Top 10 Greatest Disney Channel Stars of All Time

Disney Channel has been a launchpad for some of the biggest stars in entertainment. If you grew up watching its shows, you probably have a favorite actor or actress who made you laugh, cry, or maybe even dream of stardom yourself. These aren't just TV personalities. Many of them have gone on to dominate music charts, lead blockbuster films, and create brands that stretch far beyond the small screen.

How many times have you heard a song on the radio and thought, Wait, weren't they on that Disney show? Or maybe you've spotted a familiar face in a huge movie and suddenly remembered the days when they were playing quirky teenagers caught up in ridiculous adventures. Some of these stars got their start playing lovable troublemakers, while others won fans over with their charm, comedic timing, or serious acting skills.

Which of these stars deserves the top spot? Who had the most unforgettable performances? Who do you still follow today? Vote for your favorites, and see how your picks compare with other Disney Channel fans!

The Top Ten

  1. Selena Gomez

    Selena Marie Gomez is an American actress and singer. She's best known for her hit songs "Come & Get It," "Good for You," "Same Old Love," and "It Ain't Me," as well as her starring role as Alex Russo on Wizards of Waverly Place. Her music has explored different styles, including electropop and Latin... read more

    YES! SELENA IS IN 1ST PLACE! And she totally deserves it! Her Disney Channel show is beyond epic, AKA Wizards of Waverly Place. SERIOUSLY! It is still the GREATEST Disney Show of all time! Unlike the terrible ones Disney has today! Anyway, this is why she deserves 1st place:

    Best Actor - Selena!

    Best Singer - Selena!

    Best Disney Star - Selena!

    Love ALL of her songs! Thank you to everyone who voted for Selena! She really, really, REALLY deserves it! And she is the one Disney Star who hasn't changed that badly. Her songs are amazing! Like:

    - Love You Like a Love Song

    - Tell Me Something I Don't Know

    - Year Without Rain

    - Slow Down

    - Who Says

    - Round and Round

    - Come and Get It

    I could name the other thousands of amazing songs by her! I love her and her amazing music! And the haters are jealous of her awesome talent and singing! Selena Gomez, you're an amazing singer/actress!

  2. Zendaya

    Zendaya Maree Stoermer Coleman is an American actress, singer, and producer. She began her career as a child model and backup dancer before gaining recognition for her role as Rocky Blue on the Disney Channel sitcom Shake It Up.... read more

    I've been listening to Zendaya my whole life, and as soon as she left Disney Channel for good, I stopped watching because, in my opinion, Disney is not what it used to be. Selena is also one of the people from Disney that I still listen to. Zendaya always handled drama or the haters in a mature way.

    She was great in both Shake It Up and K.C. Undercover. It helps that she can sing and dance. By the way, she was runner-up on Dancing with the Stars. What a girl. Can you believe she was shy? Plus, Replay is such a catchy song, just love it. She is also very caring and nice. What can you not like about her?

  3. Ross Lynch

    Ross Shor Lynch is an American singer, songwriter, actor, and musician. He is one of the founding members of the pop rock band R5, which includes his siblings.

    As an actor, Lynch gained fame for his role as Austin Moon on the Disney Channel series Austin & Ally and for playing Brady in the Teen... read more

    Ross Lynch is not only the sexiest creature to walk Disney Channel, but he's also the sexiest creature to walk the planet. I love Austin & Ally, R5, and Teen Beach Movie, and I can't wait for Status Update and My Friend Dahmer. I'm 18, and I have fantasies of marrying him and having children with him.

    Hey Ross, my name is Kyle. I love it when you play on Austin and Ally. You are my favorite actor, and I've been to two of your concerts. I hope I see you in a meet and greet. Love, Kyle.

    I love Ross Lynch. He is cute, talented, smart, kind, cool, honest. He is one of my celebrity crushes. Ross Lynch, don't listen to mean things people say. Shake the haters off your back. Jasmine B.

  4. Miley Cyrus

    Miley Ray Cyrus, born Destiny Hope Cyrus and known professionally as Miley Cyrus, is an American singer, songwriter, and actress. She was born on November 23, 1992, in Franklin, Tennessee, to Tish Cyrus and Billy Ray Cyrus. Her voice is widely recognized for its low, raspy quality.... read more

    I think Miley Cyrus is the best. Sad though about her new customization. I like her attitude. You can never be happy trying to live your life the way others like it. Love you Miley!

    Miley Cyrus is an amazing singer and actress. She is super talented. I love her songs. I wish I could watch Hannah Montana again on Disney Channel India.

    I am a huge fan of Miley then and now. I loved her Hannah Montana days. I hope she'll come back to the Disney family.

  5. Peyton List

    Peyton Roi List is an American actress and model best known for her roles in family-friendly television and film. She portrayed Emma Ross in the Disney Channel series Jessie and reprised the role in the spin-off Bunk'd. List also played Holly Hills in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid film series.

    Actor, model. Super pretty. Nice. In Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Has a twin. Always up to date on things. Great style. BOB and Tiger Beat love her. That's about it.

    I have seen all Jessie episodes and you are my favorite character. I have seen Jassie too. It's an Indian version of Jessie.

    Oh my god, she is beautiful. I first saw her in Diary of a Wimpy Kid.

  6. Demi Lovato

    Demetria Devonne "Demi" Lovato is an American singer, songwriter, and actress. After appearing on the children's television series Barney & Friends as a child, she received her breakthrough role as Mitchie Torres in the Disney Channel television film Camp Rock and its sequel Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam... read more

    Demi has been through so much. She has dealt with mental illness and tragedy like a boss and always works to get better. She is inspirational and campaigns for body positivity. Her vocals are otherworldly, and she is a beautiful soul. I've seen her in concert, and her vocals remain consistent even when live.

    The most talented singer Disney has ever discovered. Despite all the negatives that happened to her, she still managed to stand tall and turn that negative experience into a positive one. A perfect model for everyone, especially for the young ones. That's what makes her so different from all of her peers.

  7. Debby Ryan

    Deborah Ann "Debby" Ryan is an American actress, director, and singer. She is known for starring as Jessie Prescott in the Disney Channel series Jessie and as Bailey Pickett in Disney Channel's The Suite Life on Deck. Ryan has also released music as a solo artist and as the lead vocalist of the band... read more

    I love Debby Ryan. Everything about her, her sense of humor, her gorgeous red hair. I love her for being on Jessie, she's the best character there is, and she's absolutely hilarious. Selena Gomez isn't even on Disney anymore, so Debby needs to go up higher. Who doesn't love Debby? She's a country girl, she makes people laugh, and she's just so flipping hot. Everyone, shut up with the Demi Selena blah blah and VOTE FOR DEBBY.

    I love Debby Ryan. You have amazing fashion sense. Love you! You are funny. I love Disney Channel. I have seen every episode of Jessie at least 20 times. Ignore mean things people say, they are not true.

  8. Bridgit Mendler

    Bridgit Claire Mendler is an American actress, singer, and songwriter. She began her acting career in 2004 with a voice role in the animated Indian film The Legend of Buddha. Mendler later rose to prominence with her lead role on Disney Channel's Good Luck Charlie and has released music, including her... read more

    This girl and Demi are the two best singers Disney has produced. Listening to her music in her Disney days (which she co-wrote, by the way) is so beautiful, polished, and raw. And even now, with the release of Nemesis, she shows that through and she's even better because she's gone non-Hollywood Records and ALTERNATIVE. She has gracefully stepped out of the House of Mouse, and when she was on there, I loved everything she was in. You go, Bridgit!

    Bridgit Mendler should top this list! She's a great role model and was voted the best celebrity role model of 2013 after Taylor Swift! I love Bridgit!

    1. Bridgit Mendler

    2. Selena Gomez

    3. Ashley Tisdale

    4. Brenda Song

    5. Laura Marano

  9. Laura Marano

    Laura Marano is an American actress and singer, best known for playing Ally Dawson in the Disney Channel series Austin & Ally. She made her screen debut in 2003 and appeared in TV series such as Without a Trace and Back to You. Marano began her music career in 2016 with the release of her debut single... read more

    The moment I saw her first appearance on Disney Channel in the hit show, "Austin and Ally", I was pretty much amazed by her acting skills. What I mean is that her role as Ally really amuses me, and she just nailed it. She's a natural and doesn't have to push that hard just to get our attention. That's why I'm fond of her.

    Apart from that, I admire the way she tries to balance school and career. Life as a student can be hectic and difficult at times (believe me), what more if a career is added to the list of our priorities. I have so much more to add, but I think this is enough to prove that Laura Marano is worthy of all our attention.

    I love Laura. She is probably the best actor ever, and she is the prettiest Disney Channel star. Her show "Austin and Ally" gave me confidence, a positive attitude, and a really happy day. Especially the one about Trish getting bullied. That was my all-time favorite episode. I know that some of you might disagree with me, but this is just my own opinion. I will always love her and support her until she's gone. So, yeah, Laura is worthy of all our attention. Haters get hate.

  10. Bella Thorne

    Annabella Avery "Bella" Thorne is an American actress, writer, model, and singer. She released the EP Jersey in 2014 and is best known for her starring role on Disney Channel's Shake It Up! (2010-2013). Thorne has since appeared in films such as Blended, The DUFF, and Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible... read more

    I love Bella Thorne on Shake It Up and also when she more recently guest-starred on KC Undercover. As much as I love her, I disagree with this list. Most of the people listed here are still children or just too young for this type of pressure. They will all grow up and become spoiled brats who can't behave in a respectful manner.

    I think that children and teens should not be rated on lists like this, although probably everyone else who reads this comment will call me names that could honestly describe all of these actors' futures.

    Bella Thorne is so pretty. I own her doll and have all her CDs and posters covering my wall. In my opinion, Bella should be #1. Vote Bella Thorne.

    11. The Newcomers
  11. ?

    Meg Donnelly

    From Zombies. After the 2nd and 3rd movies come out, she's going to be as famous as the girls from Descendants.

  12. ?

    Miranda May

    13. The Contenders

  13. Sabrina Carpenter

    Sabrina Ann Lynn Carpenter is an American singer, songwriter, and actress. She portrayed Maya Hart in the Disney Channel series Girl Meets World, the young Chloe Goodwin in The Goodwin Games, Jenny Parker in the Disney Channel Original Movie Adventures in Babysitting, and Harper in Tall Girl.... read more

    Amazing actress and singer. She has amazing vocals for a 17-year-old. She is very real and down to earth. Her songs have positive messages, she is great at acting, and she is a great role model. She admits she is human because she knows celebrities are not gods or anything. She inspires me to be the best me, and she makes me smile.

    To the haters: You are just jealous of her. There should be no reason to hate her. What bad thing did she do to you? How can you say anything mean to her if you haven't met her? I met her 2 times before, and she is so kind and sweet. She goes through hard times too, remember she is HUMAN. She can't always be perfect.

    I love her so much. She is a great role model to me. Her voice is just so amazing. She really shows me to follow my dreams. Her songs make me feel what or how she was feeling while making or recording whatever song.

  14. China Anne McClain

    China Anne McClain was born on August 25, 1998, in Atlanta, Georgia. She is of African-American descent and performs in the band McClain with her sisters Lauryn and Sierra.

    China is best known for her starring roles in Disney Channel's A.N.T. Farm and Tyler Perry's House of Payne. Her film credits... read more

    She inspires me to follow my dreams. She makes me feel like I can actually do something with my life. She and her sisters are natural-born stars who are on their way to making it big. I believe in China and I know she can accomplish anything that she puts her mind to.

    I grew up watching her on Disney Channel. The moment I saw her on TV, I knew she was going to blow up. I fell in love with her talent and charm, and her singing. I love China Anne McClain and I thank her for helping me understand that my dreams can come true and that I just need to follow my heart.

    I watch her YouTube channel Lauryn and China, and she and her older sisters are funny. Even though I don't know China, she is like my best friend. I love China to the moon and back. China, keep doing what you're doing. You may not know it, but you are making a difference in my life and in the lives of all your fans.

    - a true fan who's been with you from the beginning

  15. Zac Efron

    Zachary David Alexander "Zac" Efron is an American actor. He began acting professionally in the early 2000s and rose to prominence in the late 2000s for his leading role in the High School Musical franchise. During this time, he also starred in the musical film Hairspray and the comedy film 17 Again... read more

    So cute. I love his great appearance in High School Musical. He is a great actor and an awesome role model for children whose dream is to become a good actor.

    Just look at him. Why isn't he number one?

    He is so cute and I love to hear him sing!

  16. Dove Cameron

    Dove Cameron is an American actress and singer. She is best known for playing the dual role of Liv and Maddie Rooney in the Disney Channel teen sitcom Liv and Maddie, which ran from 2013 to 2017. Cameron has also pursued a music career and appeared in several films and stage productions.

    Dove Cameron's performance in The Disney Descendants Franchise was incredibly outstanding! She's also very smart, funny, talented and caring. I like and adore her friendship with her other co stars, especially Cameron Boyce because he had taught her how to dance when she couldn't, and that was very nice of him.

    I think Dove Cameron is one of the best actresses in the world. I mean, she played twins on Liv and Maddie, and Mal in Descendants 1 and 2. You can tell she's hard at work and she loves what she's doing.

  17. Ashley Tisdale

    Ashley Michelle Tisdale (born July 2, 1985) is an American actress, singer, and producer. As a child, she appeared in more than 100 television commercials and performed in stage productions. She is best known for her role as Maddie Fitzpatrick on the Disney Channel series "The Suite Life of Zack & Cody... read more

    I love Ashley! She's a great actress and isn't annoying like all the other actors/actresses. And she sings well.

  18. Cole Sprouse & Dylan Sprouse

    I love them like anything, they are the BEST! What are they doing in this place? They should be on the top, No. 1.

    What are they doing here? They should have been first. I love them. They are the best Disney actors.

    How are they not even number one? Their show was the best and still is!

  19. Olivia Holt

    Olivia Hastings Holt, born August 5, 1997, is an American actress and singer-songwriter. She starred as Lindy Watson in the Disney Channel series I Didn't Do It. Holt has also released music as a solo artist and appeared in various film, television, and stage roles.

    She's gorgeous and an amazing singer, unlike a lot of Disney Channel stars these days. She was also hilarious as Kim on Kickin' It. I was gutted when she left. But now she does an amazing job as Lindy on her new show, I Didn't Do It. She's completely down to earth and just amazing in general.

    I just love Olivia Holt! She is my favorite actor. She rocks it on Disney Channel's Kickin' It and I Didn't Do It. Also, in the movie Girl vs. Monster. At the same time, she has a fabulous voice, and she is super pretty. You rock, Olivia Holt!

  20. Hilary Duff

    Hilary Erhard Duff (born September 28, 1987, in Houston, Texas) is an American actress, singer, and author. She began her acting career as a child and became widely known for her starring role in the television series Lizzie McGuire. Duff also appeared in several films, including Cheaper by the Dozen... read more

    Hilary was a star that reinvented Disney and started it's, arguably, best era. She was great with publicity, she was classy, she was different without tarnishing Disney's reputation. Hilary deserves all credit for the Disney stars who came after her. Once they lost Duff as she entered her career away from Disney Channel, Disney called their star searches "looking for the next Hilary Duff". That deserves an enormous amount of respect.

    I'm going to vomit in my mouth. Self-obsessed Selena and Miley Cyrus, who turned into... I'd rather not say. Hilary was the inventor of Disney, the one who doesn't twerk, kiss Justin's butt, or disrespect herself in any way. Hilary is the Disney Channel!

  21. Cameron Boyce

    Cameron Boyce (May 28, 1999 to July 6, 2019) was an American actor known for his roles in films such as Mirrors, Eagle Eye, Descendants, Grown Ups, and Grown Ups 2. He also starred as Luke Ross on the Disney Channel series Jessie and as Conor on the Disney XD series Gamer's Guide to Pretty Much Everything... read more

    He is a great dancer and actor and is so hilarious in all his interviews! He lives up to the evil standards of Cruella De Vil's son in Descendants. He totally killed that role, and his dancing is amazing then too!

    I think he is one of the best Disney Channel actors.

    Cameron Boyce was everyone's favorite Disney star. R.I.P. Cameron Boyce. He was also my celeb crush when I was 9. Love you, Cam.

  22. Leo Howard

    Leo Howard is an American actor, model, and martial artist. He began his acting career at the age of seven and is known for incorporating his karate skills into his film and television roles. He starred in shows such as Kickin' It and appeared in G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra.

  23. Bradley Steven Perry

    Bradley Steven Perry is an American actor. He is best known for his role as Gabe Duncan on the Disney Channel sitcom Good Luck Charlie and for playing Roger Elliston III in the Disney Channel film Sharpay's Fabulous Adventure.... read more

    He's the best. Besides, just because Selena Gomez is a star now doesn't mean she was good at acting. He should be first. You can never doubt any movie or T.V. show that he plays in.

    His character on Good Luck Charlie (Gabe) is funny, sneaky, and cool. He should definitely be in the top 10!

    He had great potential. And I'm not just saying that because he's hot. He's a believable, lovable actor.

  24. Raini Rodriguez

    Raini Rodriguez is an American actress and singer. She is best known for her roles as Trish in the Disney Channel series Austin & Ally and Maya Blart in the films Paul Blart: Mall Cop and Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2. She has also appeared in The Suite Life of Zack & Cody and the Disney XD show I'm in the... read more

  25. Sofia Carson

    Sofía Daccarett Char, known professionally as Sofia Carson, is an American singer and actress. She was born on April 10, 1993, and first rose to fame through her role in the Disney Channel film Descendants. Carson has also released pop music and performed at major events, including the Oscars and the... read more

    I love her in movies. I only watch those movies because she is in them. She is a really good actor, never seen one better.

    Sofia Carson is the best. I love her. She rocked Adventures in Babysitting! She is awesome.

    She is the best Disney star ever!

  26. Roshon Fegan

    Roshon Bernard Fegan, known mononymously as Roshon (stylized as ROSHON, formerly RO SHON), is an American actor, rapper, singer-songwriter, and dancer. He was born on October 6, 1991, in Los Angeles, California. His father, Roy Fegan, is an African-American actor and producer, and his mother is of Filipino... read more

  27. G. Hannelius

    Genevieve Knight "G" Hannelius (born December 22, 1998) is an American actress, singer, songwriter, YouTube personality, and entrepreneur. She began her career on Disney Channel with roles in shows such as Sonny with a Chance and Good Luck Charlie, and became widely known for playing Avery Jennings in... read more

    G is so awesome! She hasn't gone weird either! She's super talented, pretty, and nice.

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