The Diggie Smalls Effect: Where Is The Liv And Maddie Star Now And Why Did His Relationship With Maddie Spark So Much Fan Debate?
Few characters in the Disney Channel universe have generated as much passionate debate and curiosity as Diggie Smalls from the hit sitcom Liv and Maddie. As of December 2025, fans continue to look back on the complex, on-again, off-again relationship between Diggie and the brilliant, sporty Maddie Rooney, a dynamic that served as one of the show’s central romantic pillars. The character, played by actor and singer Ryan McCartan, represented the quintessential high school sweetheart—a confident basketball captain with a huge heart—but his journey was far from simple, involving international travel, tough breakups, and a controversial return that split the fandom.
The enduring legacy of Diggie Smalls is a testament not only to the chemistry between Ryan McCartan and Dove Cameron (who played both twins, Liv and Maddie Rooney) but also to the character’s surprising post-show evolution. While the show concluded years ago, the actor behind Diggie has transitioned from Disney Channel stardom to major roles on the Broadway stage, cementing his status as a versatile performer and keeping his career fresh and current for fans to follow.
Ryan McCartan: Diggie Smalls Actor Biography and Current Career Updates (2025)
The actor who brought the beloved—and sometimes criticized—Diggie Smalls to life is Ryan Jerome McCartan. Born on June 14, 1993, in Minnesota, McCartan began his career in television before landing his memorable recurring role on Liv and Maddie.
- Full Name: Ryan Jerome McCartan
- Date of Birth: June 14, 1993
- Hometown: Excelsior, Minnesota
- Notable TV Roles: Diggie Smalls (Liv and Maddie, 2013–2017), Brad (Last Man Standing), Jason "J.D." Dean (Heathers: The Musical & TV series), Ace (The Winchesters), and Steven (Freakish).
- Broadway Debut: Fiyero in Wicked (2018).
- Current Project (2025): McCartan is currently starring on Broadway, playing the iconic role of Jay Gatsby in the new musical adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic novel, The Great Gatsby.
- Recent Stage Work: He also previously played Hans in the Broadway production of Disney’s Frozen.
Ryan McCartan's career trajectory showcases a successful transition from the Disney sitcom world to serious musical theater. His current high-profile role as Jay Gatsby, a character celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2025, proves his acting and singing chops are highly valued in the industry, making him a major talent to watch in the coming years.
The Tumultuous Diggie and Maddie Relationship Timeline: From "Maddie and Diggie" to "Miggie"
The romance between Maddie Rooney and Diggie Smalls, affectionately dubbed "Miggie" by fans, was a cornerstone of Liv and Maddie. However, it was also one of the most fraught and debated relationships in the show’s history, due to a series of dramatic separations and an unexpected love triangle.
The Sweet Beginning and The First Separation
Diggie, the confident captain of the Ridgewood High School boy's basketball team, was Maddie's main love interest from the start. Their relationship was initially a fan favorite, built on mutual respect, shared interests in sports, and a healthy dose of awkward teenage charm. The first major hurdle came when Diggie decided to leave for a foreign exchange program in Tundrabania (later revealed to be Australia). This separation was the catalyst for the first major fracture in their seemingly perfect romance, as Maddie was unwilling to put her life on hold indefinitely.
The Josh Factor and The Great Breakup
The relationship truly hit a rocky patch in Season 3 when Diggie was away. Maddie, realizing she couldn't wait for him, began to grow close to Liv's handsome co-star, Josh. Josh became Maddie's new boyfriend, and for many fans, this relationship felt like a more mature, stable step for Maddie. The emotional weight of this period was a showcase for Dove Cameron’s acting, particularly in the "Flugelball-A-Rooney" episode where Maddie and Diggie officially break up upon his return.
This is the point where fan opinion truly split. Many viewers felt that Maddie was genuinely happier with Josh and had moved on in a healthy way. Others were still rooting for the original pairing, hoping for Diggie's return to mend the broken bridge.
Why Diggie's Return Sparked a Massive Fan Debate
When Diggie returned to Wisconsin, the character’s actions became the center of the controversy. Some fans argued that Diggie purposefully inserted himself back into Maddie’s life, complicating her new relationship with Josh. The debate centered on whether Diggie was being selfish or simply fighting for the girl he loved.
The core of the "Diggie vs. Josh" debate can be summarized by two main viewpoints:
- Team Diggie: Supporters believed that Diggie and Maddie were soulmates, and their initial breakup was due to external circumstances (the exchange program), not a lack of love. They saw Diggie’s return as a heroic attempt to reclaim his true love before it was too late.
- Team Josh: Critics felt that Diggie had missed his chance. They argued that Maddie had evolved and found a new, stable partner in Josh, and Diggie's interference was a regression. They pointed out that Maddie had explicitly told Diggie she liked Josh and was sick of the on-again, off-again nature of their relationship.
Ultimately, the writers of Liv and Maddie sided with the original romance. In the series finale, Diggie and Maddie finally get back together, a moment orchestrated by Liv and Artie Smalls (Diggie's brother) during a wedding. This reunion satisfied the "Miggie" shippers, but the underlying tension about whether Maddie truly chose the right path continues to be a hot topic in fan communities today.
Topical Authority and Key Entities in Diggie's Story Arc
The Diggie Smalls storyline is a rich tapestry of teenage drama that incorporates numerous key entities and themes, giving the show high topical authority in the realm of Disney Channel sitcoms. Understanding these elements is crucial to appreciating the full scope of his character.
- The Long-Distance Relationship Trope: Diggie's departure to Australia (and the fictional Tundrabania) explored the difficulties of maintaining a long-distance relationship, a highly relatable theme for young viewers. This plot device allowed the show to introduce new characters and challenges.
- The Love Triangle: The introduction of Josh was a classic television move, creating tension and forcing the main character, Maddie, to make a difficult choice. This trope is a powerful tool for generating viewer engagement and debate.
- The Smalls Family: Diggie's younger brother, Artie Smalls, served as a recurring comedic foil. Artie's own relationship with Liv Rooney often mirrored, in a more exaggerated way, the romantic entanglements of his older brother, adding depth to the show's ensemble cast.
- Career Transition: The actor, Ryan McCartan, has become a key entity in the discussion of successful Disney Channel alumni. His transition to Broadway, specifically in productions like Frozen, Wicked, and The Great Gatsby, provides a positive narrative for fans following his career after the show ended.
In conclusion, Diggie Smalls remains a pivotal figure in the Liv and Maddie legacy. His time on the show was defined by a passionate, yet complicated, romance with Maddie Rooney that continues to fuel fan discussions years later. Meanwhile, the actor behind the character, Ryan McCartan, is thriving on the biggest stages in theater, proving that the talent that first charmed Disney Channel audiences has only grown and matured.
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