Whether you grew up watching them or just recognize a few familiar faces, these Disney and Nickelodeon stars became part of the childhood of millions. Through iconic shows, unforgettable characters, and years on screen, they helped shape an entire generation of viewers who tuned in daily, all while growing up themselves. Even if you haven’t thought about them in years, their impact is still there, tied to a kind of nostalgia that never really fades.
But have you ever stopped to wonder what happened to them after the cameras stopped rolling? While some remained in the spotlight, many chose completely different paths, stepping away from fame to build new lives in unexpected places. In this article, we take a closer look at where they are now and how far they’ve come from their Disney and Nickelodeon days.
1. Bridgit Mendler
Best known for Good Luck Charlie and Lemonade Mouth, she took one of the most unexpected paths. Her future seemed written, she was set to become a star, but life takes you where you least expect it. After leaving Disney, she focused on academics and tech, eventually becoming CEO of a satellite communications startup, far from her sitcom roots. Social media loves her and fans around the world support her for becoming this incredible genius.
2. Jennette McCurdy
McCurdy was one of those child stars who was everywhere at the time. Famous for starring in iCarly and Sam & Cat as the rebel Sam Puckett, she stepped away from acting completely to pursue her dream of becoming a writer. She’s now a bestselling author and filmmaker, with her memoir, I’m Glad My Mom Died, redefining her career.
3. Kel Mitchell
You probably remember him for being a key face of the famous Nickelodeon show, Kenan & Kel. Mitchell later shifted toward faith-based work. Today, he’s a pastor, author, and motivational speaker, with occasional returns to entertainment.
4. Sterling Knight
Knight is known for playing Chad Dylan Cooper in Sonny With a Chance and Christopher Wilde in the Disney Channel Original Movie Starstruck. However, his fame didn’t last long and he quietly moved away from acting. He now focuses more on behind-the-scenes production work in the industry.
5. Alisa Reyes
Reyes was such a talented child star. She was famous for appearing on Nickelodeon’s All That and providing the voice of LaCienega Boulevardez in the Disney Channel’s, The Proud Family. After working on those projects, she transitioned into hosting and producing, building a career in media beyond acting.
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6. Ben Savage
Widely known as Cory in Boy Meets World, he later stepped away from acting to pursue a career in politics. After running for public office in California, he shifted his focus toward civic engagement. Over time, he distanced himself from the entertainment industry and no longer maintains close ties with his former co-stars.
7. Jennifer Stone
Stone played Harper, Alex’s best friend in Wizards of Waverly Place. After acting, she pursued nursing and is now a registered nurse, one of the most dramatic career changes on this list. She became viral a few years ago because of the drastic turn she made. Fans celebrate her and still remember her character with a lot of love.
8. Amanda Bynes
One of the most unexpected stories on this list. A defining Nickelodeon star of the 2000s, easily the face of the network at her peak, she stepped away from acting after years in the spotlight. She later studied fashion and shifted her focus to a more private life outside Hollywood.
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9. Danny Tamberelli
Another familiar face from Nickelodeon. He played Little Pete in The Adventures of Pete & Pete and appeared on All That. After his early success, he stepped away from mainstream acting and built a quieter creative career in music, podcasting, and comedy.
10. Drake Bell
A former Nickelodeon star from Drake & Josh, his career took a controversial turn in recent years, with legal issues and public scrutiny affecting his image. He later appeared in the docuseries Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV, which explores behind-the-scenes realities of Disney and Nickelodeon stars. In recent years, he’s shifted his focus almost entirely to music, building a strong fan base, especially in Latin America, and reinventing himself as a singer.
11. Ashley Argota
Argota is known for her roles in True Jackson, VP and Bucket & Skinner’s Epic Adventures, she gradually stepped away from mainstream acting. She’s since focused on music, teaching, and wellness-centered work, creating a more grounded career outside the spotlight.
12. Josh Peck
Another Drake & Josh star for this list, Peck successfully reinvented himself in the digital space. He became a popular YouTuber and podcast host, while also taking on more mature acting roles. Today, he’s known as much for his online presence as for his early Nickelodeon fame.
13. Cole Sprouse
Although he remains part of the acting industry, Cole Sprouse has largely built a second identity as a photographer. After The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, he stepped away from acting to study archaeology at NYU, focusing on his education before eventually returning to the screen.
14. Danielle Fishel
Best known as Topanga in Boy Meets World, Danielle Fishel transitioned from acting into directing and hosting. She’s worked behind the camera on various TV projects, building a steady career beyond on-screen fame. She also competed on Season 34 of Dancing with the Stars in 2025, reminding fans that Topanga’s charm is still very much part of her.
15. Hilary Duff
It’s the turn of our beloved Lizzie McGuire. Hilary Duff grew into one of Disney’s most recognizable stars. While she still acts occasionally, her career has expanded far beyond the screen. She’s built a successful path as an entrepreneur, launching lifestyle brands and balancing business with family life.
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Looking back at these Disney and Nickelodeon stars now, one thing becomes clear: fame isn’t always the final destination, or everyone’s first choice. While many people dream of that level of recognition, for some, it can become overwhelming over time. What once felt exciting can turn into something they’d rather leave behind, choosing instead a quieter, more personal path. In the end, their stories show that success isn’t one-size-fits-all. Some stayed, some reinvented themselves, and others walked away completely, but all of them found a version of life that worked for them.
Check out our other nostalgia-packed articles here: 15 Teen Idols of the 80s: Where Are They Now?, 14 Child Stars Who Were Done with Disney, and 15 Stars From the 80s and 90s Who Disappeared From Hollywood.
