Mitchel Musso
Mitchel Tate Musso (born July 9, 1991) is an American actor, singer, and songwriter best known for his breakout role as Oliver Oken, the optimistic best friend of Miley Stewart (Hannah Montana), on the Disney Channel comedy series Hannah Montana from 2006 to 2011.[1] Born in Garland, Texas, Musso began his acting career at age 10 with a small role as a Cub Scout in the independent film The Keyman (2001), followed by an early supporting part in the ensemble comedy Secondhand Lions (2003).[1] His performance earned him a Young Artist Award nomination for Best Performance in a Feature Film by a Young Actor Age Ten or Younger.[2] Musso's Disney tenure expanded with voice acting, including the role of Jeremy Johnson on the animated series Phineas and Ferb (2007–2015), for which he was recast in the 2025 revival, and DJ Walters in the computer-animated film Monster House (2006), which garnered a Saturn Award nomination for Best Performance by a Younger Actor.[1] He transitioned to leading roles with the Disney XD action-comedy Pair of Kings (2010–2013), where he portrayed the anxious twin king Brady Parker across three seasons, and appeared in Disney Channel Original Movies such as Life Is Ruff (2005), Hatching Pete (2009), and Hannah Montana: The Movie (2009).[3] Beyond Disney, Musso starred in the independent action-comedy Bachelor Lions (2018), marking his continued work in film.[3] As a musician, Musso debuted with his self-titled album on Walt Disney Records in June 2009, featuring the top-20 Billboard Hot 100 single "Hey" and peaking at number 19 on the Billboard 200 chart.[4] He followed with the EP Brainstorm in 2010 and contributed theme songs for Disney series like Pair of Kings and PrankStars, for which he also hosted in 2011.[5] Transitioning to independent releases, Musso issued albums including GHOST (2022), alongside singles such as "Hot Girls" (2018), "DRANK" (2022), and "Like Me" (2023), showcasing his evolution from teen pop to more personal pop-rock styles.[6]Early life
Family background
Mitchel Tate Musso was born on July 9, 1991, in Garland, Texas, to parents Katherine (née Moore) and Samuel Musso.[7] Both parents were actively involved in community theater productions in the Dallas area, fostering an environment centered on performance and the arts from an early age.[8] Musso has two brothers: an older brother, Mason Musso (born March 17, 1989), who serves as the lead singer of the band Metro Station,[9] and a younger brother, Marc Musso (born March 29, 1995), known for his child acting roles, including in the film Secondhand Lions.[10] The siblings' pursuits in music and acting contributed to a household that emphasized creative expression and entertainment.[11] Musso's family heritage includes Italian and English ancestry; his father is of three-quarters Italian descent (including Sicilian roots) and one-quarter English, while his mother is of English descent.[12] Shortly after his birth, the family relocated from Garland to Rockwall, Texas, where Musso was raised in a suburban setting that supported the family's artistic inclinations.[7]Upbringing in Texas
Mitchel Musso was born on July 9, 1991, in Garland, Texas, but was raised in the nearby town of Rockwall, where he spent his childhood.[7] He attended local schools in Rockwall before relocating to California to pursue acting.[13] During his early years, Musso developed interests in music and performance, learning to play the guitar around age 10 after initially exploring piano and drums as a child.[14][15] He also participated in school plays, drawing inspiration from Disney films and music that sparked his passion for entertainment. His hobbies extended to skateboarding, which he began at age 8, and other activities like bowling and visiting arcades.[13] Musso's entry into the professional entertainment industry came at age 8 with his first acting opportunity in a commercial, achieved without any prior formal training.[16] This marked the beginning of his career, building on natural talents nurtured in his youth. Musso grew up in a creative family environment, with parents Katherine and Samuel involved in Dallas community theater, and brothers Mason (a musician) and Marc (an actor) whose performances he often attended.[7] This familial support played a key role in fostering his enthusiasm for acting and singing from an early age.[17]Career
Acting roles
Mitchel Musso began his acting career at age 10 with a small role as a Cub Scout in the independent film The Keyman (2002), followed by a supporting part in the comedy-drama Secondhand Lions (2003) at age 12, where he appeared alongside Robert Duvall and Michael Caine as a boy in a pool hall scene.[18][1] His breakthrough came in voice acting with the role of DJ, the young protagonist, in the animated horror film Monster House (2006), which grossed over $140 million worldwide and earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Feature.[19] That same year, Musso landed his first major television role as Oliver Oken, the quirky best friend of the titular character, in the Disney Channel series Hannah Montana (2006–2011), appearing in over 100 episodes across four seasons and reprising the role in the 2009 feature film Hannah Montana: The Movie.[20] Musso expanded his Disney Channel presence with lead roles in original movies, including Calvin in the family comedy Life Is Ruff (2005), where he played a boy entering his dog in a competition to save his home, and Cleatus Poole in the sports comedy Hatching Pete (2009), portraying a student who becomes an anonymous mascot to boost his school's team spirit. He also starred as King Brady, one half of adventurous twin kings, in the Disney XD series Pair of Kings (2010–2012), departing after the second season following his 2011 DUI arrest.[21] In parallel, Musso provided the voice of Jeremy Johnson, the recurring love interest of Candace Flynn, in the animated series Phineas and Ferb (2007–2015), voicing the role in numerous episodes across seasons 1-4 (2007-2014) and the 2011 film Phineas and Ferb the Movie: Across the 2nd Dimension. He hosted the hidden-camera prank series PrankStars (2011) on Disney Channel, directing celebrity guests like Selena Gomez in surprising fans.[22] Following his Disney tenure, Musso's acting roles became more sporadic, including voice work in Milo Murphy's Law (2016–2018) and a supporting part in the independent comedy Characterz (2016), where he played a new recruit navigating life as an amusement park mascot.[23] By 2023–2025, his on-screen appearances remained limited, with no major roles reported, as he shifted emphasis toward music endeavors stemming from his earlier Disney fame.[18]Music releases
Mitchel Musso signed with Walt Disney Records in 2009, releasing his self-titled debut album on June 2 of that year. The album debuted at number 19 on the Billboard 200 chart, selling 20,000 copies in its first week.[24] Its lead single, "Hey!", peaked at number 70 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was also featured on the Hannah Montana 3 soundtrack, benefiting from Musso's visibility in the Disney series.[25] In 2010, Musso released his second album, Brainstorm, an eight-track EP exclusive to Walmart that marked a shift toward more personal songwriting but did not replicate the commercial success of his debut.[5] The project included subsequent singles tied to his Disney affiliations, though it received limited chart attention compared to his earlier work.[26] Following a DUI arrest in 2011 that impacted his Disney contracts, Musso continued with independent releases, including the single "Hot Girls" in 2018. He returned more prominently in 2022 with the single "DRANK," released on September 23 under his own Musso Records imprint, followed by the 13-track mixtape Ghost on October 28, available via streaming platforms including Apple Music, and the single "Like Me" in 2023.[27][28][29][30] Musso has collaborated with his brother Mason, the lead vocalist of the band Metro Station, including a feature on the track "Us Against the World" from his 2009 debut album.[31]Other projects
In addition to his acting and music endeavors, Musso hosted the Disney Channel hidden camera reality series PrankStars, which premiered on July 15, 2011, and featured elaborate pranks orchestrated by celebrities on unsuspecting participants. The show ran for one season comprising six episodes, with Musso serving as the on-screen host who introduced the setups and revealed the surprises.[22][32] Musso expanded his voice acting portfolio beyond the animated series Phineas and Ferb early in his career, providing the voice of Aang in the unaired 2003 pilot episode for Avatar: The Last Airbender. He also lent his voice to video game adaptations, notably as Dustin "DJ" Walters in the 2006 title Monster House, tying into his role from the film's animated feature. These contributions are further detailed in his video game work.[33][34] On the production and writing front, Musso co-wrote the theme song for PrankStars and contributed to Disney projects by co-authoring tracks such as "Let's Make This Last 4Ever," which appeared in a 2009 episode of Hannah Montana. Post-2020, he featured in music videos for his own releases, including "EXPERIENCE" in 2022, and made guest appearances on podcasts to reflect on his professional path.[1][35] As of 2025, Musso has focused on social media influencing via TikTok, where he shares content about his personal healing journey and recovery, emphasizing mental health and resilience without any major new entertainment projects announced. During this period, he has appeared as a guest on podcasts discussing career transitions and sobriety. Earlier, from 2008 to 2012, Musso participated in Disney-affiliated philanthropy, supporting Children's Miracle Network Hospitals through events aimed at aiding pediatric care.[36][37][38]Personal life
Relationships
Mitchel Musso's first publicly confirmed romantic relationship was with actress Gia Mantegna, the daughter of actor Joe Mantegna, which began in early 2009. The pair met through their shared connections in the entertainment industry, with Musso referencing Mantegna's role in the 2006 film Unaccompanied Minors during a June 2009 interview where he confirmed they had been dating for about two months.[39] Their relationship lasted until late 2011 and ended amicably, with no public reports of conflict.[40] Following his Disney Channel prominence, Musso was linked to several rumored romantic interests, though none were officially confirmed. In 2010, speculation arose about a brief connection with singer and actress Katelyn Tarver, fueled by their musical collaboration on the track "Us Against the World" from Musso's debut album, but both parties maintained it was professional.[41] Post-Disney, Musso has been associated with low-profile dating, including unverified reports involving actresses like Erin Barr and Cody Kennedy, reflecting a shift toward more private personal matters away from public scrutiny. Since 2016, Musso has been in a relationship with Haley Rome, confirmed via social media, though he has kept details private.[42] In May 2025, singer Noah Cyrus, younger sister of Musso's Hannah Montana co-star Miley Cyrus, revealed in an interview that she had a childhood crush on Musso when she was five years old, sharing a throwback photo from that era but clarifying there was no romantic involvement.[43] This anecdote highlighted Musso's enduring cultural impact from his early roles but did not indicate any personal relationship. Since around 2011, Musso has prioritized privacy in his personal life, rarely discussing romantic partnerships in interviews or on social media, instead channeling focus toward his professional endeavors and career resurgence.[43]Legal troubles
In October 2011, at the age of 20, Mitchel Musso was arrested for driving under the influence in Burbank, California, after police pulled him over for speeding in his Mercedes-Benz and he failed field sobriety tests, with a breathalyzer reading well above the legal limit of 0.08%.[44][45] He was booked, posted $5,000 bail, and released the same day.[46] In February 2012, Musso pleaded no contest to one count of driving with a blood alcohol concentration over 0.08%, resulting in 36 months of informal probation, a fine, completion of an alcohol education program, and community service; he avoided jail time.[47][48][49] The arrest led to his dismissal from the Disney Channel series Pair of Kings, where his character was written out and replaced.[50] On August 26, 2023, Musso, then 32, was arrested in Rockwall, Texas, for public intoxication after appearing impaired outside a hotel; he was also charged with theft under $100 for allegedly attempting to leave without paying for amenities like chips and water, along with driving with an expired registration and no valid license.[51][52] He spent the night in Rockwall County jail before posting $1,000 bond and being released.[53] In November 2023, the public intoxication and theft charges were dismissed in the interest of justice by a Rockwall municipal court judge.[54][55] These incidents contributed to a temporary hiatus in Musso's career, though no further legal troubles have been reported as of 2025.[36]Health and recovery
Musso's struggles with substance use began during the height of his Disney Channel career from 2006 to 2011, when the pressures of early fame in Hollywood contributed to the onset of addiction issues. These challenges escalated following his October 2011 arrest for driving under the influence at age 20. In July 2025, Musso publicly shared details of his rock bottom experiences, therapy involvement, and achievement of sobriety since 2023 through a series of TikTok videos, highlighting his personal growth and commitment to recovery. In response to Miley Cyrus's June 2025 podcast claim that he had used marijuana on the set of Hannah Montana, Musso denied the allegation.[56] Musso has stressed the importance of sober living in subsequent interviews. As of 2025, his net worth is estimated at $500,000.[57] As of 2025, Musso's ongoing album projects are intertwined with his healing narrative, serving as a creative outlet for processing recovery. He has also emerged as an advocate for mental health among young actors, drawing from his experiences to promote awareness and support.Filmography
Films
Mitchel Musso began his film career with a small role as a Cub Scout in the independent drama The Keyman (2002).[58] He continued with a small supporting role in the 2003 family adventure Secondhand Lions, directed by Tim McCanlies, where he appeared as one of the boys watching a movie in a theater scene alongside stars Michael Caine and Robert Duvall. In 2005, Musso starred as Raymond Figg in the Disney Channel Original Movie Life Is Ruff, a family comedy about a boy entering his dog in a competition to win a rare comic book.[59] In 2006, Musso provided the voice for the protagonist DJ Walters in the animated horror-comedy Monster House, an Oscar-nominated film produced by Steven Spielberg and Robert Zemeckis, marking his breakthrough in voice acting as the young boy investigating a sentient house. Musso reprised his role as Oliver Oken from the Hannah Montana series in the 2009 theatrical release Hannah Montana: The Movie, a musical comedy that follows Miley Stewart's return to her roots in Tennessee, contributing to the film's box office success with over $155 million in worldwide earnings. That same year, he starred as Cleatus Poole in the Disney Channel Original Movie Hatching Pete, a teen comedy about high school friends who swap roles as the school mascot, with Musso's character initially donning the chicken suit before enlisting his best friend to take over. In 2014, Musso appeared as Scott in the independent thriller Sins of Our Youth, which follows four teenagers dealing with the aftermath of an accidental shooting.[60] In 2015, he played Mitch in the horror film The Sand, about a group of friends trapped by a carnivorous beach.[61] His role as Tucker Ostrowski came in 2016 with the lead in the independent comedy Characterz, directed by Jon Binkowski, where he plays a recent college graduate enduring bizarre experiences while working as a costumed mascot at an amusement park; Musso also served as creative director on the project.[23] In 2018, Musso starred as Zane Daniels in the independent action-comedy Bachelor Lions.[62] In 2020, he reprised the voice of Jeremy Johnson in the animated film Phineas and Ferb the Movie: Candace Against the Universe.[63]Television
Mitchel Musso began his television career with a supporting role as Josh Whitley in the 2005 TV movie Walker, Texas Ranger: Trial by Fire, portraying a young boy entangled in a criminal plot alongside stars Chuck Norris and Selena Gomez. Musso rose to prominence with his breakout role as Oliver Oken, the best friend of the titular character, in the Disney Channel sitcom Hannah Montana from 2006 to 2011. As a main cast member in seasons 1 through 3 and recurring in season 4, he appeared in 90 of the series' 98 episodes, contributing to the show's portrayal of teenage life and secret identities. In 2009, Musso expanded into voice acting as Jeremy Johnson, the kind-hearted boyfriend of Candace Flynn, in the animated series Phineas and Ferb, which aired on Disney Channel from 2007 to 2015. He provided the voice for the character across seasons 1 through 4, appearing in over 100 episodes and specials, helping define Jeremy's supportive role in the inventive summer adventures of stepbrothers Phineas and Ferb. Musso starred as King Brady, one of the twin rulers of a fictional island kingdom, in the Disney XD comedy series Pair of Kings from 2010 to 2012. He led the cast for the first two seasons, appearing in all 44 episodes and earning acclaim for his portrayal of the anxious yet heroic monarch navigating royal duties and supernatural threats alongside his brother, played by Doc Shaw. In 2011, Musso hosted the Disney Channel hidden-camera prank series PrankStars, surprising celebrities' biggest fans with elaborate setups involving stars like Selena Gomez and Zendaya. He appeared as himself in all seven episodes, blending his on-screen charisma with live-action hosting to deliver lighthearted, feel-good surprises. From 2016 to 2019, Musso provided voices for Wally and occasional appearances as Jeremy Johnson in the Disney XD animated series Milo Murphy's Law.[64] Following his departure from Pair of Kings in 2012, Musso had no major live-action television roles through 2025, focusing instead on music and voice work in animated projects.[18]Video games
Mitchel Musso's voice acting career in video games has been relatively limited, focusing on tie-in titles connected to his Disney-affiliated projects. His debut in the medium came with the 2006 action-adventure game Monster House, developed by Endless Ocean Studios and published by Atari for multiple platforms including PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube, and Nintendo DS. In this adaptation of the animated film, Musso reprised his role as the young protagonist DJ Walters, providing the character's dialogue and contributing to the game's narrative about three kids battling a sentient haunted house.[65] Between 2009 and 2013, Musso voiced Jeremy Johnson, his character from the animated series Phineas and Ferb, in several video game adaptations. Notable examples include Phineas and Ferb: Across the 2nd Dimension (2011), a platformer developed by Altron and published by Disney Interactive Studios, where Jeremy appears as a supporting character aiding the protagonists in their multiverse adventure against an alternate-dimension Dr. Doofenshmirtz. This role extended the overlap between Musso's television voice work and interactive media, emphasizing Jeremy's laid-back personality and relationship with Candace Flynn. Other titles in the series during this period featured similar contributions from Musso, though his appearances were typically non-playable. Musso also provided guest voices in Disney Infinity (2013), the toys-to-life action-adventure game by Avalanche Software, where Phineas and Ferb characters were integrated into the playset mode; his work here included lines for Jeremy Johnson within the crossover environment. Beyond these, Musso has not taken on new video game roles as of 2025, marking a shift toward other entertainment ventures.Discography
Albums
Mitchel Musso's debut studio album, titled Mitchel Musso, was released on June 2, 2009, by Walt Disney Records. The project consists of 11 tracks, blending pop and rock elements, with production handled by collaborators including Brian Malouf and SAM and Sluggo. Key tracks from the album include "Hey," which served as the lead single with an accompanying music video. The album debuted at number 19 on the US Billboard 200 chart, selling approximately 20,000 copies in its first week, and ultimately sold over 100,000 units in the United States.[66][67][68] After a decade-long hiatus from full-length releases, Musso returned with Ghost on October 28, 2022, self-released through his own Musso Records imprint. It contains 13 tracks delving into personal themes such as recovery, relationships, and introspection, with features from his brother Marc Musso on songs like "EXPERIENCE" and "VOLCANO." Standout tracks include "DRANK" and "Facedrunk," which highlight a raw, confessional approach blending hip-hop influences with rock. The project underscores Musso's artistic evolution amid his personal challenges.[28][69]Singles and EPs
Mitchel Musso's early singles were primarily tied to his Disney Channel projects and debut album. His first single, "The In Crowd," released in 2009 as a promotional track from his self-titled debut album, appeared on the Hannah Montana: The Movie soundtrack, marking his initial foray into pop-rock. It was written by John Hampson and Billy Mann.[70] The follow-up single, "Hey," also from the 2009 album, debuted at number 70 on the Billboard Hot 100 and premiered on Radio Disney on May 15, 2009, alongside a music video aired on Disney Channel. "Shout It" was released as a promotional single in 2009.[26] Musso contributed several non-album singles to soundtracks and compilations during this period. "Welcome to Hollywood" (2009) featured on the StarStruck soundtrack, while "Top of the World" (2010), a collaboration with Doc Shaw, was released as a single tied to the Pair of Kings series.[70] In the holiday category, he recorded "Jingle Bell Rock" for A Very Special Christmas Vol. 7 (2009) and "Thank You Santa" for Phineas and Ferb Holiday Favorites (2009), both serving as digital singles in festive bundles.[71] "Replaceable" was released as a standalone single in 2012. After a period of reduced musical output, Musso independently released "DRANK" on September 23, 2022, as the lead single for his album Ghost. This was followed by "EXPERIENCE" (featuring Marc Musso) and "VOLCANO" (also featuring Marc Musso) in 2022, both from Ghost. In 2018, he released the independent single "Hot Girls." In 2023, he issued "Like Me" as a standalone single. No new singles were released in 2024 or 2025 as of November 2025.[72] Regarding EPs, Musso's Brainstorm was released on November 22, 2010, via 717 Records. This release features 8 tracks, including "Get Away" and "Celebrate," and was co-written in part with his brother Mason Musso of Metro Station. The EP marked a departure from the pop-heavy style of his first effort, emphasizing guitar-driven arrangements and themes of youth and energy. While it received limited commercial attention, it represented Musso's exploration of independent production post-Disney.[73][74]| Single | Year | Associated Release | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| The In Crowd | 2009 | Mitchel Musso (album; Hannah Montana: The Movie OST | Promotional single; written by John Hampson and Billy Mann |
| Hey | 2009 | Mitchel Musso (album | Peaked at #70 on Billboard Hot 100 |
| Shout It | 2009 | Mitchel Musso (album | Promotional single |
| Welcome to Hollywood | 2009 | StarStruck OST | Soundtrack contribution |
| Jingle Bell Rock | 2009 | A Very Special Christmas Vol. 7 | Holiday digital single |
| Thank You Santa | 2009 | Phineas and Ferb Holiday Favorites | Holiday digital single |
| Top of the World (with Doc Shaw) | 2010 | Pair of Kings tie-in | Standalone single |
| Replaceable | 2012 | Non-album | Standalone single |
| Hot Girls | 2018 | Non-album | Independent single |
| DRANK | 2022 | Ghost (album lead) | Independent release |
| EXPERIENCE (feat. Marc Musso) | 2022 | Ghost | Album track |
| VOLCANO (feat. Marc Musso) | 2022 | Ghost | Album track |
| Like Me | 2023 | Non-album | Standalone single |
Awards and nominations
Acting and television
Musso's early acting career garnered recognition through several nominations from youth-focused awards bodies, highlighting his contributions to both film and television projects. These accolades primarily came during his tenure on the Disney Channel series Hannah Montana and his voice role in the animated feature Monster House. He received multiple nominations and secured wins in voice acting awards later in his career. In 2007, Musso was nominated for the Saturn Award for Best Performance by a Younger Actor for voicing the lead character DJ in Monster House. The same year, he received a Young Artist Award nomination for Best Performance in a Voice Over Talent - Young Actor for the same role. His work as Oliver Oken in Hannah Montana earned him a 2008 Young Artist Award nomination for Best Young Ensemble Performance in a TV Series, shared with co-stars Miley Cyrus, Emily Osment, Moisés Arias, and Cody Linley.| Year | Award | Category | Project | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Young Artist Awards | Best Performance in a Feature Film - Young Actor Age Ten or Younger | Secondhand Lions (shared with Marc Musso) | Nomination |
| 2007 | Saturn Awards | Best Performance by a Younger Actor | Monster House | Nomination |
| 2007 | Young Artist Awards | Best Performance in a Voice Over Talent - Young Actor | Monster House | Nomination |
| 2008 | Young Artist Awards | Best Young Ensemble Performance in a TV Series | Hannah Montana | Nomination |
| 2012 | BTVA People's Choice Voice Acting Awards | Best Male Vocal Performance in a TV Special/Direct-to-DVD Title or Short | Phineas and Ferb: Mission Marvel | Win |
| 2012 | BTVA People's Choice Voice Acting Awards | Best Vocal Ensemble in a TV Special/Direct-to-DVD Title or Short (shared) | Phineas and Ferb: Mission Marvel | Win |