Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special Set to Air This Month
The beloved Disney Channel teen sitcom Hannah Montana, which captivated audiences between 2006 and 2011, is making a triumphant return with a 20th anniversary special. Fans have expressed overwhelming excitement, with many claiming they feel "healed" by the news of this nostalgic celebration. The special is scheduled to air on March 24, exactly two decades after the series premiered, promising to honor the iconic show that defined a generation.
The Double Life of Miley Stewart
The series followed the life of 14-year-old Miley Stewart, portrayed by Miley Cyrus, who lived a secret double life as pop sensation Hannah Montana. To maintain her normalcy, she concealed her identity with a wig, but in the fourth season, she ultimately revealed her secret to the world. Over four seasons, the show aired an impressive 98 episodes, leaving a lasting cultural impact that continues to resonate with viewers today.
Where Are the Hannah Montana Cast Members Now?
Since the show concluded, the lives of the cast have diverged dramatically, ranging from global stardom to legal challenges. Here is a detailed look at what the key actors have been up to in the years following Hannah Montana.
Miley Cyrus: From Teen Star to Global Superstar
Miley Cyrus, now 33, skyrocketed to fame with her role as Miley Stewart in 2006. She has since evolved into a global music icon, consistently releasing chart-topping hits like Flowers, Wrecking Ball, and We Can't Stop. Her accolades include Grammy, MTV Video Music, and Billboard Music Awards. With nine studio albums to her name, such as Bangerz and Endless Summer Vacation, Miley has also ventured into acting with films like The Last Song and Drive-Away Dolls.
In her personal life, she is currently engaged to musician Maxx Morando, following a tumultuous on-and-off relationship and marriage to actor Liam Hemsworth from 2009 to 2020. Boasting 210 million Instagram followers, Miley remains a dominant force in the entertainment industry.
Billy Ray Cyrus: From On-Screen Dad to Continued Success
Billy Ray Cyrus, 64, played Miley's on-screen father, Robby Ray Stewart, a retired singer who managed Hannah's career. His role mirrored aspects of his own life, as he gained fame in the 1990s with the hit song Achy Breaky Heart. Post-Hannah Montana, he released four more albums and appeared in TV shows like Still the King and films such as Hannah Montana: The Movie.
Currently in a relationship with model Elizabeth Hurley, Billy Ray was previously married to Tish Cyrus from 1991 to 2022. His career continues to thrive with ongoing projects in television and music.
Emily Osment: Acting and Musical Pursuits
Emily Osment, 34, portrayed Miley's best friend, Lilly Truscott. After the show, she maintained a steady acting career with roles in series like Young & Hungry and The Kominsky Method, and films including the Beverly Hills Chihuahua franchise. As a singer, she released the album Fight or Flight in 2010 and now performs under the alias Bluebiird.
Recently divorced from Jack Anthony in 2024, Emily continues to balance her acting and musical endeavors, showcasing her versatility in the entertainment world.
Mitchel Musso: Career Highlights and Legal Issues
Mitchel Musso played main character Oliver Oken from 2006 to 2011. He later starred in Pair of Kings and voiced characters in Milo Murphy's Law. Musso has released two studio albums and taken on film roles like The Sand. However, his career has been marred by legal troubles, including a DUI arrest in 2011 and charges of public intoxication and theft in 2023, though some charges were later dropped.
Jason Earles: From Teen Role to Diverse Acting
Jason Earles, 48, played Miley's brother, Jackson Stewart, despite being 28 at the time. Post-Hannah Montana, he appeared in shows like Kickin' It and films such as Super Buddies. In his personal life, he married Katie Drysen in 2017 after a previous marriage ended in 2013.
Moisés Arias: Expanding Beyond Disney
Moisés Arias, 31, is best known as Rico Suave Jr., Jackson's boss. He has since taken on diverse roles in TV series like The Good Doctor and the sci-fi show Fallout, as well as films including Pitch Perfect 3 and Five Feet Apart. Upcoming projects include 52nd State and Here Comes The Flood. Arias keeps his personal life private, focusing on his acting and photography career.
The 20th anniversary special not only celebrates Hannah Montana's legacy but also highlights the varied paths its cast has taken, from enduring stardom to personal and professional challenges, underscoring the show's lasting influence on pop culture.
