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.
Melissa Joan Hart – Clarissa explains everything
Melissa Joan Hart has been a household staple for decades. This long run of popularity and notoriety began when Melissa played Clarissa on the Nickelodeon show Clarissa Explains It All. For three years, Melissa Explains It All, and the role earned her multiple Young Artist nominations.
After leaving Nickelodeon, Hart went to college. But she interrupted her studies to accept the role of Sabrina Spellman on Sabrina, the Teenage Witch. After seven years of Sabrina, Melissa continued to take on supporting roles and has recently starred in series like Melissa & Joey and Netflix’s No Good Nick.
Taran Killam – The Amanda Show
Taran Killam made his on-screen debut in Naked Gun 33 1/3 in 1994. He then went on to star as Spaulding on the sketch comedy show The Amanda Show. After the show’s end, he joined MADtv and also made guest appearances on other Nickelodeon shows, such as Drake & Josh.
In 2011, he joined the cast of Saturday Night Live alongside another Nickelodeon alum, Kenan Thompson. Killam has also had roles in films like 12 Years a Slave and television shows like Single Parents.
Jenna Leigh Green – Sabrina, the Teenage Witch
Not sure where you saw her? You probably remember her from her role in Sabrina, the Teenage Witch. She was Libby Chester, and everyone hated her. It was an American sitcom based on the Archie Comics series. After that role, she guest-starred on shows like Dharma & Greg and ER.
Jenna also has theater experience, having performed in major plays such as The Wizard of Oz, Romeo and Juliet, and West Side Story, among others. She participated in a benefit concert in 2008 to raise money for women with ovarian cancer.
Nathan Kress – iCarly
It’s an honor to be a star at three years old. Remember the voice of Eizan Kabur from Shuriken School? Then you’re probably familiar with Freddie Benson from iCarly.
He hasn’t done much over the years, having only had small roles in productions like Drake & Josh, Gym Teacher: The Movie, and Penguins of Madagascar. But recently, he was part of a big project, namely Into the Storm.
Noah Munck – iCarly
Everyone loved his iCarly role as Gibby Gibson! But over the years, he’s opted out of the film industry and instead focused on his music career.
He now produces trap-style songs under the name NoxiK. He also produces electronic dance music and now has a YouTube channel called Sadworld. It’s a shocking career move, but good for Noah!
Matthew Underwood – Zoey 101
After playing one of the most wonderful characters on Zoey 101, Matthew Underwood did not continue his career in the film industry.
He had a few small roles after the Nickelodeon production, but nothing significant. He appeared on Reality Horror Night in 2009 and also directed a music video, “How Could I Want More,” in 2013.
Avan Jogia – Victorious
His first role was as Beck Oliver in Victorious. Since then, he has appeared in numerous projects. ABC Family’s Twisted is one of the films in which he played Danny Desai.
In 2015, he had a productive year, working on three films with Victoria Justice. Avan had other interests at heart—he founded the LGBT online organization, among others. Another notable appearance was in the television drama A Girl Like Me: The Gwen Araujo Story in 2006.
Sean Flynn – Zoey 101
His role in the Nickelodeon production Zoey 101 was the highlight of his acting career. He later played the role of Chase, and had minor roles in The Conjuring and Devious Maids.
Maybe he’ll be able to find something as great as Chase’s role, or even better! One thing’s for sure, we hope he’ll be back with us soon!
Malese Jow – Unfabulous
What is her best-known role? She’s Geena Fabiano from Unfabulous. She’s also played Cadence Nash in The Troupe and Lucy Stone in Big Time Rush.
But she has had a few guest-starring roles on Nickelodeon’s The Garcia Brothers and iCarly. The films she’s appeared in include Bratz: The Movie, Aliens in the Attic, The Social Network, and You’re So Cupid!
Christopher Massey – Zoey 101
He began his career acting in commercials for various companies such as McDonald’s, Cap’n Crunch, and Pop-Tarts. His first role was on Zoey 101, where he played Michael Barrett. Kenochi was another television show in which he appeared alongside his younger brother Kyle Massey and Drake Bell.
Being in the spotlight for so long has led him to become friends with the Sprouse twins and Miley Cyrus. One project he’s involved with is the Starkey Hearing Foundation, a well-known company that donates one million hearing aids each year.
Daniel DeSanto – Are you afraid of the dark?
Remember Tucker from Are You Afraid of the Dark? If not, you’re probably familiar with Jason from Mean Girls, which also starred Lindsay Lohan.
Over the years, he has played a variety of roles, but his most notable ones are in The Boondock Saints II, The Adventures of Dudley the Dragon, and The Magic School Bus, a television series in which he voices Carlos Ramón. He currently voices Dave in Total Drama: Pahkitem Island.
Tadhg Kelly – Unfabulous
He’s best known for his role on the Nickelodeon series Unfabulous. He used to be Ben Singer, but what’s become of him now? He seems to have disappeared from the public eye; he doesn’t even post on social media.
His latest achievement is his 2008 acoustic album. Well, it’s safe to say that this one didn’t progress much, but maybe we’ll get to see it soon – especially since he’s much more handsome now than he was back then!
Robert Ri’chard – The First Skeeter
Robert has gained popularity in the film world and has risen to success, acting in films such as Coach Carter and One on One. You probably know him as Bobby in Cousin Skeeter.
Curiously, he didn’t have any major roles after his performance in House of Wax, playing Paris Hilton’s boyfriend. But he’s a great actor, and he’ll be back on the big screen soon.
Lindsay Sloane – Sabrina, the Teenage Witch
Her breakout role was Valerie, Sabrina’s best friend. She appeared in Bring It On and has also had a few small roles. She recently played Nancy Reagan in an episode of Drunk History.
If you’d like to see her in another role, you can find her in Playing House as Tina. She’s made impressive progress: from shy best friend to the cheerleader captain of Bring It On, who made some people cringe!
Leon Thomas III – Victorious
It’s impossible not to recognize him from the Broadway production of The Lion King. After his role in Victorious, he played a few roles in the film industry. Then he decided to change careers.
Leon began his career in 2012 when he released “Metro Hearts,” his debut mixtape. He also wrote a few songs for Ariana Grande and Stooshe. In 2016, he co-produced an album for renowned singer Post Malone.
Josh Server – All That
When she was just 15, she began acting in the original series All That, the role that made her a household name. She also had roles in other Nickelodeon series, such as The Secret World of Alex Mack, Kenan & Kel, and The Amanda Show.
In 2006, she began working on the series Laugh Out Loud alongside Kenan Thompson. She has continued to act, and is now involved in projects such as Game Shakers.
Danny Tamberelli – The Adventures of Pete & Pete
Danny Tamberelli, who began his acting career at the age of four, was a very famous actor in the 90s. Ryan’s Hope, The Adventures of Pete & Pete, and The Baby-Sitters Club are some of the series that made him a star.
Currently, he is the bassist-vocalist for the band Jounce and, with his former bandmate, Michael Maronna, started a podcast worth checking out, known as The Adventures of Danny and Mike.
Meagan Good – Prima Skeeter
Meagan first appeared in commercials at the age of four, and is a member of the band Isyss. She also appeared on Cousin Skeeter, playing Nina.
Now, she’s come a long way and has had some memorable roles. Her performances in Deception and Think Like a Man made her a true star and gave her the opportunity to be discovered for her true worth.
Soleil Moon Frye – Sabrina, the Teenage Witch
She was a very young child when she began her career. Soleil was only two years old, but she’s come a long way since then. She was Sabrina’s roommate in Sabrina, the Teenage Witch.
She recently decided to leave her acting career and opened a children’s clothing store, The Little Seed. She has created clothes made from organic fabrics and also maintains a blog where she discusses children and issues affecting women.
Ross Hull – Are you afraid of the dark?
Canadian actor Ross Hull, who starred in Nowhere to Hide, Eric’s World, Haute Tension, and Are You Afraid of the Dark?, changed his career path and became a weatherman.
After replacing Olga Nwobosi as the Vancouver area reporter, he began forecasting weather for all of Southwestern Ontario. He is currently a meteorologist for Global News in Toronto, but also reports for Montreal, Toronto, and Halifax.
King Fenske – Unfabulous
Yes, it’s Jake from Unfabulous. After this performance, he went on to guest-star on popular shows like Lizzie McGuire and 24.
He then starred in CSI: Miami. For this role, he was nominated for Best Performance in a Television Drama Series at the Young Artist Awards. Raje produced a short thriller, Injusticia, and starred in Pendejo in 2013. Since then, we haven’t heard anything from him, and that’s unlikely to change anytime soon.
Nate Richert – Sabrina, the Teenage Witch
We have bad news for Nate fans: you won’t be able to see him on TV anytime soon. For the record, he starred in Sabrina, the Teenage Witch.
After his role as Harvey, he disappeared and left his acting career behind. He’s focused on his music career, and he also sports an impressive hipster mustache that’s definitely worth checking out.
Raine Pare-Coull – Are you afraid of the dark?
You might not remember her very well, so we’d like to give you a hint: Raine played Betty Anne in Are You Afraid of the Dark. After that performance, she disappeared, and didn’t keep in touch with her fans on social media.
He only tweeted a few times back in 2009, but everything else since then seems to be just spam. In 2014, he started working at Canada’s CBC.
Matt Shively – True Jackson, VP
Unfortunately, his career isn’t that big. If you don’t remember him, he’s Ryan Laserbeam from True Jackson, VP. He hasn’t had any major roles since, though he did have some guest spots on Teen Wolf, Jessie, and a small role on Zoey 101 for one episode.
But he also voiced Sky in the Nickelodeon animated series Winx Club. That said, we probably won’t be seeing much of Matt Shively anytime soon.
Jerry Trainor – iCarly
He rose to fame thanks to his roles in the Nickelodeon productions iCarly and Drake & Josh. He hasn’t had much success since his role as Spencer Shay. Jerry voiced a cockroach in the animated film Penguins of Madagascar.
But perhaps one of his most notable voice projects is 2015’s Transformers: Robots in Disguise. Perhaps it’s time for a new project, and we can’t wait to see what else he comes up with!
Erin Sanders – Zoey 101
Erin Sanders is an American actress who became popular thanks to her role as Quinn Pensky, a lovable character in Zoey 101. Quinn was Zoey’s best friend, a little quirky, but undoubtedly loved by many fans.
Plus, she also starred in The Young and the Restless in 2008, and Big Time Rush. She’s also ditched the eccentricity and is a sexy red carpet presence, don’t you think?
