.
So, when someone asks who plays Diggie in Liv and Maddie, you aren't just giving them a name. You're giving them the name of a guy who navigated the Disney machine, survived a very public breakup, and came out the other side as a Broadway lead.
If you want to keep tabs on what he's doing next, your best bet is following his theater updates. He's currently one of the most sought-after leading men in New York. You can also dive into his solo music—his 2021 single "Politician" is a far cry from the bubblegum pop of his Disney days and shows just how much he's grown as an artist.
Check out his recent Broadway performances if you can. Seeing the guy who played "Digbert" belt out high notes in a tuxedo is a trip, but it proves that some Disney stars are actually the real deal.
Next Steps for Fans
- Watch the "Heathers" Pro-Shot or Listen to the Cast Recording: If you only know him as Diggie, your mind will be blown by his performance as J.D. It's dark, gritty, and completely different.
- Stream "The Opposite" EP: This was his debut solo project after the breakup with Dove Cameron. It’s a great window into his mindset during that transitional period.
- Follow Broadway World: Since he is currently a major player in the theater scene, this is the best place to find tickets and casting news for his 2026 projects.