Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special Sparks Nostalgia on Disney Plus
Disney Plus has ignited a wave of nostalgia among fans with the announcement of a Hannah Montana 20th anniversary special, set to premiere on March 24. The iconic series, which first debuted two decades ago, remains a beloved part of Disney Channel history, and this new special promises to celebrate its legacy in grand style.
Miley Cyrus Leads the Celebration as a Global Superstar
Miley Cyrus, who starred as the dual-role character Miley Stewart and her pop star alter ego Hannah Montana, has evolved into a global music sensation. Since her Disney days, she has won two Grammy Awards in 2024 for her hit song 'Flowers' and added another for her collaboration with Beyonce on 'II Most Wanted'. While her acting roles have slowed, she notably appeared in Black Mirror season five. Personally, Cyrus is engaged to musician Maxx Morando, following her previous marriage to actor Liam Hemsworth, which ended in divorce in 2020.
Billy Ray Cyrus: From Fictional Dad to Real-Life Star
Billy Ray Cyrus portrayed a fictionalised version of himself as Robby Ray Stewart, a retired country singer managing his daughter's career. In reality, he is a two-time Grammy winner with acting credits in shows like 90210 and Still the King. His personal life includes a relationship with actress and model Liz Hurley, keeping him in the public eye.
Emily Osment: From Best Friend to Sitcom Success
Emily Osment, who played Miley's best friend Lilly Truscott, has carved out a successful career in sitcoms, starring in Young Sheldon and Georgie and Mandy's First Marriage, both part of The Big Bang Theory universe. Off-screen, she recently divorced musician Jack Anthony after a brief marriage, sharing her reflections with PEOPLE magazine.
Jason Earles: Transitioning to Behind-the-Scenes Roles
Jason Earles, who played Miley's older brother Jackson Stewart, has shifted focus to training young actors and made a guest appearance in High School Musical: The Musical: The Series. He recently announced a Hannah Montana-themed podcast, Best of Both Our Worlds, inviting fan questions. Married to Katie Drysen since 2017, he shares glimpses of his personal life on social media.
Mitchel Musso: Voice Acting and Disney Legacy
Mitchel Musso, known as Oliver Oken, continued with Disney roles, including Pair of Kings, but found his niche in voice acting, most famously as Jeremy Johnson in Phineas and Ferb. At 34, he remains active in the entertainment industry, leveraging his early fame into diverse projects.
What to Expect from the Anniversary Special
The Hannah Montana 20th anniversary special, filmed before a live audience, will feature an exclusive interview with Miley Cyrus hosted by Alex Cooper of the Call Her Daddy podcast. Viewers can anticipate never-before-seen archival footage and in-depth explorations of iconic moments from the series, offering a comprehensive look back at its impact.
As fans eagerly await the special, this cast update highlights how the actors have grown and diversified their careers, from music and acting to podcasting and voice work. The enduring appeal of Hannah Montana continues to resonate, proving its lasting influence on pop culture and a generation of viewers.
