From Disney Dancers To Dune: The Shocking 2025 Status Of The ‘Shake It Up’ Cast
The Disney Channel’s hit show Shake It Up, which ran from 2010 to 2013, launched the careers of two of Hollywood’s most talked-about young women, Zendaya and Bella Thorne, but the paths of the entire main cast have taken astonishingly different and unpredictable turns in the years since. As of late 2024 and heading into 2025, the stars who once danced on the fictional show-within-a-show, Shake It Up, Chicago!, have gone on to become Emmy-winning A-listers, political power players, and even dental students.
The series, which focused on the lives of best friends Rocky Blue and CeCe Jones as they pursued their dream of professional dancing, is a fascinating case study in post-Disney career divergence. While some cast members are dominating the global box office and critically acclaimed television, others have made complete pivots into government and medical fields. Keep reading to discover the current status and latest projects of the entire Shake It Up ensemble in this comprehensive 2025 update.
Shake It Up Main Cast: Biography and Current Career Status (2025)
The core cast of Shake It Up has redefined what a post-Disney career can look like, with each star forging a unique and often surprising path.
- Zendaya (Rocky Blue): Born September 1, 1996, in Oakland, California. Zendaya Maree Stoermer Coleman is a two-time Emmy Award-winning actress, singer, and producer. Her career has skyrocketed into global superstardom, making her one of the most bankable stars in Hollywood.
- Bella Thorne (CeCe Jones): Born October 8, 1997, in Pembroke Pines, Florida. Annabella Avery Thorne is an actress, model, singer, and director. Her career is characterized by embracing controversial and independent projects, including a highly publicized move to OnlyFans.
- Davis Cleveland (Flynn Jones): Born February 5, 2002. Davis Richard Cleveland is a former child actor who played CeCe's younger brother. After stepping away from the spotlight, he has pursued a career in the medical field.
- Roshon Fegan (Ty Blue): Born October 6, 1991. Roshon Bernard Fegan is an actor, rapper, dancer, and musician, known for his roles in Shake It Up and the Camp Rock franchise. He continues to actively pursue his music career.
- Adam Irigoyen (Deuce Martinez): Born August 5, 1997. An American actor, singer, and rapper who played CeCe and Rocky's friend. He has continued to work steadily in television and independent film.
- Caroline Sunshine (Tinka Hessenheffer): Born September 5, 1995. Caroline Mohr Sunshine is a former actress who played the eccentric exchange student Tinka. She made a dramatic career shift into American politics.
- Kenton Duty (Gunther Hessenheffer): Born May 12, 1995. Jeffrey Kenton Duty is an actor, singer, and dancer who played Tinka's twin brother. He continues to work in the entertainment industry and is known for his charitable work.
Zendaya and Bella Thorne: A Blockbuster and a Boundary-Breaker
The two lead actresses, Zendaya and Bella Thorne, have arguably had the most high-profile post-Disney careers, though their professional trajectories couldn't be more different. Zendaya has cemented herself as a Hollywood A-lister focused on major studio projects and critical acclaim, while Bella Thorne has built a brand around independence, creative control, and embracing controversial paths.
Zendaya's Dominance: From Rocky Blue to Global Icon
Zendaya's rise to international fame has been meteoric and shows no signs of slowing down. Following her time on Shake It Up, she successfully transitioned to more mature roles, winning two Primetime Emmy Awards for her powerful performance as Rue Bennett in the HBO drama series Euphoria.
For fans, 2025 is a period of anticipation. While Zendaya had a blockbuster year with the release of *Dune: Part Two* and the tennis drama *Challengers*, she is set for a slight "pause on releasing projects in 2025" before an explosive 2026. Her upcoming slate includes major tentpole films and highly anticipated sequels.
- Upcoming Blockbusters: She is confirmed to star in *Dune: Part Three*, reprising her role as Chani in the final installment of the trilogy.
- 2026 Slate: Her 2026 schedule is packed, featuring the sci-fi epic *The Odyssey* and the dark comedy *The Drama*, where she will star alongside Robert Pattinson.
- Television Return: Fans are also eagerly awaiting the next season of *Euphoria* and the potential for a return as MJ in *Spider-Man 4*.
Bella Thorne: From Disney Princess to Independent Director and Producer
Bella Thorne, who played the impulsive CeCe Jones, has carved out a unique and often provocative career path. She has consistently chosen roles that challenge her former Disney image, starring in horror, thriller, and independent films.
Her work in 2025 continues this trend, highlighting her desire for creative control. She is set to star in the thriller *Bunny-Man* in 2025, and is also serving as an executive producer on the upcoming film *Find Your Friends*. Thorne's most boundary-pushing move came in 2019 when she made her directorial debut with the adult film *Her & Him*, which received positive reviews and won a Pornhub Visionary Award, showcasing her commitment to exploring different facets of filmmaking.
The Shocking Career Pivots: From Hollywood to the White House and Dental School
Perhaps the most unexpected updates come from the supporting cast, who have made dramatic career shifts that have taken them completely out of the entertainment industry.
Caroline Sunshine: The Political Power Player
Caroline Sunshine, who brilliantly played the quirky exchange student Tinka Hessenheffer, has completely left acting to pursue a career in politics. She initially worked as a White House staffer and has since become a prominent figure in the Republican political landscape.
In a major 2024/2025 update, Sunshine is currently serving as the Deputy Communications Director for the Trump 2024 re-election campaign. This high-profile role involves shaping the campaign's public messaging and strategy, a dramatic pivot from her days of dancing and wearing eccentric costumes on the Disney Channel.
Davis Cleveland: The Former Child Star Turned Dental Student
Davis Cleveland, who played CeCe's younger brother, the witty Flynn Jones, has also made a complete career change, stepping away from acting entirely. After his time as a child star, Cleveland chose to pursue higher education and a career in the medical field.
As of 2025, Davis Cleveland is a dental student, trading the Hollywood soundstages for the rigorous world of dentistry. This surprising move highlights a growing trend among former child actors seeking stable, non-entertainment careers. His commitment to this new path is a testament to his focus on a life outside the public eye.
What Happened to Ty, Deuce, and Gunther? Music, Netflix, and Independent Film
The male cast members of Shake It Up—Roshon Fegan, Adam Irigoyen, and Kenton Duty—have continued to work in the entertainment industry, focusing on a mix of acting, music, and independent projects.
Roshon Fegan: The Triple Threat Ty Blue
Roshon Fegan, who played Ty Blue, Rocky's older brother and a talented dancer/rapper, has continued to leverage his skills as a triple threat.
- Music Career: Fegan, who also starred in the *Camp Rock* franchise, remains active in music. His recent work includes the song "Chosen" from the *Unexpected Christmas: The Soundtrack* project, which has a 2025 association.
- Digital Presence: Beyond traditional media, Roshon has embraced the digital world, frequently engaging with fans through Twitch livestreams, showcasing his music and gaming interests.
Adam Irigoyen: Deuce Martinez's Independent Success
Adam Irigoyen, known for his role as the entrepreneurial Deuce Martinez, has transitioned smoothly into adult acting roles.
- Recent Acting Credits: He starred in the Netflix sci-fi drama series *Away*, alongside Hilary Swank, and had a recurring role on the military drama *The Last Ship*.
- Award Recognition: Showing his continued commitment to film, Irigoyen won a "Best Acting Duo" award at the Independent Shorts Awards in October 2024 for his work in a short film, confirming his ongoing success in the independent scene.
Kenton Duty: Gunther Hessenheffer's Continued Work
Kenton Duty, who played the flamboyant twin Gunther Hessenheffer, has continued to act, sing, and dance.
- Ongoing Career: While his career has included memorable roles in shows like *Lost*, Duty continues to be active in film and music projects.
- Charity Work: Duty is also known for his extensive charitable efforts, often using his platform to support various causes, a focus that has defined his post-Disney career alongside his entertainment work.
The cast of Shake It Up has certainly delivered on the show’s theme of following dreams, though the destinations—from the red carpet of the Met Gala to the halls of the White House and the quiet focus of a dental school—are far more varied and compelling than anyone could have predicted when the show first premiered over a decade ago. Their collective journey proves that a Disney Channel start can lead to almost any profession imaginable.
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