While Disney reminds us of a world of fantasy, kindness, children's movies, and TV shows that were just the best thing to watch after a day at school, the Disney stars we remember so well and love so much aren't as perfect as the characters they once played on the big screen. Disney may have started their careers (or at least impulse it to a higher level,) but some Disney stars want to desperately come out of the Disney shadow. While some keep their irrefutable reputation, others are worse than what you could ever imagine.
We're taking a look at some Disney stars that are absolute sweethearts outside their lovable characters, and some that have lost their sense along the way, turning out to be real jerks. They do say never to meet your heroes, right?
20 Sweetheart: Zendaya
Zendaya is one of those Disney stars that knew exactly how to keep a stellar reputation after Disney, moving on to bigger and better projects, while never giving up on showing her best self. Not only does she advocate for people's rights and is an inspiration to many, she's also a very chill and smart woman who has proven her talent on screen as well, after starring on Shake It Up! back in 2010, all the way to Spider-Man: Far From Home or the new Hulu TV series, Euphoria.
19 Jerk: Shia LaBeouf
Despite his stellar reputation back in his Even Steven days, Shia LaBeouf has gone through a transformation, one that wasn't exactly for the best. Although he used to be a shy, lovable and awkward boy, after major successes through Transformers & Indiana Jones, he has become just like any other A-lister, with a pinch of bad attitude and manners.
From stealing french fries from a homeless man to being arrested, Shia LaBeouf takes it to a whole other level, even going on a rant in front of a group of people who have been historically segregated, oppressed, and marginalized. The list can go on and on, but it's more than enough to add LaBeouf to this list.
18 Sweetheart: Sprouse Twins
Back in 2005, the media was all up in Cole and Dylan Sprouse's life as they showcased their talent and lovable personalities on Disney's The Suite Life Of Zack And Cody, an iconic show that later continue as The Suite Life On Deck, and remains in the hearts and minds of many.
Years later, they are all grown up, having their own life and careers, Cole moving on to starring in Riverdale, and Dylan starring in movies such as Dismissed. They were able to maintain their image quite easily by showcasing the best their personality has to offer, from their wit, kindness and humor to their undeniable talent.
17 Jerk: Adam Hicks
Adam Hicks started his career alongside the Jonas Brothers in Zeke and Luther, and was a co-star in Pair of Kings. His career was seemingly taking off because of his performance in Disney TV shows but, with time, we started to barely catch a glimpse of him, with only scarce appearances in minor roles.
Wondering why? Adam Hicks was arrested multiple times for discharging a weapon and for battery, as well as for robbing people with the aid of a weapon. The reason why he would waste his promising acting career for a criminal life is still unknown to everyone.
16 Sweetheart: Debbie Ryan
Debbie Ryan starred along famous Disney stars of the 2000s, such as the Sprouse Twins and Brenda Song in The Suite Life On Deck, and even appeared in Hannah Montana and The Wizards Of Waverly Place. Ever since then, her fame has never wavered and she is considered to be a real social media darling, dealing with life issues in a smart and wise way.
Despite being arrested for a DUI in 2016, she immediately redeemed herself, realizing the mistake in her actions. She is an inspiration to many and her career seems to be going just fine, even years after the Disney peak!
15 Jerk: Raven-Symoné
Raven-Symoné first appeared on the big screen as the charming Olivia Kendell on The Cosby Show. Later, she became a Disney sweetheart on the iconic That's So Raven, one of everyone's favorite Disney shows. Although many still hold that idea of the smart, witty and sweetheart Raven-Symoné from her Disney days, nowadays it's a different story.
Ever since appearing in the daytime talk show The View, Raven-Symoné has shown to the world her ugliest side, throwing offensive comments around against transgender personality Caitlyn Jenner, Beyonce's performance ensembles, and even allegedly denying her racial heritage. She even commented how she wouldn't hire someone with a specific racial name... Yikes!
14 Sweetheart: Hilary Duff
Back in Disney's old days, the Lizzie McGuire show was no doubt one of the most loved ones the company had produced, and Hilary Duff was the face of this incredible character that many of us were able to relate to. Ever since then, she's proven to continue to be a talented, down-to-earth and lovable person. From her musical career to her acting, Hilary Duff is no doubt a sweetheart that is a role model to girls everywhere. Nowadays, you can find her starring in popular show Younger and volunteering for charities for a variety of causes, as well as advocating for body positivity.
13 Jerk: Orlando Brown
Another That's So Raven star now known for the worst reasons, Orlando Brown starred as Raven's best friend, Eddie, and has long since come out of the Disney sweetheart shadow, all for the worst. He has suffered through some tough times since the Disney years, and through it, he has shown us the worst he has to offer.
Since 2016, Brown has been arrested for drug possession, to battery and obstruction, but it doesn't end there. He has also discussed inappropriate acts with co-star Raven-Symoné in interviews, earning tough criticism for his obnoxious and jerky personality.
12 Sweetheart: Jonas Brothers
The Jonas Brothers are part of a group of Disney stars that never really lost a spot in people's hearts. Their strong brotherly bond lead them to form a pop-rock band in 2005 and fame skyrocketed from there, having even starred in their own Disney show, Jonas, and in the iconic Disney movie, Camp Rock. Ever since, they have broken up and gotten back together, much to the delight of fans all over the world; they have gotten married to incredible women, and they have stayed true to themselves and humble. They make it look easy!
11 Jerk: Adrienne Bailon
Adrienne Bailon was once part of a girl group called 3LW and even starred in Disney's Cheetah Girls, being one of the most famous of the group, but those days are long gone. Much like Raven-Symoné, Bailon landed a spot on a daytime talk show, The Real, very similar to The View, but how she got to where she is the real reason why she's part of this list.
She dated Rob Kardashian, on her way to fame, just before his mental health issues and weight gain, having a fling with a married man (who divorced his wife to be with Adrienne), as well as being a jerk towards fellow band mate, Naturi Naughton, who recently made an appearance on The Real to talk about their past drama.
10 Sweetheart: Ashley Tisdale
Ashley Tisdale got her big break on Disney Channel in The Suite Life Of Zack And Cody, playing the role of Maddie Fitzpatrick, a smart girl who didn't come from much, remained humble and worked hard. Her career really skyrocketed though, when she landed the role of Sharpay in High School Musical, playing the opposite of Maddie.
Having shown her undeniable talent, she signed a contract with Warner Bros, but by 2009 her second record had flopped and things weren't looking too good for Tisdale. Instead, she kept her head high and worked hard in television and film, having then married in 2014 and even having started her own YouTube Channel. She's also said to be working on a third album, never losing her confidence and always appearing to be a role model to young girls.
9 Jerk: Keke Palmer
Keke Palmer may not be as well known now as she used to be, but back in the days she starred in the Disney movie, Akeelah and the Bee. She is a strong woman, very outspoken and with strong views, but this comes off as very arrogant when she puts down other women (such as Rihanna for what she wears).
It's fine to have opinions and unique views, even speaking them for the world to know, but not when it's for putting others down for their own choice of clothes, sexual orientation, or any other reason. Maybe Keke Palmer should take time to self-reflect and improve her narrow views of the world and how others should live it.
8 Sweetheart: Britney Spears
Looking at Britney Spears' career, who would have guessed she started on Disney's The Mickey Mouse Club? Ever since then she has lived through scandals and rumors, even mental health issues and family struggles, but she's back and stronger than ever. With new tours and a lovable presence on social media, always making time for her fans and being known to have one of the kindest personalities in the business, it seems like Britney Spears has evolved and matured, and we're all for that!
7 Jerk: Allison Mack
All Smallville fans have probably suffered a real shock when they heard the news about Allison Mack... Although she started her career on Disney Channel, appearing as Heather in Camp Nowhere and Jenny Szalinski in Honey, We Shrunk Ourselves, Allison Mack soon showed us her true self, and it was ugly.
It turned out, Mack got tangled up in a cult, and according to reports, she was quite high up in the ranks, being responsible for delivering potential victims to the cult's leader. Using brainwashing techniques to get vulnerable women to join the cult is simply horrible and we're wondering exactly what went through her mind to get so embroiled in something so awful.
6 Sweetheart: Zac Efron
As soon as you look at Zac Efron, you probably judge him and believe him to have a bad reputation, which was exactly what many people thought of him for years. In the High School Musical years and even as he was announced as one of the sexiest men in the world, he was believed to have a jerky personality to go along with his fame.
Even comedian Seth Rogen admitted he had a bias against him, but after meeting him in person he described the actor as "sweet," "a nice guy," and "endearing," among many other positive qualities. He even helped a fan by replacing his broken smartphone after he chased Efron down, desperately trying to snap a picture.
5 Jerk: Vanessa Hudgens
Vanessa Hudgens used to have a perfectly stellar image in her High School Musical days, but it was short-lived as she grew older. She has been accused of all sorts of malicious acts such as racism and cultural appropriation, even going as far as being "mean" to fans that chased after her then boyfriend, Zac Efron, or calling them "obnoxious." Letting her jealousy take over and being so strongly swept away by a man that she'd go against her own fans is unforgivable.
4 Sweetheart: Justin Timberlake
Justin Timberlake first appeared on a little musical talent show called Star Search and was later swept away to Disney fame in The All-New Mickey Mouse Club due to his undeniable talent. This was basically a comedy show and he got to star alongside big names in the industry such as Ryan Gosling.
Years later, he joined N'Sync and his career really took off from there, earning fans all over the world, and later pursuing his own solo career. Despite drama, Justin Timberlake has managed to revamp his image and even became a father, now showcasing a kinder personality.
3 Jerk: Bella Thorne
Bella Thorne first began to be known for her roles in Disney iconic shows such as Wizards of Waverly Place, Good Luck Charlie, and Shake It Up. As she grew older, she quickly started to want to leave those days behind and that's when the revealing and rebellious side of Bella Thorne came to light. After making fun of Swedish YouTuber's (PewdiePie) last name while presenting an award, it all really started to go down hill, especially when she made some ill-minded tweets about Santa Monica mudslides, complaining thoughtlessly about traffic.
2 Sweetheart: Miley Cyrus
Hannah Montana started it all and Miley Cyrus got her big break on the Disney channel playing the character that got the best of both worlds. As years passed and she grew older, Miley desperately wanted to leave the shadow of Hannah behind and start anew, and that's exactly what she did. However, she didn't do it right. Her rebellious acts began and she was losing fans, fast. Nevertheless, she has calmed down since that period and has opened up about issues concerning her mental health, always owning up to her shocking behaviors and moving on by being an activist for mental health and an advocate of LGBTQ+ rights.
1 Jerk: Lindsay Lohan
Lindsay Lohan used to be one of Disney's biggest sweethearts, known for her charm, freckles and personality. Movies like The Parent Trap and Freaky Friday helped her career take off quite quickly. As years went by, however, she got in numerous scandals and could barely land a Hollywood rule to her poor work ethics and party-too-hard habits. She even stood by Harvey Weinstein's side, saying she felt bad for him, and going against his wife that decided to leave him in support of the victims of his horrific acts. That was truly the last straw.
Sources: Hollywood Reporter, Washington Post, CNN
