Aviva Chiara Mongillo, a former Disney Channel star known for her role in the series Backstage, has shared a candid update about her life, revealing she has moved back in with her parents at the age of 27.
The actress and musician, who also released music under the name Carys, took to TikTok to reflect on her career journey, stating that despite the change in circumstances, she "wouldn't change a thing" and is profoundly grateful for her life.
From Disney Fame to Family Home
Mongillo's rise to fame began with her portrayal of Alya Kendrick, a talented musician and songwriter, in the Family Channel drama Backstage, a series associated with Disney Channel. She starred as the main character in sixty episodes of the show between 2016 and 2017, often showcasing her musical talents on screen.
Parallel to her acting career, her music also found significant success. After signing with Warner Music Canada, she released hits like Princesses Don't Cry, Bad Boy, and No More. Her 2019 song Princesses Don't Cry became a viral sensation on platforms like TikTok, amassing a staggering over 250 million streams.
A Candid Social Media Revelation
In a recent TikTok video, the 27-year-old was seen smiling in a red jumper, miming to audio that said, "To be honest, I don't know what happened but we need a re-do." She overlaid the video with a frank caption: "When you were on Disney channel, signed to a major label and had a viral song before the age of 20 and now you're 27 living with your parents."
However, Mongillo was quick to clarify her perspective in the post's description, firmly stating her contentment. She wrote, "For real though… I wouldn't change a thing. I'm grateful that this is my life."
An Outpouring of Fan Support
The post prompted an immediate and warm response from fans, many of whom fondly remembered her from her Disney days. One fan commented, "Backstage is one of my favorite disney shows ever!!!", while another declared, "Aviva Mongillo you will always be famous to me."
Others expressed their lasting connection to her music, with one writing, "I legit still listen to shot me down from backstage and princesses down cry. Girl you have not been forgotten." Mongillo even personally replied to one fan, "Eeee!! I'm glad we found eachother again."
Beyond Backstage, Mongillo also held a recurring role as Juniper in the CBC sitcom Workin' Moms from 2018 to 2023 and released her debut album, Songs About Boys, in 2017. Her journey illustrates a shift many former child stars experience, yet her positive outlook and gratitude for her past successes and present life remain the central theme of her story.
