33+ Disney Channel Interviews That Give Us Total Nostalgia

For kids growing up in the 2000s, Disney Channel didn’t miss. With shows like *Hannah Montana*, *Wizards of Waverly Place*, and *Suite Life of Zack and Cody*, among others, we consider ourselves quite lucky to have grown up in an era of sassy, wholesome, and iconic characters and shows. If these characters shaped your childhood, prepare yourself for the interviews you never knew you needed, guaranteed to provide you with your daily does of chuckles and nostalgia.

Trading Places

Being a twin has its upsides and downsides. We always wondered what it would be like to be able to switch places with someone who looked exactly like us just once. For the Sprouse siblings, being a famous twin allowed the boys to take trading places to a whole new level. Early on, we probably couldn’t tell which twin was playing which character. The boys sure knew how to keep things interesting, even from a young age.

The Evans Twins

One of the hardest parts of acting must be having to work well with your co-stars, no matter how poorly you get along with them. Ashley Tisdale and Lucas Grabeel were cast together as siblings in the *High School Musical* movies, which proved difficult from the beginning. They must’ve hidden it well since their aversion to each other was not super obvious. We’re so glad their relationship has changed and they’re able to laugh at the situation now.

Crushing Off-Screen

We all watched Demi Lovato go to summer camp and absolutely fall for the rock star that Joe Jonas was playing in *Camp Rock*. Who could forget when Joe realizes that Demi is the girl he can’t get out of his head and they sing their sweet duet together? While Lovato was a pretty talented actress from an early age, she didn’t need her acting skills when it came to Joe, since she had a major crush on him in real life too. We get it, girl.

Doesn’t Need Advice

Miley Cyrus has disclosed a few times how much influence Hilary Duff had on her decision to start acting and play the role of Hannah Montana. It’s clear that Cyrus looks up to Hilary Duff, but the admiration goes both ways. Disney Channel has a way of bringing people together. Duff and Cyrus are some of the lucky ones who found in each other friendship and role models. We love how supportive Hilary Duff is of her friend.

A Little Smooch

While *The Lizzie McGuire Movie* stays in our mind as if we saw it yesterday, Hilary Duff has a hard time recalling the details of what happens in this iconic scene. To be fair, this movie was shot in 2003—and trying to recall a small moment 20 years later would be difficult for anyone. Still, it breaks our hearts that the kiss between Lizzie and Gordo wasn’t as impactful on Duff’s life as it was on ours.

Becoming the Bad Boy

There seems to be a common trajectory for young Disney Channel actors to go from working hard and maintaining an innocent persona for their fans, to letting loose and getting in touch with their rebellious side once they leave Disney. Cole Sprouse got the opportunity to embrace danger and play a character who’s not as innocent as Jughead in *Riverdale*, and he couldn’t be happier to have left the days of *Suite Life* behind him.

A Package Deal

After years of filming and touring together, the cast of *High School Musical* thought of themselves more as family than as co-stars. When they came together for the 10th anniversary, it was surreal for the fans and the actors alike. This group will always share a special bond. This experience and these actors come as part of the deal of being a friend of theirs, which is something new people in their lives have to understand.

Grown Up Charlie

The Duncan children had a large age gap between them, which inspired the older kids to film vlogs with advice and memories for Charlie to look back on when she grew up. Well, Charlie has grown up. Instead of the baby we remember, Mia Talerico is 13 years old, which not only shocks us but freaks out Bradley Steven Perry, who knew this little actress since she was only six months old.

A Special Guest

Who could forget Ethan Craft, the gorgeous, dumb heartthrob who Lizzie McGuire couldn’t keep her eyes off? The fans couldn’t either, including a particularly famous one—Meghan Trainor. Apparently, Trainor considered herself a superfan and got just about every question right even 15 years after the show aired. So you can imagine her utter joy when she unexpectedly came face to face with a grown-up, handsome-than-ever, Clayton Travis Synder, the actor who played Ethan Craft.

Hoping for a Reboot

The *High School Musical* franchise created a revolution for children everywhere. We grew up thinking people would break out into song and dance in high school, and we couldn’t wait to see it with our own eyes. Hearing Zac Efron say that he’d be willing to do another project with the actors from this movie makes us excited beyond words. It *almost* makes us forgive him for not showing up to the 10-year reunion of the cast.

Younger Self

Selena Gomez has been in the public eye for the majority of her life, and she’s felt the pressure. Every aspect of her life has been publicized, and as the most followed woman on Instagram, she’s no stranger when it comes to pressure from society. Still, Gomez is going strong. At almost 30 years, old, she has some sage wisdom to give to her younger self. We’re glad she’s made it through everything life has thrown at her.

Finish the Lyric

Ten years is a long time, and for these actors, the ten years after filming *High School Musical* have probably felt like a lifetime. There is only so much room in your brain for information, and Vanessa Hudgens seems to have forgotten some of her songs. Luckily, Corbin Bleu and Ashley Tisdale are there to remind her of her roots. We’ll always have the songs from these movies imprinted in our brains, even if the stars themselves don’t remember.

All She Knew

Being a child actor comes with perks. Miley Cyrus got to grow up on the screen, doing the things she loved to do and getting paid for it! Who wouldn’t want to wear fun clothes, sing songs, and be on television? However, Cyrus also came to the realization that being a child actor comes with its challenges. Hindsight is 20/20, and looking back, it’s clear to her just what aspects might not have been the most healthy for a child to experience.

Cast Reunions

Ross Lynch made his way onto the screen as a young musically gifted and funny teenager on *Austin & Ally* and *Teen Beach Movie*. He was sweet in both the TV show and movie, making our tween hearts beat for him even more. You’ll be happy to hear that despite his growing success now, Lynch hasn't forgotten his roots and still sees his fellow Disney cast members whenever he gets the opportunity. We love to hear it.

Too Shy

Although David Archuleta came in second place on *American Idol*, we all knew it would be the jumpstart he needed for his career. His young fans everywhere were ecstatic when he showed up on episodes of *Hannah Montana* and *iCarly*. Still, fame was something to get used to for Archuleta. Being around Miley Cyrus was a new experience, and although they sang together, David still felt too shy to take her up on the offer to hang out off-screen.

Happy 15 Years

It might surprise you to realize that it’s been 15 years since *Hannah Montana* aired on Disney Channel. It surprised Miley Cyrus even more, who took this occasion to really reflect on her life and the impact this character had on her. Since this show, Cyrus has really begun a journey of self-discovery. Fifteen years is a long time, but it flies by, and she’s ready and open to whatever the next 15 years have to offer.

So Relatable

Disney Channel creates friendships that last long after shows and movies air, and Ashley Tisdale knew this when she and Austin Butler met and immediately became the best of friends. Soon, Tisdale found out why the two seem to share such a close and deep connection. Apparently, the two are distant cousins, making them related! Imagine finding out your best friend is also your long-lost cousin. What an amazing discovery.

Emergency Contact

Austin Butler and Ashley Tisdale worked together early on in their careers, and both have expressed their love and friendship for one another throughout the years. Even in their 30s, the two share a special friendship, with Austin Butler always making time for Tisdale’s young daughter. Thus, it’s no surprise that Butler is quick to say that Ashley is the person he could call and guarantee that she would pick up. That’s a reliable friend right there.

Breaking Our Hearts

Yet again, we’re reminded that the actors who starred in movies that shaped our childhoods don’t always share the same passion for it that the fans do. True heartbreak is finding out that Zac Efron doesn’t recognize “Breaking Free” immediately. We get it—Disney actors tend to want to break away from the typecast they might’ve fallen into early on in their careers. We’re glad to see Efron achieve success in his life, but we wish he remembered where it all started.

Outfit Repeater

In the early 2000s, Lizzie McGuire was a fashion icon. We might look back at her outfits now with some doubt, but we wanted her closet to be our own when we were younger. Hilary Duff on the other hand wasn’t too sad to see Lizzie’s outfits go. As an adult, Duff has moved on in the world, happy to dress the way she wants to, without all the extra accessories and flowy sleeves.

Beyond Method Acting

Just as kids everywhere grew up watching *Hannah Montana*, Miley Cyrus grew up *being* Hannah Montana. As soon as she went to the audition, the writers knew this was the girl for the role, and they never looked back. We were convinced this role was specifically written for her, and in a way, it was. Thus, at 13 years old, Miley became a pop star on a television show and changed the course of her life forever.

Good Save

Miley Cyrus and the Jonas Brothers got their start at around the same time. When the boys came on *Hannah Montana*, they were young and innocent—a far cry from where the boys are now. We’re not sure Nick Jonas wanted to remember this scene or the lines he said in it, but it’s always fun to go back to your roots to humble yourself. We’re cracking up at how sweet these guys were so early on.

Just a Kid

Troy Bolton was *the* heartthrob of the early 2000s. We all fell for the captain of the basketball team who was secretly in love with singing, dancing, and theater as well. Zac Efron’s career took off after these movies—which was lucky for multiple reasons. The films themselves had a small budget, and Efron found himself struggling as a new actor in the entertainment industry. He might not have known how to dance, but we didn’t notice. Luckily, it all worked out in the end.

Channel Rivalry

When we were kids, we didn’t have a preference for one channel over another. We just cared about what was on TV after school or on Saturday mornings. In our youthful innocence, we might have missed a small rivalry between Nickelodeon and Disney Channel. However, Hilary Duff doesn’t seem to be too worried about what channel someone worked on. After all, it's the quality of the person rather than who employed them.

Sweet and Quiet

It’s been quite a while since Zendaya found herself dancing across the screen on Disney Channel’s *Shake It Up*, but this show was really what started it all. It was an easy role for her because she truly connected with the personality of the character she was playing. Now, Zendaya graces the big screen in films like *Spider-Man* and *Malcolm & Marie*, but it was her sweet, quiet, and considerate personality that brought her to incredible success at such a young age.

He’s Still Got It

Oddly enough, Zac Efron’s first films, the three *High School Musical* films, and *17 Again* saw him in many situations with a basketball. It seems only right to hand him a basketball in every interview possible. Those aren’t tears of nostalgia to be handed a basketball once again, unfortunately, but the tears from eating ten spicy chicken wings on the show *The Hot Ones*. However, we’re sure that he loved to be handed a ball as a throwback to the movies that made his career what it is.

Friendship Prevails

*That’s So Raven* gave us great fashion, a hilarious family dynamic, and a sweet friendship that inspired us to be empathetic and ourselves with the people we love. These parts just so happened to be some of Raven-Symone’s favorite aspects of the show as well. Chelsea, Eddie, and Raven definitely got into some interesting, hilarious situations, but they were always there for each other, and that had a big impact both on the actors and the audience.

A Magical Role

Selena Gomez was seen in a few small roles in other Disney Channel shows before she landed the role of Alex Russo—and we couldn’t imagine it any differently. We couldn’t get enough of Gomez in this sassy, witty, and fashionable role. Gomez herself explains that she felt especially comfortable in this role more than anything else she’s done. Maybe it was the supportive cast, the plotline of the show, or just the way the character was written. Regardless, Alex Russo was iconic and Selena brought her to life.

Family Matters

There was something truly magical about *Wizards of Waverly Place*, and we’re not just talking about the fact that this was a family of wizards—although that definitely helped. The way the actors demonstrated a strong bond with one another even in the most unfortunate of circumstances was truly admirable. We were sad for multiple reasons when this show premiered its final season, but saying goodbye to the Russo family dynamic was definitely one of them.

Good Luck Indeed

One aspect of a successful show is the chemistry between actors and the characters they play. While it's not necessary to love the people you’re working with, it definitely helps the flow of the show. The cast of *Good Luck Charlie* had nothing to worry about. Not only was the plot of this show inventive, sweet, and perfect for families, but the cast and crew clicked quickly. They truly became a family, and their audience could tell.

The PRNDL

Another Disney Channel iconic character, London Tipton was the dramatic fashionista who always delivered memorable moments. One of our favorites has to be the scene where Mr. Moseby tries to teach her how to drive. We didn’t know she was actually learning to drive in real life at the same time. We love the banter between these two characters. We’re not sure which is more legendary—her calling the gear shift the "PRNDL" or her incredible outfit.

Getting Recognized

There seem to be a few consequences of working as an actor. One, in particular, is that you must be careful what you say in a popular role, or you could risk hearing it for the rest of your life. Fifteen years later, Raven-Symone is still hearing her character’s most iconic lines from people who recognize her in the street. While we’re sure she’s flattered they are so passionate about her show, we can’t imagine she loves “ya nasty” being shouted at her all the time.

On to the Next

We love a romantic story, especially when we’re younger. There’s something about becoming a teenager that makes every single crush you have feel all-consuming and overwhelming in the best way. Just because Selena Gomez was a famous actress from a young age, she still experienced normal teenage things, like falling for boys over and over again. This is so relatable.

Small Injuries

The third *High School Musical* movie showed us the more dangerous and grungy side of Troy Bolton and Chad Danforth. When the two boys performed “The Boys are Back”, they were seen jumping across cars and on top of tires—which were very different activities than in the first two movies. Apparently, they didn’t just seem more dangerous—the scene *was* riskier. Corbin Bleu and Zac Efron had to deal with injuries as well as shoot new scenes as if they were perfectly fine. Don’t worry, they were tough guys.

The Right Fit

Things have a way of working out for the best. If you don’t believe us, just look at Miley Cyrus and the process of getting cast as Hannah Montana. She wasn’t the original choice, but she embodied the character so well that the writers *had* to have her, and changed the name of the character to Miley. She and the character become one right away, and we can see this from the first episode.

Back for the Summer

The best part about *Camp Rock* was that it really did feel like a summer camp, both in the physical campground and in the way the characters interacted with each other. By the time *Camp Rock 2* was filmed, the cast knew each other quite well and weren't acting as much as they were just getting back together to hang out for a summer, which is why these movies did so well.

Which Twin is Better?

Twins have it rough—they’re always compared and pitted against each other. Still, we’d be lying if we denied being interested in the differences between the Sprouse brothers. After working closely with both of the brothers for years, we’re highly curious if Brenda Song has a preference. Don’t worry—she assures us that three out of four weeks every month, she loves the two equally.

Break-Up in Paris

The series got an upgrade when Zack and Cody grew up and took to the seas to continue with their shenanigans. We were excited when going on a cruise meant that Cody all of a sudden found himself with a girlfriend. Fans everywhere loved watching the two sweet teens fall for each other and were heartbroken when they broke up. Debby Ryan loved playing this character, however, and was less heartbroken by her character’s break up than excited about what that meant for her future in the show.

Character Development

*Good Luck Charlie* was a wholesome show where the Duncan family showed us what it was like to be in a loving family and get over life’s hurdles together. There were lessons to be learned and hilarious moments to crack up at. Bridgit Mendler attributes the success of the show and its family dynamic to the director, who was able to frame this series in a way that resonated with anyone watching, no matter their age