Have you ever wondered about your favorite characters from the shows you loved as a kid? Life goes on for everyone, and our beloved Nickelodeon stars are no exception.
Take a look at what they’re doing now, whether they’ve continued their acting careers or changed fields. Our childhoods have been enriched by these stars, so it’s worth taking a look at their lives today.
Ariana Grande – Victorious
Ariana Grande is now a pop music icon, but she started as a 13-year-old Nickelodeon star. Playing the role of Cat Valentine on the popular series Victorious, she spent four years combining her on-screen career with her music.
After the show was canceled in 2013, Nickelodeon rebranded her character as Sam & Cat, alongside fellow Nickelodeon alum Jennette McCurdy. That series lasted one season, and then Ariana went on to make her mark in the music world—and what a mark she’s made!
Victoria Justice – Zoey 101
Victoria Justice burst onto the Nickelodeon scene in 2005 as Lola Martinez on Zoey 101. Over the next few years, she guest-starred on many other Nickelodeon shows and eventually ended up finding her way to her own show, Victorious.
In 2013, the show was canceled, and like her co-star Ariana Grande, Victoria wanted to focus more on her music. In 2013, she released her first album. Since then, she’s been working on her music and performing here and there.
Christine Taylor – Hey Dude
Christine Taylor may be best known for her roles in The Brady Bunch movies, but she began her career on the Nickelodeon series Hey Dude. On this show, she played lifeguard Melody Hanson until 1991. She then moved on to larger roles.
She has guest-starred on several television shows and played supporting roles in several major films, including The Craft. Christine has been married to comic actor Ben Stiller since 2000, although they have separated since 2017, and continues to act in supporting roles both on television and on the big screen.
Devin Werkheiser – Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide
Devin has had many roles in various films and television shows, but the one he will always be remembered for is playing Ned Bigby on the Nickelodeon series Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide. From 2004 to 2007, this was his home.
After the series ended, she continued acting but also began to forge a musical career. In fact, she released her third album in early 2020.
Daniel Lee Curtis – Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide
After landing a role in the hit Hollywood film, Friday Aftermath, Daniel’s next big role was Simon in Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide. After four years on the show, like many other Nickelodeon stars, he made the jump to Disney and starred in Zeke & Luther.
Daniel continues to act today, but also works extensively behind the camera as a producer, director, editor, and filmmaker.
Josh Peck – Drake & Josh
You shouldn’t miss the opportunity to follow Josh Peck on Twitter! He’s gorgeous now! He rose to fame thanks to The Amanda Show in the ’90s and then went on to star in the hit children’s sitcom Drake & Josh.
This might sound familiar: Do you know who voices Eddie from the Ice Age movies? You guessed it… it’s Josh! He also starred alongside Chris Hemsworth in the 2012 film Red Dawn as Chris’s younger brother.
Keke Palmer – True Jackson, VP
The film Akeelah and the Bee launched her to fame in 2006. Since then, she’s been a constant presence on screen. From 2008 to 2011, she played True in True Jackson, VP, and here’s a surprising fact: she’s the first African-American actress to play Cinderella on Broadway.
Her starring role on the sitcom True Jackson, VP was memorable; she played True, a teenager involved in the Mad Style teen fashion scene as a vice president. Her show, Just Keke, on BET has been a huge success and gave her the opportunity to become the youngest talk show host.
David Lascher – Hey Dude
Along with Christine Taylor, David Lascher made his mark on the Nickelodeon show Hey Dude from 1989 to 1991. After the show ended, David went on to have guest roles on shows like Beverly Hills 90210, Blossom, and Roseanne.
He had extended stints on Blossom and Sabrina, the Teenage Witch, in which he played the love interest of another Nickelodeon alum, Melissa Joan Hart. Currently, in addition to acting, he produces, directs, and writes.
Amanda Bynes – The Amanda Show
Amanda began her career in musical theater before being discovered at a comedy camp at the Los Angeles Laugh Factory. There, a Nickelodeon producer found her, and she was soon cast on the show All That. She was a cast member for three years. She then went on to join the cast of Figure It Out.
Her popularity eventually led to her own show, The Amanda Show. After a hiatus from acting, some mental health issues, and substance abuse, Amanda earned a degree in fashion and has been working on her own clothing line.
Emma Roberts – Unfabulous
Emma Roberts has made a name for herself as an adult on shows like Scream Queens. Sometimes, however, we all forget that she was a child star who began her career on the set of the Nickelodeon series Unfabulous.
The role of Addie earned Roberts several Teen Choice Award nominations and launched her into stardom. After leaving, she went on to have several roles in moderately successful films until she finally returned to television and worked with the talented Ryan Murphy on his hit anthology series, American Horror Story.
Larisa Oleynik – The Secret Life of Alex Mack
Who doesn’t remember her from the hit ’90s TV series, The Secret Life of Alex Mack? The teenager who gained miraculous powers after an accident, Alex Mack, was one of the most beloved characters of the era, turning Larisa into a teen icon.
She also appeared in The Baby-Sitters Club in 1995 as Dawn, and in 10 Things I Hate About You as Bianca. She continued her acting career, playing different roles such as Cynthia Baxter in some episodes of Mad Men and Maggie Cutler in Pretty Little Liars.
Jennette McCurdy – Zoey 101
She was a character on Zoey 101 and iCarly. You’ve seen her on screen many times because her career is constantly evolving. Some of her major projects include The Last Day of Summer, Hollywood Homicide, and Against All Evidence, among others.
She’s performed with one of the most popular actors and has never stopped believing in herself. If you don’t remember her, she also played Sam in Sam and Cat. She also formed a duet with Ariana Grande, who played Cat!
Lindsey Shaw – Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide
It’s impossible to forget Paige from Pretty Little Liars! She was Emily’s girlfriend and appeared in many episodes throughout the series. But Lindsey first appeared as Moze in Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide.
After her performance on PLL, she appeared in numerous films and television series, including Secret Summer, Aliens in America, Love Me, and Yellow Day. Lindsey is perhaps one of the busiest stars on our list, and that’s certainly no bad thing!
Lori Beth Denberg – All That
Her roles in All That made her famous, but she soon dropped out because she felt uncomfortable with her age. She then appeared on The Steve Harvey Show as Lydia.
After that, Lori disappeared from the acting scene for a while until 2012, when she had a role in an episode of Workaholics as herself. Now, she’s changed professions and officiates wedding ceremonies. She got into the business after her friend’s wedding.
Drake Bell – Drake & Josh
Drake Bell was the second half of the duo Drake & Josh. He won the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Award for Favorite TV Actor. Drake began making music in 2005. It’s worth noting that Drake had a small role on Seinfeld and also acted in the Pokemon Red and Blue commercial.
He has continued his career over time and has never left the stage. He has participated in many projects that combined music and cinematography.
Kel Mitchell – Kenan & Kel
We’ve already talked about his partner, Kenan Thompson. After his performance as Kenan & Kel, he disappeared from the scene. But he’s still around, and the internet shows us what he’s been up to.
He’s now a comedian and a very devout Christian. He can be seen in his current role as host of the television series Tailors of Valor. This show features true stories of animals that improve and change people’s lives.
Michelle Trachtenberg – Clarissa explains it all
Michelle Trachtenberg has had many notable roles in films like Eurotrip and Ice Princess, as well as on the small screen in series like Gossip Girl and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. However, like all the stars on our list, she also began her career at Nickelodeon Studios.
Beginning with her guest role on Clarissa Explains It All as Elsie Soaperstien, Michelle moved on to The Adventures of Pete & Pete. While playing this role, she also doubled as Lily Montgomery on All My Children. Then, in 1996, she starred in the Nickelodeon adaptation of Harriet the Spy.
Kenan Thompson – Kenan & Kel
If you’re a Nickelodeon fan, you’re probably familiar with Kenan Thompson. He was the other half of the popular duo Kenan & Kel. He also appeared on All That and Good Burger back in the ’90s.
In 2009, she said no while playing Sue Sezno on Sit Down, Shut Up. She’s now a spokesperson for the Let Yourself Woah campaign and a member of the sketch comedy show Saturday Night Live.
Nick Cannon – El show de Nick Cannon
Nick Cannon, another alumnus of the Nickelodeon show All That, has turned his success into a career. He eventually landed his own show in 2002. The Nick Cannon Show gave him the opportunity to expand his musical career.
After Nickelodeon, Cannon hosted the show Wild ‘N Out and starred in hit films like Drumline. He also married and later divorced pop diva Mariah Carey. He now hosts the hit show Masked Singer.
Jamie Lynn Spears – Zoey 101
Even if you don’t know her from her Nickelodeon career, it’s impossible not to guess that she’s Britney Spears’s sister. She rose to fame for her role on Zoey 101. In 2002, she appeared in her sister’s film, Crossroads, and has appeared on screen in Miss Guided and Entertainment Tonight.
Zoey 101 is the show that made Jamie Lynn famous worldwide. Since then, she’s focused on her singing career and has appeared on the series Sweet Magnolias.
Miranda Cosgrove – iCarly
Miranda’s role on iCarly never gives her the chance to escape the spotlight. Carly Shay made her the second highest-paid child actress. Let’s recall the story of the series: Carly Shay had an ordinary life until she decided to create a show with her friends, iCarly. Once the show becomes hugely popular, they all struggle to find a balance between their personal and professional lives.
Since then, she hasn’t had any major roles, but she began a singing career and recently also voiced Margo in Despicable Me. She wasn’t afraid of horror movies, so in 2015 she appeared in The Intruders playing Rose.
