From Nickelodeon To Hollywood: Where Is The Bella And The Bulldogs Cast Now In 2025?

The iconic Nickelodeon series Bella and the Bulldogs, which ran from 2015 to 2016, captured the hearts of a generation with its groundbreaking premise: a Texas cheerleader, Bella Dawson, becomes the new quarterback for her school's football team, the Bulldogs. The show was a huge hit, championing themes of female empowerment, teamwork, and breaking stereotypes. Now, nearly a decade later, the main cast members have completely transformed their careers, moving into major film franchises, directing, and high-profile voice acting roles.

As of late 2024 and early 2025, the stars are busier than ever, proving their talent extends far beyond the football field and cheerleading mats of a teen sitcom. We've tracked down the six main cast members to reveal their latest projects, career shifts, and what life looks like for them today.

The Bella and the Bulldogs Main Cast: Full Biography & Profile

Before diving into their current, cutting-edge projects, here is a complete profile of the talented actors who brought the Bulldogs and their friends to life.

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• Brec Bassinger (Bella Dawson)
  • Role: Bella Dawson, the spirited cheerleader who becomes the Bulldogs' quarterback.
  • Born: May 25, 1999, in Saginaw, Texas, U.S.
  • Career Highlights: Her breakout role was Emma in The Haunted Hathaways, followed by the lead in Bella and the Bulldogs. She gained widespread recognition as Courtney Whitmore / Stargirl in the DC Comics series Stargirl (2020–2022).
• Coy Stewart (Troy Dixon)
  • Role: Troy Dixon, the former star quarterback and initial rival to Bella, who eventually becomes her friend.
  • Born: June 24, 1998, in Columbia, South Carolina, U.S.
  • Career Highlights: Known for his roles in Are We There Yet?, a recurring role on Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., and the main cast of Bella and the Bulldogs. He also works as a rapper and singer under the stage name SWIM.
• Lilimar (Sophie)
  • Role: Sophie, one of Bella's best friends and a member of the cheerleading squad.
  • Born: June 2, 2000, in Margarita Island, Venezuela.
  • Career Highlights: Began her career after moving to Miami at age six. Following Bella and the Bulldogs, she starred as Sage in the Nickelodeon series Knight Squad and voiced the lead role of Cleopatra in the DreamWorks animated series Cleopatra in Space.
• Jackie Radinsky (Sawyer Huggins)
  • Role: Sawyer Huggins, one of Troy’s best friends and a goofy, loyal defensive end for the Bulldogs.
  • Born: Date/Place of Birth not widely publicized, but is an American actor.
  • Career Highlights: Primarily known for his role as Sawyer in Bella and the Bulldogs. He also had a role in the film The Voxel. His recent work shows a strong pivot into behind-the-scenes creative roles.
• Haley Tju (Pepper Silverstein)
  • Role: Pepper Silverstein, Bella's other best friend, known for her quirky, energetic personality.
  • Born: February 15, 2001, in Southern California, U.S.
  • Career Highlights: A prolific voice actress, she is known for voicing Marcy Wu in the Disney Channel animated series Amphibia and has appeared in numerous TV shows since childhood.
• Buddy Handleson (Newt Van Der Rohe)
  • Role: Newt Van Der Rohe, a clumsy but good-hearted member of the Bulldogs football team.
  • Born: November 1, 1999, in Danville, California, U.S.
  • Career Highlights: Before Bella and the Bulldogs, he was known for roles in Disney's Shake It Up and Nickelodeon's Wendell & Vinnie.

Brec Bassinger's Shocking Shift to Horror and Major Film Franchises

Brec Bassinger, the actress who embodied the determined Bella Dawson, has arguably had the most high-profile career trajectory since the show ended. While she successfully anchored the DC Universe series Stargirl for three seasons, her most recent and surprising career move is a deep dive into the horror genre.

In a major career milestone, Bassinger is set to star in the highly anticipated supernatural horror film, Final Destination: Bloodlines, scheduled for release in 2025. This role represents a complete departure from her Nickelodeon roots, showcasing her versatility as an actress and securing her a role in one of Hollywood's most enduring horror franchises. She was also cast in a new project in 2024 and appeared in the film The Man in the White Van, solidifying her status as a rising star in the film world.

This pivot from family-friendly television to a major horror film highlights the common path for former teen stars seeking to redefine their adult careers. Fans of Bella Dawson can expect to see a much darker, more intense performance from Bassinger in the coming year, proving she is ready for the big screen.

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Coy Stewart, Haley Tju, and Lilimar: Dominating the World of Animation and Voice Acting

While Brec Bassinger took the live-action film route, several other core cast members have found incredible success by lending their voices to major animated projects, a highly lucrative and stable part of the entertainment industry. This shift allows them to showcase their acting chops in a different medium.

Coy Stewart (Troy Dixon)

Coy Stewart, who played the talented quarterback Troy Dixon, has been actively involved in both live-action and voice roles. In 2024, he was featured in the short film Meal Ticket, which premiered at the Palm Springs International Film Festival. However, his voice work continues to expand, with a potential role in the animated project Kipo in 2025. Stewart also uses his birth name, Tyson Coy Stewart, and his stage name, SWIM, for his music career, showcasing his multifaceted artistic endeavors.

Haley Tju (Pepper Silverstein)

Haley Tju, the energetic Pepper, has become a powerhouse in voice acting. She is widely recognized for voicing Marcy Wu in the critically acclaimed Disney Channel series Amphibia. Most recently, she was cast as Claire in the new Amazon series Bat-Fam, a spin-off from the animated movie Merry Little Batman. This consistent high-profile voice work highlights her successful transition from live-action Nickelodeon roles to a specialist in the animation world, keeping her career fresh and relevant in 2025.

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Lilimar (Sophie)

Lilimar Hernandez, known simply as Lilimar, has also heavily focused on voice acting following her time as Sophie. Her lead role as Cleopatra in the DreamWorks series Cleopatra in Space proved her capability in the genre. In 2024 and 2025, she is linked to ongoing voice work, including the animated series Bugs Bunny Builders and a potential role in the highly anticipated Pixar film Inside Out 3. Beyond acting, Lilimar is a recognized figure in the fashion world, frequently attending events like Los Angeles Fashion Week, further diversifying her brand.

Jackie Radinsky and Buddy Handleson: The Creative Pivot and the Quiet Career Shift

The two Bulldogs teammates, Sawyer and Newt, have taken distinctly different paths since the show’s final season. Their current activities provide a fascinating look at the varied post-Nickelodeon life.

Jackie Radinsky (Sawyer Huggins): The Director Behind the Camera

Jackie Radinsky, who played the lovable, slightly dim-witted Sawyer Huggins, has made one of the most intriguing career pivots. Instead of pursuing more acting roles, Radinsky has transitioned almost entirely to behind-the-scenes creative work, focusing on directing and art installations.

In recent years, he has directed a visual piece for BRAVÒ STUDIO and the music video for the song "Sunset Park" by artist Chuck Strangers. Furthermore, he was credited as a contributor to a mesmerizing water and light installation created by Lachlan Turczan, which was showcased at The Glen Grant. This shift from comedy actor to a serious director and creative collaborator demonstrates a passion for visual arts and filmmaking that is a world away from his Nickelodeon days.

Buddy Handleson (Newt Van Der Rohe): A Return to Privacy

Buddy Handleson, who played the quirky Newt, has had a less public career trajectory since Bella and the Bulldogs. While he had a recurring role in Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawn and appeared in Sydney to the Max in 2019, his acting credits have been minimal in 2024 and 2025.

For many child stars, a period of lower public visibility is a deliberate choice to focus on personal life or non-public projects. Handleson remains a recognized figure from his extensive Nickelodeon and Disney work, but his current activities suggest a quiet break from the spotlight, a common and understandable move after spending a significant portion of their youth in the demanding entertainment industry. His legacy as the lovable Newt Van Der Rohe remains a highlight of his early career.

Topical Authority & LSI Keywords: The Legacy of Bella Dawson

The lasting impact of Bella and the Bulldogs lies not just in its comedy, but in its ability to challenge traditional gender roles on a major children's network like Nickelodeon. The show, which focused on a female athlete succeeding in a male-dominated sport, paved the way for more diverse and empowering storylines in teen television.

The cast’s collective career path—from Brec Bassinger's jump to the DC Universe and horror films, to the voice acting success of Coy Stewart, Lilimar, and Haley Tju in major animation projects like Amphibia and Bat-Fam—shows a group of young professionals who successfully navigated the challenging transition from child star to adult actor. Their diverse ventures into directing, music (SWIM), and major film franchises confirm that the talent nurtured on the set of the Bulldogs continues to shape the future of Hollywood entertainment in 2025.