Disney Channel Original Movie Hunks: Where Are They Now? Erik Von Detten, Brandon Baker, Riley Smith and More

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Disney Channel Original Movie Hunks: Where Are They Now? Erik Von Detten, Brandon Baker, Riley Smith and More

Teenage dream! Many actors got their starts in Disney Channel Original Movies — but what happened to the hunky leading men from those films? Leave it to Us to fill you in on what your first crush is doing now. From Motocrossed’s Riley Smith and Trevor O’Brien to High School Musical’s Zac Efron and Corbin Bleu, the Disney Channel has produced a slew of hot Hollywood stars for more than two decades. The first DCOM was 1997’s Underwraps and there have been more than 100 movies that have premiered on the network since. Looking back, however, some DCOMs had completely unrealistic story lines, including The Thirteenth Year’s tale of a young boy named Cody Griffin (Chez Starbuck) being left on a boat by his mermaid mother only to be raised by average humans. Despite the wild plot, fans rooted for Cody to win his swim meets and be reconnected with his mom in the sea. The film premiered in 1999, along with Smart House, Johnny Tsunami, Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century and more. To this day, Starbuck still embraces his iconic character. “Aquaman, bro, if I didn’t walk you couldn’t run,” he jokingly said during a January 2020 episode of Christy’s Kitchen Throwback. The Colorado native also revealed why he thinks there was never a sequel of his Disney hit. “I know that it cost, like, over $5 million to make it. It was one of the most expensive Disney Channel Original Movies. They went over budget by a lot,” he explained. “They were like, ‘OK, we can’t afford to do another one.’ If it comes back, hook a brother up. I still dive.” [jwplayer grQQootH-zhNYySv2] Many DCOMs, including 1998’s Brink! were rooted in reality — though some details are a little far-fetched. In the film, Brink (Erik von Detten) dealt with typical teen angst by putting all his time and effort into perfecting his rollerblading skills. The result: He earned a spot on Team X-Bladz, much to the dismay of his BFFs and fellow “soul skaters.” Looking back at his role, von Detten told E! News in March 2021 that it’s “crazy” that fans still remember the Disney film. While the San Diego native left Hollywood and has since settled down and become a father, the former star recalled what it was like being a teen heartthrob. “My mother was very good at making sure I had a perfect balance. I socialized with kids and kids in the entertainment industry,” he told the outlet. “When I got into my teens, she gave me my freedom to go to premieres, but she definitely made sure I stayed close and didn't get into the partying scene too much.” The Princess Diaries actor added: “There are situations when drugs are offered at parties or whatever and I always had the moral compass to know that's just a one-way street. So, probably just a combination of upbringing and moral compass. So yeah, I survived.” Scroll down to see which of your favorite Disney Channel Original Movies hunks are still acting and which stars have regular jobs:

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Disney Channel Original Movie Hunks: Where Are They Now? Erik Von Detten, Brandon Baker, Riley Smith and More

Teenage dream! Many actors got their starts in Disney Channel Original Movies — but what happened to the hunky leading men from those films? Leave it to Us to fill you in on what your first crush is doing now. From Motocrossed’s Riley Smith and Trevor O’Brien to High School Musical’s Zac Efron and Corbin Bleu, the Disney Channel has produced a slew of hot Hollywood stars for more than two decades. The first DCOM was 1997’s Underwraps and there have been more than 100 movies that have premiered on the network since. Looking back, however, some DCOMs had completely unrealistic story lines, including The Thirteenth Year’s tale of a young boy named Cody Griffin (Chez Starbuck) being left on a boat by his mermaid mother only to be raised by average humans. Despite the wild plot, fans rooted for Cody to win his swim meets and be reconnected with his mom in the sea. The film premiered in 1999, along with Smart House, Johnny Tsunami, Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century and more. To this day, Starbuck still embraces his iconic character. “Aquaman, bro, if I didn’t walk you couldn’t run,” he jokingly said during a January 2020 episode of Christy’s Kitchen Throwback. The Colorado native also revealed why he thinks there was never a sequel of his Disney hit. “I know that it cost, like, over $5 million to make it. It was one of the most expensive Disney Channel Original Movies. They went over budget by a lot,” he explained. “They were like, ‘OK, we can’t afford to do another one.’ If it comes back, hook a brother up. I still dive.” [jwplayer grQQootH-zhNYySv2] Many DCOMs, including 1998’s Brink! were rooted in reality — though some details are a little far-fetched. In the film, Brink (Erik von Detten) dealt with typical teen angst by putting all his time and effort into perfecting his rollerblading skills. The result: He earned a spot on Team X-Bladz, much to the dismay of his BFFs and fellow “soul skaters.” Looking back at his role, von Detten told E! News in March 2021 that it’s “crazy” that fans still remember the Disney film. While the San Diego native left Hollywood and has since settled down and become a father, the former star recalled what it was like being a teen heartthrob. “My mother was very good at making sure I had a perfect balance. I socialized with kids and kids in the entertainment industry,” he told the outlet. “When I got into my teens, she gave me my freedom to go to premieres, but she definitely made sure I stayed close and didn't get into the partying scene too much.” The Princess Diaries actor added: “There are situations when drugs are offered at parties or whatever and I always had the moral compass to know that's just a one-way street. So, probably just a combination of upbringing and moral compass. So yeah, I survived.” Scroll down to see which of your favorite Disney Channel Original Movies hunks are still acting and which stars have regular jobs:

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Erik Von Detten

The child star turned heads as Andy “Brink” Brinker, the ultimate “soul skater,” in 1998’s Brink! Von Detten voiced Flynt in Tarzan (and Disney’s the Legend of Tarzan) before starring on Odd Man Out, Recess, So Weird, Dinotopia and Complete Savages. He also appeared in The Princess Diaries, American Girl, Barely Legal and reprised the role of Sid in Toy Story 3. The California native stepped back from acting in 2010, but is set to play himself in the upcoming The Tonopah Five series.

The actor has since been working in the finance industry and is married to real estate mogul Angela von Detten. The pair share two children: daughter Claire and son Thomas.

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Sam Horrigan

Horrigan portrayed bad boy (and Brink’s nemesis) Val in 1998’s Brink! The actor followed up the role with guest appearances on Grounded for Life, One Tree Hill, 8 Simple Rules, Veronica Mars, True Blood and Modern Family. The California native starred in Accepted, Bar Starz, Heavy Metal Strawberry Pickers and Holiday Engagement. In 2007, Horrigan competed on the reality show Beauty and the Geek.

The Little Giants actor filed for divorce from his wife, Betty, in June 2018 after four years of marriage. They share children Blake and Hailey.

Credit: Courtesy Chez Starbuck/Instagram/YouTube

Chez Starbuck

Starbuck’s first acting role was playing teen swimmer Cody Griffin, who is actually a mermaid, in 1999’s The Thirteenth Year. He appeared in Time Share, You’re Invited to Mary-Kate & Ashley’s School Dance Party and Recipe for Disaster before stepping back from acting in 2003. He is now the owner of The Shelf King and creates custom designed shelfing. The former child star briefly returned to acting in 2016’s The Long and the Short before being a guest on fellow Disney Channel star Romano’s Cristy’s Kitchen Throwback in 2020.

The Colorado native married Whitney Ward in 2014. They share daughter Savannah and son Saxon.

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Philip Rhys

Zoom zoom zoom! Rhys made his mark with DCOM fans after playing singer Proto Zoa in 1999’s Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century. The English actor appeared in Punks and Farewell, My Love, before reprising his role as Proto Zoa in Zenon: The Zequel. Rhys has since starred on Flatland, 24, Nip/Tuck, Survivor and Nightflyers. He had a guest role on Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionists before portraying Damien Hewett in Tell Me a Story. The star is also a producer and director, having worked on The Rocky and The Scarecrow.

Credit: Courtesy Brandon Baker/Instagram/YouTube

Brandon Baker

The California native played surfer-turned-snowboarder Johnny Kapahala in 1999’s Johnny Tsunami. The actor then appeared in Wind River and starred on One World. He also had recurring roles on Even Stevens and The Proud Family before reprising his role in Johnny Kapahala: Back on Board. Baker’s last acting role was as an accountant in 2015’s Up on the Wooftop. He moved to Colorado in 2017, and two years later, began working for Simply Eloped as a wedding officiant.

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Kyle Schmid

Schmid’s Alex Thompson was the lead bowler in 2000’s Alley Cats Strike. The Canada native turned heads in Disney's The Cheetah Girls, before appearing in The Pacifier, Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, Dark Hearts, If Not Now, When? and Seeing Red. He also starred on Beautiful People, Blood Ties, Copper, Being Human, Six, The I-Land and Big Sky. The actor has written two documentaries and produced anither five as a part of the Love Cures Cancer franchise. He founded A.Live Desk, a custom furniture company, in 2020.

He got engaged to actress Caity Lotz in May 2022. The twosome tied the knot in February 2023.

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Robert Ri’chard

The Los Angeles native played Alley Cats Strike’s second leading man, Todd McLemore. While he wasn't filming the DCOM in 1999, Ri’chard portrayed Bobby Walker on Cousin Skeeter before landing the role of Damien Carter in Coach Carter. He went on to star in House of Wax, The Comebacks, Chocolate City, Kinky, My Brother’s Keeper and Queen of Hearts. Ri’chard also appeared on One on One, Veronica Mars, Meet the Browns, Empire and The Rich the Ruthless. When Ri’chard isn’t acting, he is creating workout videos and fitness instruction videos as a part of his HighwayFit plan.

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Ryan Merriman

While Merriman was the lead character in 1999’s Smart House, it wasn’t until 2001’s The Luck of the Irish, when he played Kyle Johnson, that he became a DCOM heartthrob. The Oklahoma native then appeared in Halloween: Resurrection, Spin, Final Destination 3, 42, The Congressman, A Christmas Movie Christmas and Diamond Rose. He also starred on Veritas: The Quest, Pretty Little Liars and In the Rough.

In 2014, he married Kristen McMullen.

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Joey, Matthew and Andrew Lawrence

After starring on Brotherly Love together from 1995 to 1997, the siblings joined forces on two DCOMs, 1999’s Horse Sense and 2001’s Jumping Ship. In Horse Sense, Joey played L.A. native Michael Woods, who is sent to live on the ranch with his relatives, including cousin Tommy Biggs (Andrew). Matthew, for his part, had a minor role in the film as a cowboy at the airport. Jumping Ship is a continuation story of Horse Sense, as the two cousins Michael and Tommy charter a boat. This time, Matthew played their captain, Jake Hunter, who gets stranded on an island with the duo after pirates chase their boat. In 2017, the trio formed the band Still 3 and released their debut single, “Lose Myself.”

Following his DCOM roles, Joey switched his focus back to television, finding success with roles on American Dreams, Run of the House, Half & Half, Melissa & Joey and had a recurring role on Hawaii Five-0. The actor reunited with his Blossom costars on a 2022 episode of Call Me Kat. Joey was married to Michelle Vella from 2002 to 2005 before walking down the aisle with Chandie Yawn-Nelson later that year. The couple, who share daughters Charleston and Liberty, split in July 2020. Us broke the news in August 2021 that Joey was engaged to Samantha Cope. The pair tied the knot in May 2022.

Matthew, for his part, landed the role of Jack Hunter on Boy Meets World in 1997. Following the end of the series in 2000, the actor starred in The Hot Chick, The Dog Who Saved Easter, The Office Mix-Up and Mistletoe Mixup. The Mrs. Doubtfire star made his debut as an executive producer in 2021’s A Deadly Deed. The Pennsylvania native married Cheryl Burke in 2019, but the duo split in January 2022. He moved on with TLC’s Rozonda "Chilli" Thomas in November of that year.

Andrew, who previously went by Andy, was the star of a third DCOM, titled The Other Me in 2000. He is best known for voicing Theodore J. “T.J.” Detweiler on Recess and all the aminated movies in the franchise. Andrew later starred on Oliver Beene, Runaway, United States of Tara and Hawaii Five-0. He acted alongside brother Matthew in both The Office Mix-Up and A Deadly Deed, which he wrote, produced and directed.

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Riley Smith

Smith portrayed Andrea Carson’s (Alana Austin) love interest and fellow racer Dean Talon in 2001’s Motocrossed. The actor then starred in Not Another Teen Movie, New York Minute and Urban Cowboy before really focusing on TV roles. He appeared on Raising Dad, 24, Drive, 90210, True Blood and Nashville. The Iowa native also played Frank Sullivan on Frequency, Dr. Will Grant on Life Sentence and Levi Scott on Proven Innocent before landing the role of Ryan Hudson on The CW’s Nancy Drew in 2019. Smith cofounded the band Life of Riley in 2006. The group released three albums before 2010 and the musician has since dropped multiple solo EPs, including 2020’s “Chocolate.”

In August 2019, the star and his fiancée, Ashli Robson, welcomed their first child, a daughter named Shiloh.

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Trevor O’Brien

O’Brien played Andrea Carson’s twin brother, Andrew Carson, who she impersonates to race in 2001’s Motocrossed. The California native later appeared in They Call Him Sasquatch, Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story, Gridiron Gang and In Time before taking a break from acting in 2014. He returned to the business in 2018 with a role in the short film A Hipster Haunting. O’Brien is also a film producer, having worked on The Day of Matthew Montgomery, Monarch Beach and Dweller.

The actor married Jennifer Castelli in 2008. They share a daughter.

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Shawn Ashmore

The actor portrayed Kelly’s (Hilary Duff) love interest and military school trainer Brad in 2002’s Cadet Kelly. Ashmore has since appeared in The Quiet, Frozen and Mother’s Day. He also played Bobby Drake/Iceman in three X-Men films. On the small screen, Ashmore starred on Bloodletting & Miraculous Cures as Fitz, The Following as Mike Weston and Conviction as Sam Spencer. The producer began playing Wesley Evers on The Rookie in 2018.

The Canada native married Dana Wasdin in 2012. They welcomed their first child, son Oliver, in July 2017.

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Shia LaBeouf

After playing goofball Louis Stevens on Even Stevens for three seasons, LaBeouf reprised his role for 2003’s The Even Stevens Movie. The California native then set his sights on film roles, appearing in I, Robot, Bobby, Disturbia, American Honey, Honey Boy (which he wrote), The Peanut Butter Falcon and Pieces of a Woman. LaBeouf was also the star of the Transformers franchise. He has both director and producer credits, including Maniac, True Love and #ALLMYMOVIES.

The BAFTA Award winner married actress Mia Goth in October 2016 and split two years later. They sparked reconciliation rumors in May 2020 when they were seen wearing wedding rings, but LaBeouf moved on five months later with Margaret Qualley. The duo split in January 2021 following FKA Twigs’ claims of “relentless abuse” from LaBeouf while they were dating. The actor denied the allegations, but admitted he was “ashamed” of his past behavior. News broke in April 2022, that LaBeouf welcomed his first child with Goth.

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Raviv Ullman

Ullman’s Roscoe created a holograph named Loretta (Spencer Redford) to use as a pop star in 2004’s Pixel Perfect. Although the experiment in the film blew up in his face, the actor went on to be a big Disney Channel star, playing Phil Diffy on Phil of the Future. Ullman, who previously went by the stage name Ricky Ullman, then appeared in Driftwood, The Violin, The Trouble With Cali and Contest. The Israeli-American actor also starred on Rita Rocks and had a recurring role on Strangers. Ullman appeared in multiple Off-Broadway productions between filming his TV and film roles. He is also an accomplished musician, who was formerly part of bands Reputante and Lolawolf. The star began hosting “The Study” podcast in 2020.

Ullman announced his engagement to his longtime girlfriend, animator Julia Pott, in April 2022.

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Taran Killam

The California native portrayed teen pop star Jordan Cahill (who had blond streaked hair) in 2004’s Stuck in the Suburbs. Killam then appeared in a few short films, including The Showdown and Dr. Miracles, before landing recurring roles on Nick Cannon Presents: Short Circuitz (where he also served as a consultant writer), Scrubs and How I Met Your Mother. The actor has also starred in Grown Ups 2, 12 Years a Slave, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Night School. Killam appeared on Saturday Night Live from 2010 to 2016 and on Single Parents from 2018 to 2020. The comedian performed the role of King George III in Broadway’s Hamilton for two years before ending his run in 2017.

He married Cobie Smulders in 2012 and they welcomed daughters Shaelyn in 2009 and Janita in 2015, respectively.

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Zac Efron

Efron shot to superstardom after playing teen basketball player and singer Troy Bolton in 2006’s High School Musical. He reprised the role for Disney Channel’s 2007 and 2008 sequels. The California native then starred in Hairspray, 17 Again, Charlie St. Cloud, The Lucky One, Neighbors (and its 2016 sequel), The Greatest Showman and Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile. He was the executive producer on 2019’s Human Discoveries before producing and hosting Down to Earth With Zac Efron in 2020.

The Summerland alum dated his HSM costar Vanessa Hudgens from 2007 to 2010. He has since romanced Sami Miró, Sarah Bro and Vanessa Valladares, from whom he split from in April 2021.

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Corbin Bleu

Bleu was not only the dreamy second lead, Chad Danforth, in 2006’s High School Musical, but he stole the show as boxer-turned-jump roper Izzy Daniels in 2007’s Jump In! The New York native went on to film two more HSM films before starring on Flight 29 Down. He then appeared in Free Style, Sugar, The Monkey’s Paw, Witches in the Woods and Love, for Real. He also had a recurring role on One Life to Live and guest starring gigs on Chicago Med, Supergirl and Dynasty. Bleu competed on season 17 of Dancing With the Stars and is an accomplished musician, releasing two studio albums.

The Broadway star married Sasha Clements in July 2016.

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Kevin, Nick and Joe Jonas

Joe played cool teen Shane Gray (Demi Lovato’s love interest) in 2008’s Camp Rock. His brothers Kevin (as Jason) and Nick (as Nate) also appeared in the musical. The trio, who formed the band Jonas Brothers in 2005, went on to be Disney Channel stars on their series Jonas. They also reprised their roles in 2010’s Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam. Musically, the siblings took a hiatus in 2011 to focus on their solo careers. The group split two years later. In February 2019, the Jonas Brothers announced their comeback, releasing Happiness Begins that June.

Following his time as a DCOM hunk, Joe pursued a solo career, releasing Fastlife in October 2011. He joined the band DNCE in 2015 and the group dropped its debut record the following year. In 2018, he voiced The Kraken in Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation and will appear in the film Devotion. Joe married Game of Thrones alum Sophie Turner in 2019. They welcomed daughter Willa in July 2020. Two years later, Turner gave birth to their second child, a baby girl.

Kevin, who is the eldest Jonas brother, starred on the 2012 E! show Married to Jonas alongside wife Danielle Jonas, whom he wed in 2009, in 2012. Two years later, he appeared on Celebrity Apprentice before founding the Jonas Wener construction company. The singer, who welcomed daughters Alena in 2014 and Valentina in 2016, with Danielle, is also the co-CEO of The Blu Market.

Nick, for his part, has had the most successful solo career of the three brothers, releasing four studio albums, including 2021’s Spaceman. On screen, he had a recurring role on Hawaii Five-0 and Scream Queens before playing Nate Kulina on Kingdom. Nick also starred in the Jumanji franchise, Midway and Chaos Walking and is set to play Frankie Valli in 2022’s Jersey Boys Live! The Voice coach married actress Priyanka Chopra in 2018. The couple announced in January 2022 that they welcomed their first child via surrogate. Us later confirmed that they had a baby girl named Malti.

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Ross Lynch

Lynch played surfer boy Brady in 2013’s Teen Beach Movie and its 2015 sequel. The actor also starred on Austin & Ally between filming the DCOMs. Lynch then appeared in My Friend Dahmer, Status Update before portraying Harvey Kinkle in Netflix’s Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. The Colorado native performed alongside his best friend, Ellington Ratliff, brothers Rocky Lynch and Riker Lynch and sister Rydel Lynch in the band R5 from 2009 to 2018. Ross formed The Driver Era with Rocky in 2018, with Rocky and Rydel occasionally touring with the group.

The actor has been dating Sabrina costar Jaz Sinclair since 2018.