Check Out the Disney Stars Who Went From Childhood Crushes To Full Adult Symbols

While Disney may have offered kids healthy, fun programming, it likewise filled in as a springboard for megastars in music, TV, and films.

These celebrities may have started out as ‘innocent’ youngsters. However, as they grew up, they took on more suggestive undertakings and looks.
#1 Britney Spears — Then

Known for the Mickey Mouse Club, she turned into the greatest pop star of her age, and she keeps on engaging millions with her music.
Britney Spears — Now

#2 Selena Gomez – Then

Selena is best known for her role as Alex Russo on Wizards of Waverly Place.

While the show aired from 2007–2012, Selena also appeared in the Disney Channel movie Another Cinderella Story (2008) and made it onto the big screen in 2010’s Ramona and Beezus and 2011’s Monte Carlo.
Selena Gomez – Now

A year after Wizards ended, Selena took on a much more adult role in the thriller Spring Breakers. She’s also credited in the 2019 zombie movie The Dead Don’t Die and Woody Allen’s A Rainy Day in New York.

She also has a notable music career, which includes several Billboard Music Awards nominations.
#3 Zac Efron — Then

Known as a teen heartthrob alongside Vanessa, Zac Efron has made the seamless leap to Hollywood adult stardom. He has starred in movies like Neighbors and That Awkward Moment.
Zac Efron — Now

#4 Ashley Tisdale — Then

Ashley Tisdale was a dual-threat for Disney: She performed in both their High School Musical movies and The Suite Life of Zach & Cody. And it’s easy to see why.

Disney would get so invested in her, with her earnest, fun energy and obvious singing talent.
Ashley Tisdale — Now

#5 Ryan Gosling — Then

Ryan Gosling — Now

#6 Nick Jonas — Then

Finding fame alongside his brothers Joe and Kevin in their band The Jonas Brothers, Nick Jonas was a heartthrob who found himself plastered on many teen girls’ walls in the late 2000s.
Nick Jonas — Now

#7 Bella Thorne — Then

She starred in a Disney Channel Original Movie, Frenemies. She also starred in shows like Shake It Up.

And in what might be the biggest thumb-in-the-eye to Disney, she went out and directed an explicit adult movie.
Bella Thorne — Now

#8 Miley Cyrus — Then

We all know Miley’s origin story — daughter of country music superstar (at least in the ’90s) Billy Ray Cyrus.

Miley landed the role of Hannah Montana on the Disney Channel show in her childhood. While the film was a mega-success, Miley didn’t take long to decide she wanted to be a sexy-ass grown up.

After taking off all her clothes and riding on a Wrecking Ball, Miley twerked on stage at the VMAs.
Miley Cyrus — Now