In a surprising revelation, a former Disney Channel star has confessed to fabricating his age during auditions for the iconic television series Hannah Montana. Jason Earles, now 48, played Jackson Stewart, the older brother of Miley Cyrus's character, on the hit show that aired from 2006 to 2011.
The Audition Deception
Speaking on the Best of Both Worlds podcast alongside show writer-producer Douglas Danger Lieblein and director Shannon Flynn, Earles disclosed the extent of his deception. At the time of his audition, he was 28 years old but claimed to be only 18 to better fit the role of a teenager.
"I was desperately afraid that I was going to be fired and recast because I had a big secret," Earles admitted. "When I auditioned for the show, I lied to them and told them I was 18 years old."
Network Discovery and Aftermath
The truth about Earles's age remained hidden for months, with even key production staff unaware. Lieblein remarked, "I didn't find out until episode eight, and I think the network found out later than I did." Once discovered, a network executive confronted Earles, questioning if there were further secrets.
Earles recalled the encounter: "I remember one of the higher-up network executives showed up on show night and was like, 'Hey, you're, uh, 28? And you're married?' I was like, 'Yeah, that girl I keep making out with…that's my wife.' And he was like, 'Any more secrets? Anything else we should know? Do you have any kids?' I was like 'No,' and he was like, 'Let's go ahead and keep it that way for a few years.'"
Hannah Montana's Legacy and Anniversary
This confession emerges just before the Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special, scheduled to premiere on Disney+ on Tuesday, March 24. The original series followed Miley Stewart's double life as a pop star and ordinary school student, captivating audiences worldwide.
Earles's career extended beyond Hannah Montana, with roles in films like National Treasure and Battle Drone, as well as various television series in the United States. His podcast appearance highlights the behind-the-scenes stories that shaped one of Disney's most beloved shows.
The anniversary special has been highly anticipated, with Miley Cyrus expressing excitement about its creation. As fans revisit the series, Earles's revelation adds a new layer to the show's history, underscoring the lengths actors sometimes go to secure pivotal roles in the entertainment industry.
