What the Cast of Wizards of Waverly Place Are Up to Now
Photo: Disney Enterprises, Inc.1/8It's been over 8 years since the Russo family took the Disney Channel along on their wild, spell-binding adventures on Wizards of Waverly Place. From after-school wizard training to Alex (played by Selena Gomez) eventually winning the title of Family Wizard, there was a surprise in every episode.
The funny thing is, all the family ever tried to do was be as normal as possible, but there was always something going on above their sandwich stop in Manhattan's Greenwich Village. (In case you missed it, Waverly Place is a real place in New York City.) But the cast's real magic is how they've managed to stick with us all these years. Though nothing beats a solid throwback binge-watching session, see how much each cast member has grown their careers since the show.
Photo: Getty Images2/8Justin Russo (David Henrie)
Justin was the extremely smart, big brother, but David honed in more of the comedic elements of the show for his later roles. He appeared in Grown Ups 2 with Adam Sandler and Taylor Lautner, and also starred in the sequel Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2. Still nothing beats the way Justin took care of his younger siblings Alex and Max, even if he was schooling them in every wizardry question along the way. He may not have won the title of Family Wizard, but he didn't really need it. He had enough intelligence to get him through life.
Photo: Getty Images3/8Alex Russo (Selena Gomez)
It's as if Selena never lost her magical powers because she's done it all. From Spring Breakers to Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising, she's had an impressive break into the big screen — and that doesn't even include her current, mind-blowing Revival tour and mega singing career. On top of that, she's also the most followed person on Instagram and for good reason: her photos are actually perfect. Is there anything she can't do?
Photo: Getty Images4/8Max Russo (Jake T. Austin)
Jake has really grown up since his role as the goofy, youngest brother Max. Max may not have taken wizard training seriously, but Jake has helped a lot of kids learn basic skills as the voice of Diego on Dora the Explorer and Go, Diego, Go!. He's also crossed over to Freeform by starring in The Fosters, but how can anyone forget his adorable role on New Year's Eve as Abigail Breslin's holiday kiss?
Photo: Getty Images5/8Jerry Russo (David DeLuise)
Magic aside, the Waverly Sub Station was Jerry's passion. He won the Family Wizard competition, but he gave his powers to his brother, Kelbo Russo in hopes of starting a normal family with his wife, Theresa. Though Jerry seemed overprotective on the show, he only wanted what was best for his three kids. Now, David can't manage to get away from kids as he made a recent appearance on Freefrom's Baby Daddy. David was also a part of KFC's Original Recipe Bites commercials. They may not be sandwiches, but it looks like he kept his TV love of food close by.
Photo: Getty Images6/8Theresa Russo (María Canals Barrera)
María has kept her Disney Channel motherly duties close by as Mitchie's (Demi Lovato) mom in Camp Rock and she can't seem to keep away from her TV husband, David, as she also made an appearance on Baby Daddy. María then starred in ABC's Cristela as the vain, older sister, which is so different from her nurturing, maternal roles.
Photo: Getty Images7/8Harper Finkle (Jennifer Stone)
Harper was the honorary Russo and Alex's best friend. She was always in the highest of spirits and the two balanced each other out, but Jennifer's later roles ended up being the exact opposite of Harper's bright personality. Jennifer starred in two horror films, including Nothing Left to Fear and High School Possession.
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