Here's How Different 38 Celebrities Looked In Their Nickelodeon/Disney Debuts Vs. Now — Like, They Are Basically A Whole New Person

    Whether they started as just a small cameo or a recurring character, many of these big-name stars had their big debut on Nickelodeon or Disney way before they became A-listers.

    Mychal Thompson
    by Mychal Thompson

    BuzzFeed Staff

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    1. Here's Selena Gomez as Gwen on The Suite Life of Zack and Cody in 2006.

    Nickelodeon

    Here's Selena at the 80th Annual Golden Globes Awards in 2023.

    Kevin Mazur / Getty Images

    And here she is then vs. now.

    Disney, Kevin Mazur / Getty Images

    Recently, the Only Murders in the Building star has become the center of a fan-driven feud between her and Hailey Bieber, and it's pretty ridiculous.

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    2. Here's Ariana Grande as Cat Valentine in Victorious in 2010.

    Nickelodeon

    Here is Ariana at the live finale for The Voice back in 2021.

    Nbc / NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images

    And here she is then vs. now.

    Nickelodeon, Nbc / NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images

    3. Here is Zendaya as Rocky Blue on Shake It Up in 2010.

    Disney

    Here is Zendaya at the 29th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards in 2023.

    Axelle / FilmMagic / Getty Images

    And here she is then vs. now.

    Disney, Axelle / FilmMagic / Getty Images

    Most recently, the Euphoria star's name was thrown into the mix when celebrity stylist and TV personality Law Roach announced "retirement." However, it was later clarified that his relationship with Zendaya would not change.

    4. Here is Penn Badgley as Eddie Bauer on The Brothers Garcia in 2000.

    Nickelodeon

    Here is Penn at the 36th Annual Tibet House US Benefit Gala in 2023.

    Rob Kim / Getty Images

    And here he is then vs. now.

    Nickelodeon Productions, Rob Kim / Getty Images

    The You star's comments about limiting his involvement in future sex scenes for the Netflix series were blown out of proportion, generating a debate on what's expected in television, and I respect his stance.

    5. Here is Jenna Ortega as the vice president's daughter in Iron Man 3 in 2013.

    Marvel

    Here is Jenna at the 29th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards in 2023.

    Axelle / FilmMagic / Getty Images

    And here she is then vs. now.

    Marvel, Axelle / FilmMagic / Getty Images

    The Wednesday star ruffled a few feathers when she got candid about how she initially avoided being cast in the hit Netflix series to focus on film projects, and she was brutally honest.

    6. Here's Nick Cannon on his first episode of All That in 1998.

    Nickelodeon

    Here's Nick at the Los Angeles Mission's Annual Christmas Celebration in 2022.

    David Livingston / Getty Images

    And here he is then vs. now.

    Nickelodeon, David Livingston / Getty Images

    The Wild N' Out creator and host popped in and out of the news due to becoming the father of 12 children in a few years, and he's proud of it.

    7. Here's Austin Butler as Toby on Hannah Montana in 2006.

    Disney

    Here's Austin at the 25th Annual Costume Designers Guild Awards in 2023.

    Unique Nicole / FilmMagic / Getty Images

    And here he is then vs. now.

    Unique Nicole / FilmMagic / Getty Images

    The Elvis star sparked conversation over his recent loss at the 2023 Oscars for his phenomenal performance as the king of rock 'n' roll, and I think people need to lighten up.

    8. Here's Tyler James Williams as Justin on True Jackson, VP in 2009.

    Nickelodeon

    Here's Tyler at the 29th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards in 2023.

    Frazer Harrison / Getty Images

    And here he is then vs. now.

    Nickelodeon, Frazer Harrison / Getty Images

    The Abbott Elementary star inspired me to pay more attention to my health when he shared an eye-opening near-death experience after learning he had Crohn's Disease.

    9. Here's Ryan Gosling on The All New Mickey Mouse Club in 1993.

    Walt Disney Co. / ©Walt Disney Co./courtesy Everett / Everett Collection

    Here's Ryan on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in 2022.

    Nbc / NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images

    And here he is then vs. now.

    Disney, Nbc / NBC / NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images

    It was recently revealed that Austin Butler copied Ryan's infamous (and unsuccessful) technique of eating melting ice cream to gain weight for a role.

    10. Here's Jennifer Lopez as Miss Márquez in Jack (1996).

    Buena Vista Pictures Distribution

    Here's Jennifer at the Los Angeles premiere of Shotgun Wedding in 2023.

    Axelle / FilmMagic / Getty Images

    And here she is then vs. now.

    Buena Vista Pictures Distribution, Axelle / FilmMagic

    Jennifer's husband, Ben Affleck, recently revealed what she said to him during the 2023 Grammys, where his hilarious "resting Ben face" went extremely viral.

    11. Here's Miley Cyrus as Miley Stewart on Hannah Montana in 2006.

    Disney

    Here's Miley at the Versace FW23 Show in 2023.

    Emma Mcintyre / Getty Images

    And here she is then vs. now.

    Emma Mcintyre / Getty Images, Disney

    After releasing her latest album, Endless Summer Vacation, people are convinced the project took major jabs at the alleged cheating of her ex, Liam Hemsworth.

    12. Here's Olivia Rodrigo as Paige Olvera on Bizaardvark in 2016.

    Disney

    Here's Olivia at the 2023 Billboard Women In Music Awards in 2023.

    Amy Sussman / WireImage / Getty Images

    And here she is then vs. now.

    Disney, Amy Sussman / WireImage / Getty Images

    Joshua Bassett recently made it clear he disapproved of a heckler shouting Olivia's name at his concert since the High School Musical: The Musical costars are actually on good terms after a rumored love triangle left fans fighting in the comments.

    13. Here's Christina Aguilera on The All New Mickey Mouse Club in 1993.

    Walt Disney Co. / ©Walt Disney Co./courtesy Everett / Everett Collection

    Here's Christina at the 23rd Annual Latin Grammy Awards in 2022.

    Manny Hernandez / Wireimage

    And here she is then vs. now.

    Walt Disney Co. / ©Walt Disney Co./courtesy Everett / Everett Collection, Manny Hernandez / Wireimage

    Christina recently opened up about how she received a lot of hate after Pink reminded everyone of their alleged feud.

    14. Here's Demi Lovato as Charlotte Adams on As the Bell Rings in 2007.

    Disney Channel / ©Disney Channel/courtesy Everett / Everett Collection

    Here's Demi at the New York premiere for Scream VI in 2023.

    Jason Mendez / Getty Images for Paramount Pictures

    And here they are then vs. now.

    Disney Channel / ©Disney Channel/courtesy Everett / Everett Collection, Jason Mendez / Getty Images for Paramount Pictures

    I'm here for Demi's relationship with Canadian musician Jutes, and they recently showed up and showed out together at the 2023 Grammys.

    15. Here's Keri Russell on The All New Mickey Mouse Club in 1991.

    Buena Vista Television/ Courtesy: Everett Collection

    Here's Keri at the Los Angeles premiere for Cocaine Bear in 2023.

    Araya Doheny / FilmMagic

    And here she is then vs. now.

    Buena Vista Television/ Courtesy: Everett Collection, Araya Doheny / FilmMagic / Getty Images

    The Americans alum has consistently worked in Hollywood and recently starred in the unbelievable comedic horror film Cocaine Bear (2023).

    16. Here's Hilary Duff as Wendy the Witch in Casper Meets Wendy (1998).

    20thcentfox / ©20thCentFox/Courtesy Everett Collection

    Here's Hilary on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen in 2023.

    Bravo / Heidi Gutman/BRAVO via Getty Images

    And here she is then vs. now.

    20thcentfox / ©20thCentFox/Courtesy Everett Collection, Bravo / Heidi Gutman/BRAVO via Getty Images

    The How I Met Your Father star revealed how she and her husband are great friends and neighbors with her ex, Joel Madden, and his wife, Nicole Richie, and I was pleasantly surprised.

    17. Here's Emma Roberts as Addie Singer on Unfabulous in 2004.

    Nickelodeon

    Here's Emma at the Variety Makeup Artistry Dinner in 2023.

    Jon Kopaloff / Variety via Getty Images

    And here she is then vs. now.

    Nickelodeon, Jon Kopaloff / Variety via Getty Images

    Two years after blocking her mom for revealing her pregnancy, Emma had to call her mom out once again when she recently posted a photo of her son's face without permission, and it's a little messy.

    18. Here's Justin Timberlake on The All New Mickey Mouse Club in 1993.

    Walt Disney Co. / ©Walt Disney Co./courtesy Everett / Everett Collection

    Here's Justin performing at the Children's Hospital Los Angeles Gala in 2022.

    Matt Winkelmeyer / Getty Images for Children's Hospital Los Angeles

    In January, we were reminded of Justin's very public relationship with Britney Spears after she shared a series of old photos with the singer, captioned "Miracles."

    And here he is then vs. now.

    Walt Disney Co. / ©Walt Disney Co./courtesy Everett / Everett Collection, Matt Winkelmeyer / Getty Images for Children's Hospital Los Angeles

    19. Here's Kenan Thompson as Russ on D2: The Mighty Ducks (1994).

    Buena Vista Pictures Distribution

    Here's Kenan at Byron Allen Presents: The Comedy & Music Superfest in 2023.

    Nbc / Caro Scarimbolo/NBC via Getty Images

    And here he is then vs. now.

    Buena Vista Pictures Distribution, Nbc / Caro Scarimbolo / NBC via Getty Images

    Kenan is the longest-running castmate of Saturday Night Live and recently shared that he has no plans to go anywhere.

    20. Here's Miranda Cosgrove as Megan Parker on Drake & Josh in 2004.

    Nickelodeon

    Here's Miranda at the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards in 2023.

    Steve Granitz / FilmMagic

    And here she is then vs. now.

    Nickelodeon, Steve Granitz / FilmMagic

    Although I'm glad the show is back, I was heartbroken after seeing the iCarly star's reaction to former costar Jeanette McCurdy's allegations against Nickelodeon and the show.

    21. Here's Keke Palmer as True Jackson on True Jackson, VP in 2008.

    Nickelodeon

    Here's Keke on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in 2023.

    Nbc / Todd Owyoung/NBC via Getty Images

    And here she is then and now (kinda — because she definitely had the baby).

    Nickelodeon, Nbc / Todd Owyoung / NBC via Getty Images

    In February, the Nope actor gave birth to her son Leodis, and she has no problem getting real about the challenges of being a first-time mom.

    22. Here's Nat and Alex Wolff on The Naked Brothers Band in 2007.

    Nickelodeon

    Here's Alex at the Toronto International Film Festival premiere of Susie Searches in 2022.

    Jeremy Chan / Getty Images

    Here's Nat at the New Group Annual Gala in 2023.

    Dominik Bindl / Getty Images

    Nat currently stars in the dark comedy Amazon series The Consultant.

    And here is Alex then and now.

    Nickelodeon, Jeremy Chan / Getty Images

    It was recently announced that Alex would reunite with his Pig (2021) director Michael Sarnoski for A Quiet Place: Day One, a prequel to the horror franchise.

    And here is Nat then and now.

    Nickelodeon, Dominik Bindl / Getty Images

    Nat recently shared details about his new Amazon series, The Consultant, starring Christoph Waltz.

    23. Here's Vanessa Hudgens as Lindsey on The Brothers Garcia in 2003.

    Nickelodeon

    Here's Vanessa at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party in 2023.

    Karwai Tang / WireImage / Getty Images

    And here she is then vs. now.

    Nickelodeon, Karwai Tang / WireImage / Getty Images

    Vanessa recently confirmed that she's happily engaged to professional baseball player Cole Tucker.

    24. Here are Cole and Dylan Sprouse as Cody and Zack Martin in The Suite Life of Zack and Cody in 2005.

    Disney

    Here's Cole at the 2023 Kodak Film Awards in 2023 and Dylan at the Super Nintendo World welcome celebration in 2023.

    Jerod Harris / Getty Images for Kodak, Rodin Eckenroth / Getty Images

    And here is Cole then vs. now.

    Disney, Jerod Harris / Getty Images for Kodak

    On the Call Her Daddy podcast, Cole recently opened up about many wildly intimate details of his career, including losing his virginity when he was only 14.

    And here is Dylan then vs. now.

    Disney, Rodin Eckenroth / Getty Images

    According to Dylan's brother, the pair started acting as young as 8 years old because their family needed money. He explained that their relationship with show business was different from their other Disney costars.

    25. Here's Zac Efron as Troy Bolton in High School Musical (2006).

    Disney

    Here's Zac on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in 2022.

    Nbc / Todd Owyoung/NBC via Getty Images

    And here he is then vs. now.

    Disney, Nbc / Todd Owyoung / NBC via Getty Images

    Last year, after long speculation of plastic surgery, Zac revealed his near-death experience that left his chin bone "hanging off."

    26. Here are Chlöe and Halle Bailey on Let It Shine (2012).

    Disney

    Here are Chlöe and Halle at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party in 2023.

    Jon Kopaloff / Getty Images for Vanity Fair

    And here's Chlöe then vs. now.

    Disney, Lionel Hahn / Getty Images

    The Swarm actor will release her debut album In Pieces this year, the first project without her sister.

    And here's Halle then vs. now.

    Disney, Lionel Hahn / Getty Images

    The Little Mermaid star recently shared how the racist backlash to the film's casting is nothing new, and I'm frankly tired. I'm very excited about this version.

    27. Here's Jessica Alba as Jessica on The Secret World of Alex Mack in 1994.

    Nickelodeon Productions

    Here's Jessica at the Miu Miu Womenswear Fall Winter show during Paris Fashion Week in 2023.

    Marc Piasecki / WireImage

    And here she is then vs. now.

    Nickelodeon Productions, Marc Piasecki / WireImage

    The Honest Company founder revealed in a recent interview that she had to protect herself during the early points of her career from predatory behavior in Hollywood.

    28. Here's Britney Spears on The All New Mickey Mouse Club in 1993.

    Buena Vista Pictures / ©Buena Vista Pictures/courtesy Everet / Everett Collection

    Here's Britney on her Instagram page in 2023.

    And here she is then vs. now.

    Buena Vista Pictures / ©Buena Vista Pictures/courtesy Everet / Everett Collection, Instagram: @britneyspears

    A recently resurfaced clip has sparked a conversation about how, despite the media's forced portrayal, Britney attempted to be very open about her sex life.

    29. Here's Melissa Joan Hart as Clarissa Darling on Clarissa Explains It All in 1991.

    Nickelodeon

    Here's Melissa at the New Jersey Christmas Con in 2022.

    Emily Assiran / Getty Images for That’s 4 Entertainment

    And here she is then vs. now.

    Nickelodeon, Emily Assiran / Getty Images for That’s 4 Entertainment

    The beloved Christmas movie star had me shook when she spilled the tea about her "little thing" with Ryan Reynolds back in her Sabrina the Teenage Witch days.

    30. Here's Christian Serratos as a random girl on Zoey 101 in 2005.

    Nickelodeon

    Here's Christian at the Christian Dior Womenswear Fall Winter show during Paris Fashion Week in 2023.

    Stephane Cardinale - Corbis / Corbis via Getty Images

    And here she is then vs. now.

    Nickelodeon, Stephane Cardinale - Corbis / Corbis via Getty Images

    For long-time fans of the series, The Walking Dead alum shared how hard it was to walk away from the set after the show's finale.

    31. Here's Alanis Morissette on You Can't Do That on Television in 1986.

    CTV / Nickelodeon

    Here's Alanis at the Canadian Songwriters Hall Of Fame Gala in 2022.

    Jeremy Chan / Getty Images

    And here she is then vs. now.

    Jeremy Chan / Getty Images, CTV / Nickelodeon

    Alanis was one of the legendary musicians who performed at Lisa Marie Presley's funeral earlier this year.

    32. Here's Randall Park as Mr. Palladino on iCarly in 2008.

    Nickelodeon

    Here's Randall at the Writers Guild Awards West Coast Ceremony in 2023.

    Amy Sussman / Getty Images for WGAW

    And here he is then vs. now.

    Nickelodeon, Amy Sussman / Getty Images for WGAW

    The Young Rock actor recently gave great insight into his life and career for The New Yorker.

    33. Here's Jamie Lynn Spears on All That in 2002.

    Nickelodeon

    Here's Jamie Lynn at the Los Angeles premiere of Fox's Special Forces: World's Toughest Test in 2022.

    Emma Mcintyre / Getty Images

    And here she is then vs. now.

    Nickelodeon, Emma Mcintyre / Getty Images

    It was recently announced that Jamie Lynn's popular teen show Zoey 101 is getting a reboot 15 years later, and I'm stoked.

    34. Here's Bella Thorne as CeCe Jones on Shake It Up in 2010.

    Disney

    Here's Bella Thorne during Milan Fashion Week in 2023.

    Arnold Jerocki / WireImage / Getty Images

    And here she is then vs. now.

    Disney, Arnold Jerocki / WireImage / Getty Images

    Not too long ago, Bella shared how she used to be very open to kissing her fans upon request, but after an unpleasant incident, she put a hard stop to those types of interactions.

    35. Here's Kaley Cuoco as Lori in Toothless in 1997.

    Disney–ABC Domestic Television

    Kaley at the 28th Annual Critics Choice Awards in 2023.

    Jeff Kravitz / FilmMagic

    And here she is then vs. now.

    Disney–ABC Domestic Television, Jeff Kravitz / FilmMagic

    The Harley Quinn voice actor has been very open throughout her pregnancy, even sharing how she has no plan and her partner, Tom Pelphrey, is the big planner.

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