The 'Lizzie McGuire' Cast: Where Are They Now? Shocking New Careers And 2025 Updates

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The iconic Disney Channel series Lizzie McGuire remains a cultural touchstone for an entire generation, but more than two decades after its premiere, the lives of the actors have taken wildly different, and often surprising, paths. As of December 22, 2025, the original cast members are making headlines—not just for their continued work in Hollywood, but for dramatic career shifts into fields like law and public administration.

The biggest news surrounding the cast in recent years was, of course, the highly anticipated Disney+ revival series, which was ultimately canceled due to creative differences, leaving fans with a nostalgic ache for the adult version of Lizzie. Despite the setback, the stars who brought Lizzie, Gordo, Miranda, and the McGuire family to life are busier than ever. Here is a comprehensive, up-to-the-minute look at the main cast of the beloved show and what they are doing today.

The Core Cast: Full Biography and Profile

To fully appreciate the journey of the actors, it’s essential to look back at the people behind the beloved characters from the early 2000s. The following list provides the essential biographical details for the main ensemble who brought the McGuire household and their middle school lives to the screen.

  • Hilary Duff (Lizzie McGuire)
    Born: September 28, 1987, in Houston, Texas, USA.
    Career: Actress, Singer, Author, and Businesswoman.
  • Adam Lamberg (David "Gordo" Gordon)
    Born: September 14, 1984, in New York City, New York, USA.
    Career: Former Actor, Public Administrator.
  • Lalaine (Miranda Sanchez)
    Born: June 3, 1987, in Burbank, California, USA.
    Career: Actress, Singer-Songwriter, and Musician.
  • Jake Thomas (Matthew "Matt" McGuire)
    Born: January 30, 1990, in Knoxville, Tennessee, USA.
    Career: Actor, Director, and Photographer.
  • Hallie Todd (Jo McGuire)
    Born: January 7, 1962, in Los Angeles, California, USA.
    Career: Actress, Acting Coach, and Producer.
  • Robert Carradine (Samuel "Sam" McGuire)
    Born: March 24, 1954, in Los Angeles, California, USA.
    Career: Actor (part of the Carradine family of actors).
  • Ashlie Brillault (Kate Sanders)
    Born: May 21, 1987, in San Francisco, California, USA.
    Career: Former Actress, Criminal Defense Lawyer.

Hilary Duff’s Pop Comeback and The Canceled Revival

No actor from the series has remained in the spotlight as consistently as Hilary Duff, who has successfully transitioned from a teen idol to a celebrated adult actress and pop star. In late 2024 and throughout 2025, Duff has made significant career moves that have thrilled fans of her music.

The Music and Docuseries Update: After a decade-long hiatus from music, Duff officially announced her return to the pop scene, signing a new record deal. She released her new single, "Mature," in late 2024 and is currently preparing for her highly anticipated sixth studio album. Adding to the excitement, an intimate docuseries about her return to music is in development, with Sam Wrench, the director of Taylor Swift's *Eras Tour* film, attached to the project.

The Revival That Never Was: The biggest question for fans remains the fate of the Lizzie McGuire revival. The sequel series for Disney+ was set to follow Lizzie as a 30-year-old navigating life in New York City. Key cast members, including Adam Lamberg, Jake Thomas, Hallie Todd, and Robert Carradine, were all attached to reprise their roles, with filming even beginning in New York. However, in a major disappointment to fans, Hilary Duff confirmed the project was officially canceled. Duff cited creative differences, suggesting the adult themes she wished to explore for Lizzie didn't align with the family-friendly vision of the platform.

This cancellation has become a major piece of the show's legacy, highlighting the challenge of transitioning beloved childhood characters into complex, modern adult narratives. The idea of a 30-year-old Lizzie, still grappling with her internal cartoon alter ego, remains a compelling "what-if" for the show's dedicated fanbase.

From Disney Channel to Drastic Career Changes

While Hilary Duff continues her multifaceted career, several other core cast members have chosen paths far removed from the glitz of Hollywood, providing some of the most fascinating updates for the Lizzie McGuire cast in 2025.

Adam Lamberg (Gordo) Finds Success in Academia

Adam Lamberg, who played the loyal and intellectual David "Gordo" Gordon, has largely stepped away from the acting spotlight. After the show concluded, Lamberg pursued an academic career. He earned a degree from the University of California, Berkeley, and went on to complete a master's degree in public administration. His decision to pivot toward a career in public service and academic pursuits is a notable departure from his former life as a teen idol. While he briefly returned for the initial stages of the canceled revival, his current focus is firmly on his non-acting career, making him one of the most successful former child stars to embrace a completely normal, non-Hollywood profession.

Ashlie Brillault (Kate Sanders) Becomes a Criminal Defense Lawyer

Perhaps the most surprising career shift belongs to Ashlie Brillault, who played the popular, mean-girl-turned-frenemy Kate Sanders. Brillault left acting entirely after The Lizzie McGuire Movie. Defying any assumptions about her on-screen persona, she pursued a career in law, graduating from the University of Denver's law school. As of 2025, Ashlie Brillault is a practicing criminal defense lawyer in Seal Beach, California. She is also married and has a daughter, representing a complete and successful transformation from Disney star to legal professional.

Updates on the McGuire Family and Supporting Stars

The success of Lizzie McGuire was built on the dynamics of the McGuire family and the colorful supporting characters. Their current endeavors show a mix of continued creative work and a focus on family life.

The McGuire Parents: Hallie Todd and Robert Carradine

Hallie Todd (Jo McGuire) and Robert Carradine (Sam McGuire) were fan favorites for their portrayal of the quirky, loving, and often clueless parents. Both actors were fully on board for the Disney+ revival before its cancellation.

Hallie Todd continues to be deeply involved in the entertainment industry, though primarily behind the scenes and in education. She is a respected acting coach, producer, and teacher, often working alongside her husband and daughter.

Robert Carradine, a member of the famous Carradine acting dynasty, continues to take on acting roles in various projects, maintaining a steady career in film and television.

Jake Thomas (Matt McGuire) and Clayton Snyder (Ethan Craft)

Jake Thomas, who played Lizzie's mischievous younger brother Matt McGuire, has successfully transitioned into an adult career in the arts. He is an active actor, director, and photographer. He has directed several short films and continues to act, often sharing his creative projects and photography work on social media, giving fans a peek into his life as a working professional in Hollywood.

Clayton Snyder, who played the handsome but dim-witted heartthrob Ethan Craft, has balanced his acting career with an impressive athletic pursuit. After the show, Snyder played water polo at Pepperdine University and has continued his work as an actor, appearing in various films and television roles. Snyder’s career is a testament to the ability of former Disney stars to pursue multiple passions simultaneously.

Lalaine (Miranda Sanchez)

Lalaine Vergara-Paras, who played Lizzie’s edgy best friend Miranda Sanchez, has focused heavily on her music career. She is an active singer-songwriter and musician, often performing and collaborating on new projects. Like many former child stars, she has been open about the pressures of growing up in the industry, but she continues to pursue her creative passions in both music and acting today.

The Enduring Legacy of the Disney Channel Classic

The most recent updates on the Lizzie McGuire cast in 2025 confirm that the actors who defined a generation of Disney Channel programming have all carved out unique and meaningful lives for themselves. Whether they are topping the music charts, practicing law in California, or pursuing advanced degrees in public administration, their journeys are a powerful reminder that "this is what dreams are made of"—even if those dreams look completely different than what was originally envisioned on the screen.

The cancellation of the revival means that the original series and The Lizzie McGuire Movie remain the definitive final chapter for this group of characters. However, the real-life evolution of the actors—from a pop princess to a criminal defense attorney—is a compelling and ongoing story that continues to captivate the show’s devoted audience.

actors in lizzie mcguire
actors in lizzie mcguire

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