A former Disney Channel star has revealed details of a distinctly awkward encounter with a fellow alum, which has resurfaced online amidst a separate viral controversy involving high-profile celebrity mothers.
The Uncomfortable Service
In a 2023 interview on the Big Names podcast that has recently regained attention, Anneliese van der Pol, now 41, recounted an 'uncomfortable' interaction with Ashley Tisdale. The incident occurred years ago when van der Pol, best known for her role in That's So Raven, was working as a waitress at several New York City restaurants, including Salvation Burger and Tavern on the Green.
When asked on the podcast if the High School Musical star was friendly, van der Pol hesitated before describing the experience. 'I want to say she was lovely, but …' she said, trailing off. She claimed that rather than a warm greeting, Tisdale appeared visibly uneasy upon recognising her.
The tension was so palpable that van der Pol felt compelled to reassure her former Disney peer that everything was fine. The Broadway performer added that the discomfort extended beyond Tisdale, as she also felt judged by other diners who recognised her and seemed unsettled to see a former television star working in food service.
Pride Amidst Discomfort
Van der Pol described the overall experience as 'gut-wrenching.' However, she strongly emphasised her pride in the work she was doing at the time. 'I was actually really happy,' she explained, noting that the job provided stability and confidence outside the unpredictable audition circuit.
'I know when I clean a table or bring a meal that I can do that and there won't be any mistakes,' she told the podcast host. The Daily Mail reportedly reached out to Tisdale's representative for comment at the time of the interview's resurgence but did not receive a response.
Resurfacing Amidst Mom-Group Drama
Van der Pol's comments have come back into focus following recent headlines made by Ashley Tisdale. Tisdale penned a candid essay for The Cut about 'breaking up with my toxic mom group,' which quickly sparked online speculation.
Although Tisdale's representative denied that the essay targeted her well-known circle of friends—which includes Mandy Moore, Hilary Duff, and Meghan Trainor—the situation escalated rapidly on social media. Duff's husband, Matthew Koma, appeared to mock the essay in a since-deleted post, while Tisdale's husband, Christopher French, reposted cryptic messages about engaging in drama.
Fans noted that the article arrived shortly after Tisdale unfollowed both Moore and Duff on Instagram. In her essay, Tisdale wrote about feeling excluded during vulnerable postpartum months, which brought back 'an unpleasant but familiar feeling' from her school days.
While van der Pol has not commented on this recent controversy, her former Disney Channel co-star Christy Carlson Romano subtly acknowledged it, joking on Instagram about 'minding my business' and calling the unfolding 'celeb mom drama' wild to observe from the sidelines.
