Disney Channel Stars Who Went Off the Rails

It’s often tough for young actors who become famous on Disney Channel to adjust to adult life, largely because they grow up in the public eye. Some former stars have dealt with legal issues or scandals that derailed their careers. While a few have managed to overcome these challenges, others have found it hard to live up to the expectations placed on them as role models. This article looks at what happened to actors who faced difficulties after leaving the network.

Lindsay Lohan

Lindsay Lohan first became well-known as a child star in ‘The Parent Trap’ and continued with Disney Channel films like ‘Get a Clue’. However, her career was derailed by legal troubles, including multiple arrests for drunk driving and drug possession. This led to several periods of rehab and court-ordered community service during the mid-2000s. For years, her personal struggles and court cases were constantly followed by the tabloids. Eventually, she moved overseas, seeking a more private life away from the spotlight.

Miley Cyrus

I remember when Miley Cyrus first burst onto the scene as Hannah Montana – she was everywhere. But after the show ended, things got… complicated. She really seemed to be pushing boundaries, and the media was obsessed with her, especially around the time of her ‘Bangerz’ album. It was a huge shift from the Disney Channel image, and everyone had an opinion. She’s since been incredibly open about the difficulties of growing up in the spotlight and the toll it took on her. It’s been amazing to watch her evolve, though, and she’s really cemented herself as a seriously talented and respected musician with a much more grounded and mature presence these days.

Demi Lovato

I remember first seeing Demi Lovato in ‘Camp Rock’ and then really enjoying ‘Sonny with a Chance’ – she seemed so vibrant! It was really shocking to learn about the struggles she was going through behind the scenes. She actually left a tour back in 2010 to get help with some serious issues, including an eating disorder and self-harm. Later, she bravely opened up about battling substance abuse, and it was terrifying when she had that near-fatal overdose in 2018. What’s really admirable is how open she’s been about her journey to sobriety, sharing her experiences in documentaries and other projects. She’s still making music, which is fantastic, and I really appreciate her work as a mental health advocate – it’s so important.

Shia LaBeouf

Shia LaBeouf first became well-known in the early 2000s as the star of the Disney Channel show ‘Even Stevens.’ As he moved into bigger movies, he also became known for unpredictable behavior and run-ins with the law. He was arrested multiple times for things like public intoxication and causing disturbances. His unusual art projects and appearances at events only added to his reputation for being erratic. More recently, he’s gotten help and has been focusing on smaller, independent films.

Orlando Brown

Orlando Brown, best known for playing Eddie Thomas on the show ‘That’s So Raven,’ has faced many challenges since his time on the series. He’s been arrested multiple times for issues like domestic violence and drug possession, and has struggled with erratic behavior, often making strange claims about his former colleagues. Over the past ten years, he’s repeatedly been in and out of jail and rehab. His experiences show how difficult it can be for young stars to adjust to life after achieving early fame.

Bella Thorne

Bella Thorne rose to fame in the Disney Channel series ‘Shake It Up’ with Zendaya. After leaving Disney, she intentionally moved away from her ‘good girl’ image by taking on more adult roles and generating public discussion. This included facing backlash for joining and later changing the payment system on an adult subscription service. Thorne has openly discussed how limiting Disney contracts were and her need to be authentic. Today, she continues to work as an actress and director, and has a large and active following on social media.

Mitchel Musso

Mitchel Musso became well-known as a Disney Channel star in shows like ‘Hannah Montana’ and ‘Phineas and Ferb’. However, his career hit a snag when he was arrested for driving under the influence at age 20. This led to his character being removed from ‘Pair of Kings’ and the show ‘PrankStars’ being canceled. In 2023, he was arrested again in Texas for public intoxication and theft. These incidents have unfortunately drawn more attention than his earlier success as a popular teen star.

Lalaine

Lalaine is best known for playing Miranda Sanchez on the popular TV show ‘Lizzie McGuire’. After the show ended, she tried to become a singer, but legal troubles slowed her down. In 2007, she was arrested and charged with possessing methamphetamine. She later completed a drug treatment program, which allowed the charges to be dropped. Since then, she’s chosen to live a more private life away from the public eye.

Jake T. Austin

Jake T. Austin, known for playing the youngest brother on ‘Wizards of Waverly Place’ and doing voice work in animation, faced challenges in 2013 when he left the scene of a car accident, leading to legal issues. He also received public criticism for his behavior as a teenager. Despite these difficulties, he continued acting, appearing in shows like ‘The Fosters’, and has since been working to improve his public image through charitable work and carefully chosen roles.

Adam Hicks

Adam Hicks, known for his roles in the Disney XD show ‘Zeke and Luther’ and the movie ‘Lemonade Mouth’, experienced a major life change in 2018 when he was arrested for a series of armed robberies in California. Over the next several years, he underwent mental health assessments as part of his legal case. In 2021, he received a five-year prison sentence for his role in the robberies. This case is a stark example of a former Disney star facing serious criminal charges.

Anneliese van der Pol

Look, everyone makes mistakes, and Anneliese van der Pol, who I remember fondly as Chelsea from ‘That’s So Raven,’ definitely had a rough patch. Back in 2006, she was arrested for driving under the influence after an accident. She took responsibility, pleaded no contest, and did her time with probation and community service. What I admire is that she didn’t let it define her. She worked hard, and it’s great to see her back on Disney Channel with ‘Raven’s Home’ – and she’s continued to build a solid career on stage and screen since then. It just goes to show resilience can really pay off.

Skai Jackson

Skai Jackson, known for her roles as Zuri Ross in the Disney Channel series ‘Jessie’ and ‘Bunk’d’, was arrested in 2024 on suspicion of domestic violence. Police responded to a report of a physical fight between Jackson and her boyfriend at Universal CityWalk. She was released soon after being taken into custody, but the arrest came as a shock to many fans who admired her. This was an unusual public issue for the actress.

Debby Ryan

Debby Ryan became well-known from her role on ‘The Suite Life on Deck’ and later starred in her own show, ‘Jessie’. In 2016, she was arrested in Los Angeles after a car accident and charged with driving under the influence. She publicly apologized for her mistake, especially acknowledging how her actions might have disappointed her younger fans. After the incident, she continued acting, appearing in the series ‘Insatiable’, and has since used her public voice to emphasize the importance of responsible decision-making.

David Henrie

David Henrie, known for his roles on ‘Wizards of Waverly Place’ and ‘How I Met Your Mother’, faced legal trouble in 2018 when he was arrested at LAX for bringing a loaded gun through airport security. He quickly apologized, explaining he hadn’t realized the handgun was in his carry-on bag. Henrie cooperated with the police and received probation. Since then, he’s returned to Disney for a new series and continues to work behind the scenes in the entertainment industry.

Brian Bonsall

Brian Bonsall, known for his roles in the Disney movie ‘Blank Check’ and on ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’, stepped away from acting and later faced a series of legal troubles. These included arrests for assault and drug possession, leading to jail time and widespread media attention. Throughout the 2000s, Bonsall battled with substance abuse, but he eventually reinvented himself as a musician, playing in several punk rock bands.

Mischa Barton

Mischa Barton began her career with a role in a Disney Channel movie, ‘A Ring of Endless Light,’ and later gained recognition on the television series ‘The O.C.’ After a DUI arrest and a stay in a psychiatric ward in 2007, her personal struggles became public. She dealt with several legal and financial issues, which were heavily covered by the media. Barton has openly discussed the challenges of becoming famous at a young age and the difficulties young actresses face without proper support. She still works as an actress, appearing in independent films and television shows.

Shaun Weiss

Shaun Weiss, best known for playing goalie Goldberg in Disney’s ‘The Mighty Ducks’ movies, battled a serious drug addiction for years. This led to several arrests for things like theft and being drunk in public. Photos from his arrests were shocking to fans and showed how much he was struggling. Thankfully, after getting help and entering a recovery program, he’s been sober for several years. Now, he shares his story to help others fight addiction.

Kelli Berglund

Kelli Berglund, known for her role as a lead actress on Disney XD’s ‘Lab Rats,’ had a run-in with the law at the Coachella music festival in 2016. She was caught trying to enter a restricted area using a fake ID, and was briefly detained and released with a citation. Despite this incident, she’s continued to work steadily as an actress in several TV dramas.

Vanessa Hudgens

Vanessa Hudgens rose to fame playing Gabriella Montez in the ‘High School Musical’ movies. In 2007, her clean-cut image was damaged when private photos were released online. She publicly apologized to her fans and Disney for the resulting embarrassment. Despite the controversy, Disney allowed her to finish the ‘High School Musical’ series. Since then, she’s successfully worked in both Broadway theater and film, building a varied career.

Joe Jonas

Joe Jonas rose to fame as part of the Jonas Brothers and through his roles in ‘Camp Rock’ and the TV series ‘Jonas’. Years later, he revealed in an essay that he had experimented with drugs during his time with Disney. He explained the huge pressure he felt to appear perfect while also growing as a person. This was part of his attempt to move beyond his Disney image and be seen as a more mature artist. Since then, he’s continued to achieve success with both his band and his individual music projects.

Zac Efron

Zac Efron first gained fame as a teen star in the ‘High School Musical’ movies. In 2013, he privately sought help for issues with alcohol and substance abuse. He later shared that the pressures of sudden fame and constant attention from the media played a role in his difficulties. Since then, Efron has reinvented himself with a variety of acting roles and a focus on health and environmental causes. Today, he’s recognized as one of the most successful actors to come from Disney.

Selena Gomez

Selena Gomez first became well-known as a young actress on the Disney Channel series ‘Wizards of Waverly Place,’ and later achieved success as a musician. In 2014, she sought treatment, which sparked a lot of public discussion about her health. She later shared that she has lupus, and also experiences anxiety and depression. Selena has openly discussed her mental health journey, including taking time away from her career to prioritize her well-being. She continues to be a prominent figure in the entertainment industry and a strong voice for improving access to mental health support.

Britney Spears

Britney Spears began her career as a young performer on ‘The Mickey Mouse Club’ with several other future celebrities. In 2007, she went through a very public and difficult time, which led to a legal conservatorship being established. For more than ten years, her father and lawyers controlled both her personal life and career. A growing movement eventually brought international attention to her situation and highlighted the challenges faced by young performers. Finally, in 2021, she was freed from the conservatorship.

Christina Aguilera

Before becoming a famous pop star, Christina Aguilera showed her singing talent on ‘The Mickey Mouse Club’. In 2011, she was briefly arrested for being publicly intoxicated while her boyfriend was being processed for driving under the influence. Even though she wasn’t driving, police held her for her own protection and later let her go without filing any charges. This happened during a time of change in both her career and personal life, but she quickly put the incident behind her and continued to thrive as a singer and TV judge.

Justin Timberlake

Justin Timberlake first gained recognition as a child on ‘The Mickey Mouse Club’ and later rose to fame with the boy band NSYNC. In 2024, he was arrested in the Hamptons for driving under the influence after running a stop sign. The arrest quickly spread online, leading to discussions about the standards for public figures. Timberlake later spoke about the incident at a concert, apologizing and thanking his supporters. This was an unusual legal issue for the singer, who had previously maintained a generally positive public image.

Ryan Merriman

Ryan Merriman became well-known for his roles in Disney Channel Original Movies like ‘The Luck of the Irish’ and ‘Smart House’. In 2011, he was arrested for driving under the influence, but he fulfilled all legal requirements. He’s continued to work as an actor, primarily in television movies. Though he hasn’t achieved the same level of fame as some other actors, the arrest was a significant event in his career. Currently, he’s focusing on independent films and spending time with his family.

Kyle Massey

Kyle Massey, known for his roles in ‘That’s So Raven’ and ‘Cory in the House’, faced legal trouble in 2021 when a warrant was issued for his arrest after he missed a court date. He was accused of sending inappropriate messages to a minor and could have faced serious penalties. While Massey claimed he didn’t commit the alleged acts, the accusations have had a major effect on his career and reputation. The legal case has been ongoing for several years.

Kirsten Storms

Kirsten Storms is well known for starring in Disney Channel’s ‘Zenon’ movies. In 2007, she faced legal trouble when she was arrested for driving under the influence after an officer saw her littering. She received probation and was required to complete an alcohol education course. Despite this challenge, she went on to achieve lasting success playing a leading role on the daytime drama ‘General Hospital’. She’s been candid about learning from her past and prioritizing her family and career.

2025-12-22 05:18