Celebrities Who Got Their Start on Disney—from Ryan Gosling to Miley Cyrus

Disney has been responsible for launching the careers of some major stars, like Miley Cyrus and Selena Gomez, but they represent only a small number of stars to emerge from the Mouse House. Keep reading to find out which celebrities began their impressive careers alongside Mickey and the Gang

1. Ryan Gosling

TV Show: The Mickey Mouse Club (1993-1995)

Explanation: We love Ryan Gosling for his roles in The Notebook (2004), La La Land (2016) and Barbie (2023). But did you know he actually got his start on Disney on The Mickey Mouse Club from 1993 to 1995 before starting out his career as a movie star?

“[I remember] putting myself in this dance company and ultimately auditioning for The Mickey Mouse Club,” Gosling explained, “[and] not feeling like I was very good in anything on The Mickey Mouse Club.”

2. Britney Spears

TV Show: The Mickey Mouse Club (1993-1994)

Explanation: We all know the pop sensation for the songs “Toxic” and “Oops!… I Did It Again.” But Spears actually got her start on Disney in the series The Mickey Mouse Club, where she gained a lot of experience for her future career. 

“Being in the show was boot camp for the entertainment industry: extensive dance rehearsals, singing lessons, acting classes, time in the recording studio, and school in between,” Spears wrote in her memoir, The Woman in Me.

3. Fergie

TV Show: Kids Incorporated (1984-1993)

Explanation: Fergie made it big when she was a member of the group The Black Eyed Peas, as well as in her solo career. But a surprising fact about the musician was how she got her start in 1984. 

“I was on a series when I was younger called Kids Incorporated…and we would do songs of the time… and I developed a very eclectic taste in music. It’s just all over the map.”

4. Emmy Rossum

Movie: Genius (1999)

Explanation: Before she was Fiona on Shameless, Emmy Rossum portrayed Claire Addison in the Disney movie Genius. The actress was only 13 years old when she starred in the film, but she is instantly recognizable.

5. Justin Timberlake

TV Show: The Mickey Mouse Club (1993-1994)

Explanation: He’s better known for his impressive music career, starting out in the group NSYNC and later pursuing a solo career, but before he was considered the “Prince of Pop,” Timberlake was dancing and singing alongside Spears and Christina Aguilera on The Mickey Mouse Club.

6. Christina Aguilera

TV Show: The Mickey Mouse Club (1993-1994)

Explanation: Yet another popstar to start out on The Mickey Mouse Club, Aguilera used the series to really showcase her powerful voice

7. Miley Cyrus

TV Show: Hannah Montana (2006-2010)

Explanation: Miley Cyrus practically led Disney Channel in the early 2000s, securing the role of Hannah Montana at age 13. Not only was she a popstar on her series, but Cyrus also became an actual popstar in real life, touring as herself and Hannah Montana.

Cyrus was named a Disney Legend at D23 in August 2024, the youngest person to receive the honor. In her speech she said, “I stand here still proud to have been Hannah Montana…In so many ways, this award is dedicated to Hannah and all of her amazing loyal fans, and to everyone who has made my dream a reality. To quote the legend herself, ‘This is the life.’”

8. The Jonas Brothers

TV Show: Hannah Montana

Explanation: Of course, the Jonas Brothers are iconic for their hit songs “S.O.S” and “Sucker,” but did you know their first acting credits were on Disney Channel? In 2007, the brothers were featured in an episode of Hannah Montana (iconic!) and soon after booked the movie Camp Rock and their own series, Jonas.

“When we were getting started, we were in a position at one point where we were without a label,” Joe explained. “And we didn’t really know what the next steps were going to be. Disney reached out with a huge opportunity for us to be signed by them and work on a TV show.”

9. Keri Russell

TV Show: The Mickey Mouse Club (1991-1994)

Explanation: Before she became Felicity in 1998, Keri Russell had her moment on The Mickey Mouse Club. Russell shared that she was one of the older kids on the show at age 17, while Timberlake and Aguilera were about 12 years old.

“I was there at a time when there were a lot of famous kids there. And I say this completely truthfully: I was literally the least talented one there,” Russell shared. “I’m not kidding. When I look at those kids, I’m like, why in the world did they pick me?”

10. Kristen Stewart

Movie: The Thirteenth Year (1999)

Explanation: Although her role in The Thirteenth Year was a very minor one, it was just the beginning of her impressive career. Only a few years later, Stewart starred in Panic Room (2002) alongside Jodie Foster and Catch That Kid (2004) before becoming the iconic Bella Swan in the Twilight series in 2008.