John DeLuca, the actor who shot to fame as Butchy in the 2013 Disney Channel hit Teen Beach Movie, has announced a major life milestone, appearing remarkably different over a decade after his teen heartthrob days.
A Sunset Proposal Caps a Rollercoaster Year
The former Disney star, now 39, shared the joyful news that he is engaged to his girlfriend, Cassandra. He proposed on a beach at sunset in late December, capturing the intimate moment in a series of Instagram photos shared on the 30th.
One poignant image shows DeLuca down on one knee, holding Cassandra's hands with the sun setting behind them. Another features her beaming at the camera, showcasing her new sparkling ring with DeLuca by her side. The carousel of snaps also includes pictures of the couple embracing.
Reflecting on the past year in his caption, DeLuca wrote, '2025 has been the most important year of my life. It brought more twists and turns than I could have ever imagined.' He added, 'It also brought me you, @cassandratm - and for that I'm eternally grateful. I love you so much and I can't wait to marry you.' He credited Massachusetts jeweller Lorilil Jewelers for their guidance with the engagement ring.
From Disney Sensation to Diverse Roles
DeLuca's career was transformed overnight when he landed the role of biker gang leader Butchy in the 2013 musical Teen Beach Movie. The film, which also starred Ross Lynch, Maia Mitchell, and Garrett Clayton, was a massive success for Disney, following two surfers who become part of a musical film.
This role defined his early career, leading to a reprisal in the sequel Teen Beach 2. Prior to his Disney breakthrough, he had guest spots on series like Ugly Betty, 30 Rock, and Wizards of Waverly Place.
Following his Disney fame, DeLuca continued to build a varied acting portfolio. His credits include the series Twisted, the comedy Staten Island Summer, a stint on ABC's General Hospital, and roles in American Horror Story: 1984 and the thriller Spree. His most recent project is the film Skillhouse.
A Heartfelt Tribute to His Future Wife
The engagement announcement follows previous public admiration for his now-fiancée. In a gushing birthday tribute posted earlier, DeLuca described Cassandra as 'the most beautiful human I know - inside and out.'
He praised her further, writing, 'You're my best friend, and even though you don't like making a big deal about your birthday, you absolutely deserve to be celebrated. Thank you for being born.' This heartfelt sentiment underscores the personal joy now marking his life, over twelve years after he first became a household name for a generation of Disney viewers.
