5 Shocking Facts About Zeke Beakerman: The Wizards Of Waverly Place Star's Controversial New Life

Ezekiel "Zeke" Beakerman, the lovable, quirky best friend of Justin Russo on the Disney Channel hit Wizards of Waverly Place, remains one of the show's most memorable recurring characters. The actor who brought the nerdy-but-cool Tribeca Prep student to life, Dan Benson, has since experienced one of the most radical and public career transitions of any former Disney star, a journey filled with controversy, independence, and a surprising new industry. As of December 15, 2025, the conversation around the actor is more intense than ever, especially following the recent launch of the Wizards Beyond Waverly Place reboot and his candid reaction to being excluded from the new series.

While fans fondly remember Zeke's enthusiastic cheerleading, his advanced chemistry skills, and his sweet relationship with Harper Finkle, the real-life story of Dan Benson is a profound departure from his wholesome Disney image. His post-Disney career has been a rollercoaster, culminating in a major shift that has put him back in the spotlight, but for entirely different reasons. This deep dive explores the man behind Zeke Beakerman, from his early career to his current, highly publicized ventures.

Dan Benson: A Complete Biographical Profile

Dan Benson, the actor behind the character Zeke Beakerman, has a career that spans over two decades, starting long before he became a familiar face on the Disney Channel. His journey from a small-town aspiring actor to a television star and, eventually, an adult content creator is a fascinating study in post-child stardom life.

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• Full Name: Daniel "Dan" Benson
• Date of Birth: September 10, 1987
• Age (as of 2025): 38 years old
• Hometown: Springfield, Missouri, U.S.
• Career Start: Benson was discovered by a talent scout at the age of 15, shortly after moving to Florida.
• Key Early Roles: Benson appeared in the 2004 film Little Black Book and the 2010 horror film The Rig. He also had a recurring role on the television series Quintuplets.
• Breakthrough Role: Ezekiel "Zeke" Beakerman on Wizards of Waverly Place (2007–2012), appearing in 34 episodes.
• Notable Relationships (On-Screen): Zeke Beakerman was the long-time boyfriend of Harper Finkle (played by Jennifer Stone).
• Current Career: Adult content creator and entrepreneur, primarily through the OnlyFans platform.

The Radical Career Shift: From Disney to Adult Entertainment

The most significant and highly publicized aspect of Dan Benson's life post-Wizards of Waverly Place is his dramatic career pivot into the adult entertainment industry. This transition, which began in 2022, was not a simple choice but a direct response to a deeply personal and traumatic experience.

Benson revealed that his decision to join OnlyFans was a way to regain control after his privacy was violated. His private, explicit photos were repeatedly leaked online by multiple women, an experience he described as "humiliating" and "damaging" to his traditional acting career prospects.

Instead of letting the leaks destroy him, Benson decided to monetize the content that was already circulating without his permission. He chose to take ownership of his image and financial situation by launching his own adult content creation business. This move allowed him to turn a difficult, invasive situation into a source of income and personal empowerment.

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He has been candid about the financial success of this move, stating that he is making more money now than he ever did during his time as a working actor. This controversial but self-directed path has sparked widespread debate about the challenges former child stars face in the entertainment industry and the evolving landscape of digital content creation.

The Wizards Reboot Snub and David Henrie Fallout

In 2024, news of the Disney Channel reboot, Wizards Beyond Waverly Place, generated immense excitement among long-time fans. The series, which sees David Henrie reprise his role as Justin Russo, was set to bring back familiar faces. However, Dan Benson confirmed he was not invited to return as Zeke Beakerman, a development he found disappointing but not entirely unexpected.

Benson openly acknowledged that his current career in adult content likely played a role in the network's decision to exclude him from the family-friendly revival. He stated that he understood the situation, noting, "I think that I put them in a situation where they don't have a choice. It's crazy to be an adult content creator."

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The situation escalated when Benson publicly called out his former co-star, David Henrie. Benson claimed that Henrie had blocked him on social media after Benson made comments about the reboot. This alleged fallout between the on-screen best friends added a layer of real-life drama to the reboot's launch, highlighting the complex personal and professional relationships that linger long after a show ends.

The exclusion of Zeke Beakerman from the new series, where Justin Russo is now married with children and managing the wizard world, leaves a noticeable gap for fans who remember the character as Justin's loyal, non-magical confidant. His absence, whether due to his career or personal friction, remains a key talking point surrounding the new Disney series.

Zeke Beakerman’s Legacy and Topical Authority

Despite the actor's current ventures, the character of Zeke Beakerman holds a significant place in the Wizards of Waverly Place universe. He was a crucial element in establishing the "normal" world outside of the Russo family's secret magic life, providing comedic relief and a grounding force for Justin Russo. The relationship between Zeke and Harper Finkle was also a beloved storyline, offering a sweet, un-magical romance that contrasted with Alex Russo's (Selena Gomez) more chaotic love life.

Zeke's enthusiastic personality, often paired with his slightly clumsy attempts at coolness, made him an endearing figure. His character helped to explore themes of friendship, loyalty, and acceptance, even when he believed he was a wizard himself after being accidentally exposed to a memory charm. His inclusion of the show's 34 episodes cemented him as a major recurring entity. The character's popularity ensures that Dan Benson will forever be linked to the Disney Channel era, regardless of his current entrepreneurial path in adult content creation.

In conclusion, the story of Dan Benson is a compelling example of a former child star navigating life and career in the digital age. From playing the lovable geek on a hit Disney show to becoming a successful adult content entrepreneur after a personal crisis, his journey is far from typical. His candidness about his career shift and his public reaction to the Wizards Beyond Waverly Place reboot ensure that the name "Zeke Wizards of Waverly Place" remains highly relevant and a subject of intense curiosity today.