The announcement of Disney Channel going off the air made us melancholic remembering its best moments and shows. More than 37 years have passed since its first transmission which set a before and after in television. There are many actors who have been part of its productions, but there is a group that left an indelible mark. Here we take you on a nostalgic walk with this list. Find out what Disney’s biggest stars look like now.
BEFORE | Britney Spears
Britney Spears was the golden child on the Disney show, The Mickey Mouse Club. Her starring role on this major children’s show was the beginning of her career in the entertainment industry.
After her participation in this program was over, she went on to sing and stole all the cameras proclaiming herself as the Princess of Pop. She had multiple gold records and gathered masses of fans around the world, her success was unstoppable.
NOW | Britney Spears
Britney’s fame did not diminish over the years, but her career was seriously affected by problems in her personal life. Although she continued to produce music for some time, she currently has more than five years without releasing any single or album.
This pause in her career looks like it will extend for much longer, as Spears is in a legal battle with her father to remove the conservatorship she has been under for 13 years. Her fans are supporting her with a campaign they dubbed #FreeBritney.
BEFORE | Justin Timberlake
Another up-and-comer on the show The Mickey Mouse Club, was little Justin Timberlake. Along with his co-star Britney, who would later become his girlfriend, he animated this important children’s show which would be decisive in his life as an artist.
Timberlake also achieved great fame and was part of one of the most important musical groups of the show called NSYNC. After their separation, he was the member with the most successful solo career and even began to have an important presence in the world of cinema.
NOW | Justin Timberlake
With multiple awards and gold records for the reach of his music, Justin Timberlake finds himself producing and working behind the scenes. The last release he had of music was a single in 2020, while his last album was in 2018.
The singer and actor has been surrounded by controversy for alleged infidelities with his wife Jessica Biel. After publicly apologizing, he assured that he remains focused on his family and that’s why he has been away from the cameras.
BEFORE | Christina Aguilera
Belonging to the same Disney group as Timberlake and Spears, Christina Aguilera got off to a very similar start as her program mates. They were all child stars with promising futures.
Little Aguilera also followed in the footsteps of music, and at the age of 20 she started her musical career by releasing the single “Genie In a Bottle”. This song catapulted her to fame and laid the foundation for what would become her giant career.
NOW | Christina Aguilera
Years later, Christina decided to leave behind the image of innocence projected by her music and surprised everyone with an album called Stripped. During this period she was linked to Fred Durst, had problems with Pink and made headlines after kissing Madonna at an MTV awards.
Despite all this, Aguilera’s career matured with her and her scandals stopped making headlines. She is now a mother of two, and has not produced music recently, only small collaborations with artists such as Demi Lovato.
BEFORE | Ryan Gosling
At just 13 years old, Ryan Gosling was already a star. Accompanied by his inseparable friend, Justin Timberlake, this little boy acted like a pro in his scenes of The Mickey Mouse Club, winning over the audience and becoming one of the most loved and remembered.
While he wasn’t as active in show business during his teenage years as his other peers, Gosling rose to stardom as an actor later in his career.
NOW | Ryan Gosling
Ryan Gosling is now one of the most sought after and talented actors in Hollywood. His participation in major films has led him to be nominated for Best Actor at the Oscar and Golden Globe Awards.
Now with his two daughters he leads a more private life alongside his actress wife Eva Mendes. The La La La Land star has expressed in multiple interviews how happy he is with his current life and the experience of being a stay-at-home dad.
BEFORE | Hilary Duff
Adorable teenager Hilary Duff gave us endless moments of happiness thanks to her role in the series Lizzie Mcguire. Her influence on pop culture and children of the 2000s is still present today.
Besides being the star of this show, she also had a successful career as a singer. This foray into music left hits like “So Yesterday” and “Best of My Heart”, which are still remembered and used in social media trends.