This Is What Dreams Are Made Of: Where Is The Cast Of The Lizzie McGuire Movie Now? (2025 Update)

Two decades after the iconic graduation trip to Rome, fans of The Lizzie McGuire Movie are still wondering what happened to the cast who made us believe in pop star dreams and happily-ever-afters. Released in 2003, the film served as the perfect cinematic send-off for the beloved Disney Channel series, cementing its place as a quintessential piece of early 2000s nostalgia. As of December 2025, the stars have moved on to new careers, major life changes, and even a surprising return to music, proving that growing up is indeed what dreams are made of—even if the much-anticipated Disney+ revival never came to be.

The magic of the movie wasn't just in Lizzie's transformation into Isabella, but in the ensemble cast that brought the entire adventure to life, from the best friend who was secretly in love with her to the conniving Italian pop star. Here is a deep dive into the lives and careers of the main cast members, detailing their current projects, surprising career turns, and where they are today.

The Star-Studded Cast of The Lizzie McGuire Movie: A 2025 Biography Update

The film’s success was built on the chemistry of its core players. Below is a list of the main cast members, their characters, and their recent career highlights in 2025.

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• Hilary Duff (Lizzie McGuire / Isabella Parigi):
  • Born: September 28, 1987 (Age 38)
  • Role in Movie: The titular protagonist and her Italian pop star doppelgänger.
  • 2025 Update: After starring in the Hulu series How I Met Your Father, Duff made major headlines with her return to music after a 10-year hiatus, announcing a new album and an accompanying docuseries directed by Sam Wrench.
• Adam Lamberg (David "Gordo" Gordon):
  • Born: September 14, 1984 (Age 41)
  • Role in Movie: Lizzie's best friend who realizes his true feelings for her in Rome.
  • 2025 Update: Lamberg largely stepped away from acting after 2008 to pursue an academic and professional career outside of Hollywood. He was famously set to reprise his role for the Disney+ revival before its cancellation, which was a huge win for fans.
• Yani Gellman (Paolo Valisari):
  • Born: September 2, 1985 (Age 40)
  • Role in Movie: The charming, but secretly fraudulent, Italian pop star.
  • 2025 Update: Gellman has maintained a steady acting career in television and film. His recent projects include the horror film Departing Seniors (2023/2024) and the television movie A Bestselling Kind of Love (2024).
• Clayton Snyder (Ethan Craft):
  • Born: September 9, 1987 (Age 38)
  • Role in Movie: The popular, dreamy, yet dim-witted heartthrob of the class trip.
  • 2025 Update: Snyder is a former collegiate water polo player who has continued to act in various projects. He often engages with fans online, reflecting on his iconic role and the nostalgia of the Disney Channel era.
• Jake Thomas (Matt McGuire):
  • Born: May 30, 1990 (Age 35)
  • Role in Movie: Lizzie's mischievous younger brother.
  • 2025 Update: Thomas remains active in the entertainment industry as both an actor and director. In 2025, he is starring in the new play *WAITING* in Los Angeles. He is also very vocal about his experiences and the canceled Disney+ reboot.

Hilary Duff’s Shocking Return to Music and The Canceled Revival

The biggest news surrounding the cast in 2025 is undoubtedly Hilary Duff's renewed focus on her music career. After a decade of prioritizing acting and family, the star announced her official return to the music scene.

This return is being chronicled in an intimate docuseries, which promises to give fans an unfiltered look at her personal journey back to recording. The project has major backing, with Sam Wrench, the director of Taylor Swift’s record-breaking *Eras Tour* film, attached to the docuseries. This move has excited fans who remember her early pop success with hits like "So Yesterday" and "Come Clean," and it signals a major new chapter for the former teen idol.

The excitement around the cast was briefly reignited with the announcement of a *Lizzie McGuire* revival series for Disney+. Many of the original stars, including Duff, Lamberg, and the McGuire family, were set to reprise their roles. However, the project was ultimately shelved due to creative differences, much to the disappointment of the dedicated fanbase. The brief reunion for a virtual table read of an old episode during the pandemic remains a cherished moment for the cast and fans alike.

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Where Are The Supporting Stars Now? From Miss Ungermeyer to The McGuire Parents

While Lizzie and Gordo were the heart of the movie, the supporting cast provided the essential comedic and emotional framework. Many of these actors have gone on to achieve significant success in their respective fields, further adding to the film's legacy.

Alex Borstein (Miss Ungermeyer)

The no-nonsense, hilarious chaperone, Miss Ungermeyer, was played by the immensely talented Alex Borstein. While her role in *The Lizzie McGuire Movie* is a fan-favorite, Borstein has since become a powerhouse in Hollywood.

She is most famous for voicing Lois Griffin on the long-running animated series *Family Guy* and, more recently, for her Emmy-winning role as Susie Myerson on the acclaimed series *The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel*. Her career is a testament to the versatility and comedic timing she first showcased as the perpetually frustrated chaperone.

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The McGuire Family: Hallie Todd and Robert Carradine

The core family dynamic was crucial to the show and the movie's success. Hallie Todd (Jo McGuire) and Robert Carradine (Sam McGuire) played Lizzie's supportive, if sometimes overbearing, parents.

Both actors were set to return for the Disney+ revival, demonstrating their commitment to the characters. Hallie Todd has since focused on teaching acting and has written several books on the craft. Robert Carradine, a member of the famous Carradine acting family, continues to work in film and television, with a long list of credits that spans decades.

The Legacy of Paolo and Ethan: Post-Disney Careers

The two major love interests, the charming Paolo and the aloof Ethan, have also seen their careers evolve in surprising ways.

Yani Gellman’s Post-Paolo Roles

Yani Gellman, who played the deceptive Paolo, successfully shed his Disney image. He is well-known for his roles in popular teen dramas and horror. Fans will recognize him from his recurring role as Garrett Reynolds on *Pretty Little Liars* and for his appearances in films like *47 Meters Down*. His recent work in the horror genre shows his range beyond the smooth-talking Italian pop star.

Clayton Snyder’s Life After Ethan Craft

Clayton Snyder, the actor behind the eternally handsome Ethan Craft, took a significant break from acting to pursue a degree and play collegiate water polo at Pepperdine University. His life post-*Lizzie McGuire Movie* is a great example of a child star successfully transitioning to a life outside the spotlight before returning to acting on his own terms. He remains a beloved figure for his portrayal of the ultimate high school heartthrob.

The cast of *The Lizzie McGuire Movie* represents a unique blend of enduring Hollywood stars and those who chose a path outside of the mainstream. Their collective journey—from the canceled revival to Duff's major music comeback in 2025—continues to captivate fans who grew up watching them navigate the awkward, wonderful world of being a teenager.