From Disney DCOM To A-List: 5 Shocking Ways Tyler James Williams And Coco Jones’ Careers Exploded After 'Let It Shine'

It has been over a decade since the Disney Channel Original Movie (DCOM) Let It Shine premiered, but the film's legacy is no longer just a nostalgic memory. As of December 2025, the careers of its two main stars, Tyler James Williams and Coco Jones, have exploded into A-list territory, marked by some of the most prestigious awards in the entertainment industry. The story of Cyrus DeBarge and Roxie Andrews, a tale of anonymity, hip-hop, and finding your voice, has become a real-life blueprint for its actors, who have both achieved monumental success in Hollywood and the music world.

The journey from the Atlanta-based musical to winning a Golden Globe and a Grammy is a rare feat for any former Disney star. Their current, highly-publicized achievements—Tyler James Williams as a beloved sitcom star and Coco Jones as a chart-topping R&B diva—have firmly cemented Let It Shine as a launchpad for genuine, long-term talent.

Tyler James Williams and Coco Jones: Complete A-List Biographies (2025 Update)

The dramatic professional evolution of the two leads from Let It Shine is one of the most compelling narratives in modern entertainment. Here is a look at their key biographical details, awards, and major projects as of late 2025.

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Tyler James Williams (Cyrus DeBarge / "Truth")

• Born: October 9, 1992, in Westchester County, New York.
• Breakout Role: Chris Rock in the UPN/CW sitcom Everybody Hates Chris (2005–2009).
• DCOM Role: Cyrus DeBarge, a shy rapper who writes under the pseudonym "Truth" in Let It Shine (2012).
• Major Post-Disney Roles: Noah in The Walking Dead (2014–2015), Russ "Monty" Montgomery in Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders (2016–2017).
• Current Role (2025): Gregory Eddie, an earnest first-grade teacher, in the critically acclaimed ABC sitcom Abbott Elementary (2021–Present).
• Key Awards and Nominations:
  • Golden Globe Award Winner (2023) for Best Supporting Actor in a Television Series (Abbott Elementary).
  • Three-time Primetime Emmy Award Nominee for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series (Abbott Elementary).
  • Screen Actors Guild Award Winner (2023) for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series (Abbott Elementary).

Coco Jones (Roxie Andrews)

• Born: January 4, 1998, in Columbia, South Carolina.
• Early Career: Appeared on Disney Channel's So Random! and a recurring role on Good Luck Charlie.
• DCOM Role: Roxie Andrews, a popular teenage singing sensation and love interest in Let It Shine (2012).
• Major Post-Disney Career: Transitioned fully to music, signing with Def Jam Recordings. Also starred as Hilary Banks in the Peacock series Bel-Air (2022–Present).
• Breakout Single: "ICU" (2022), which became a viral success and a major R&B hit.
• Key Awards and Nominations:
  • Grammy Award Winner (2024) for Best R&B Performance ("ICU").
  • Five-time Grammy Nominee in 2024, including the coveted Best New Artist and Best R&B Album.
  • NAACP Image Award Winner for Outstanding New Artist.
  • Her debut studio album, *Why Not More?*, is highly anticipated following her Grammy success.

The Enduring Magic of the 'Let It Shine' Soundtrack and Story

Released in 2012, Let It Shine was a massive success for the Disney Channel, drawing 5.7 million viewers on its premiere, making it the most-watched original movie of that year across all kid demographics.

The film, directed by Paul Hoen and written by Eric Daniel, was a modern, hip-hop-infused retelling of the classic Cyrano de Bergerac story, set against the backdrop of the vibrant Atlanta music scene.

The core conflict revolved around Cyrus DeBarge, a talented but shy songwriter, who secretly enters a rap contest under the stage name "Truth." His best friend, Kris McDuffy (played by Trevor Jackson), takes the credit for Cyrus's lyrics, leading to a complex love triangle with the pop star Roxie Andrews. The film’s themes of overcoming self-doubt and letting your true self shine (literally, as the title suggests) resonated deeply with a generation of viewers.

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Key Entities and Songs that Defined the Film's Legacy

The film’s soundtrack, released by Walt Disney Records, was integral to its success, blending gospel, pop, and hip-hop.

• "Guardian Angel": The powerful duet performed by Tyler James Williams (as Cyrus) and Coco Jones (as Roxie), which became one of the soundtrack's most memorable tracks.
• "Don't Run Away": A high-energy track performed by Cyrus/Truth.
• "Me and You": Another key song showcasing the chemistry between the two leads.
• "Self Defeat": A song that perfectly captured the emotional struggle of Cyrus.
• "Moment of Truth": The song that finally reveals Cyrus's true identity, tying into the film's central message.
• Trevor Jackson: Played Kris McDuffy, the third point of the love triangle, who has also gone on to a successful career in acting and music.
• Brandon Mychal Smith: Played the film's antagonist, Lord of Da Bling (L.O.B.), adding comedic relief and rivalry.

The Shocking Post-DCOM Trajectory: Grammy and Golden Globe Glory

What makes the contemporary success of Tyler James Williams and Coco Jones so extraordinary is the level of critical recognition they have achieved in their respective fields. They have successfully shed the "Disney star" label to become respected, award-winning artists.

1. Tyler James Williams’ Golden Globe Triumph: Williams’ turn as the stern but lovable Gregory Eddie on *Abbott Elementary* has earned him immense praise. His 2023 Golden Globe win for Best Supporting Actor was a major milestone, solidifying his status as a versatile, mature actor capable of carrying a hit network comedy.

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2. Coco Jones’ Grammy Validation: Coco Jones’ journey from Disney Channel prodigy to R&B powerhouse was validated at the 2024 Grammy Awards. Her win for Best R&B Performance for "ICU" was a powerful moment, signaling her arrival as a serious, critically acclaimed musician.

3. The "Truth" in Their Success: The characters they played—Cyrus DeBarge, who had to overcome shyness to reveal his "Truth," and Roxie Andrews, who encouraged authenticity—mirror their own career paths. Both actors took time after Let It Shine to refine their crafts, emerging years later with a clear, authentic voice that resonated with critics and audiences alike.

4. A New Class of Disney Alums: Their success, alongside other former Disney stars who have achieved mainstream critical acclaim, demonstrates a powerful shift. They are no longer defined by their early roles but celebrated for their current, prestigious achievements, from network television to the Def Jam label.

5. The Legacy of Authenticity: For fans who grew up watching Let It Shine, the film’s message—to embrace who you are—is now embodied by its stars. Their current, separate successes in the comedy and R&B genres prove that the talent that first shined on the Disney Channel was indeed the "real thing," setting a new standard for DCOM alumni.