The Shocking New Lives Of The Shake It Up Cast: From Disney Dancers To Dune And The White House

The Disney Channel series Shake It Up, which ran from 2010 to 2013, launched the careers of two of Hollywood’s most talked-about stars, Zendaya and Bella Thorne, but the current lives of the entire cast are far more varied and surprising than anyone could have predicted. As of late 2025, the original ensemble has scattered across the entertainment industry, independent film, politics, and even professional education, proving that the show’s legacy is less about dancing and more about career reinvention and diversification. This is the definitive, updated look at where the cast of the hit show is now, detailing their latest projects, career pivots, and why they are dominating headlines over a decade later.

The show centered on the high-energy, Chicago-based dance show "Shake It Up, Chicago!" and the friendship between CeCe Jones (Bella Thorne) and Rocky Blue (Zendaya). While the series provided a platform for young talent, their post-Disney careers have been a masterclass in separating from the child star archetype, with one star becoming an Emmy-winning A-lister and another making a controversial leap into the world of political communications. We break down the incredible career trajectories of the main cast members, including their most recent and upcoming endeavors.

Zendaya: Full Biography, Current Projects, and Hollywood Domination

Zendaya Maree Stoermer Coleman, who played the intelligent and responsible Rocky Blue, has arguably had the most successful transition from Disney star to global A-list icon. Her career trajectory is a blueprint for post-child-stardom success, spanning major film franchises, critically acclaimed television, and a massive influence in fashion and music.

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• Full Name: Zendaya Maree Stoermer Coleman
• Born: September 1, 1996 (Age 29 in 2025)
• Hometown: Oakland, California
• Role in Shake It Up: Rocky Blue (2010–2013)
• Major Career Milestones:
  • Emmy Awards: Winner of two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for Euphoria (2020, 2022).
  • Film Franchises: Played MJ in the MCU's *Spider-Man* trilogy (*Homecoming*, *Far From Home*, *No Way Home*) and Chani in Denis Villeneuve's epic sci-fi series *Dune* (*Part One* and *Part Two*).
  • Recent & Upcoming Projects (2025–2026): Starring in the romantic sports drama *Challengers* (2024), the highly anticipated third season of HBO’s *Euphoria*, and the A24 biopic *Be My Baby*.
  • Music Career: Released her debut album *Zendaya* (2013) and has contributed to several soundtracks, including "Rewrite the Stars" from *The Greatest Showman*.
  • Fashion Icon: A recognized global fashion figure, frequently appearing on 'Best Dressed' lists and modeling for major luxury houses.

The Unexpected Paths of the Co-Stars: From Politics to Dental School

While Zendaya and Bella Thorne captured the most attention, the supporting cast members have taken incredibly diverse and often surprising career paths, demonstrating a willingness to step away from the spotlight or pivot to entirely new industries. These career shifts are some of the most compelling stories to come out of the *Shake It Up* legacy.

Bella Thorne: Independent Film and Controversial Ventures

Bella Thorne, who played the impulsive and ambitious CeCe Jones, successfully transitioned into independent and genre cinema, establishing herself as a prolific actress, director, and entrepreneur. Her post-Disney career is marked by a focus on edgy, non-traditional roles and a significant presence on social media and other platforms.

• Post-Disney Filmography: Thorne has starred in a wide array of films, including *The DUFF* (2015), *Blended* (2014), and *The Babysitter* film series (2017–2020).
• Upcoming Projects: She continues to work steadily, with several films in the pipeline for 2025, including the thriller *Saint Clare*, a horror-thriller *Motion*, and the action-comedy *The Trainer*.
• Entrepreneurial Pivot: Thorne became one of the first mainstream celebrities to join and monetize the subscription service OnlyFans, reportedly earning a million dollars in her first 24 hours on the platform. This move sparked significant discussion about celebrity monetization and the adult content industry.

Caroline Sunshine: The Political Communications Director

The most shocking career pivot belongs to Caroline Sunshine, who played the flamboyant, over-the-top foreign exchange student Tinka Hessenheffer. Since the show ended, Sunshine has completely left the entertainment industry for the world of U.S. politics.

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• White House Role: Sunshine previously worked in the White House during the Trump administration as a press assistant.
• Current Political Involvement (2024/2025): As of 2024, she holds a prominent role as the Deputy Communications Director for the Trump 2024 Campaign, making her a key figure in high-level political communications.
• Education: She attended Claremont McKenna College, focusing on international relations and economics, laying the groundwork for her political career.

The Supporting Cast: Music, Entrepreneurship, and New Careers

The rest of the ensemble, who provided the comedic and musical backbone of the series, have pursued careers ranging from music and film production to completely new professional fields, highlighting the diverse talents of the Disney alumni.

Davis Cleveland (Flynn Jones)

Davis Cleveland, who played Rocky's mischievous younger brother Flynn Jones, has made one of the most unexpected transitions. After appearing in the Disney Channel original movie *Rufus* (2016) and its sequel, Cleveland has largely stepped away from acting.

• Current Career: Cleveland is currently pursuing a career in dentistry. He is enrolled as a dental student, making a clear and definitive pivot away from the entertainment industry and focusing on professional education.

Roshon Fegan (Ty Blue)

Roshon Fegan, who played Ty Blue, the older brother of Rocky and the show's resident smooth-talking, aspiring rapper, has continued to focus on a multifaceted career in music, dance, and acting.

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• Music Focus: Roshon, known mononymously as Roshon, has positioned himself as an "industry gamechanger," focusing heavily on releasing new music and developing his sound as an independent artist.
• Dancing with the Stars: His appearance on Season 14 of *Dancing with the Stars* solidified his reputation as a professional dancer and performer outside of his Disney roles.

Adam Irigoyen (Deuce Martinez)

Adam Irigoyen, who played Deuce Martinez, CeCe and Rocky's street-smart friend, has maintained a steady presence in Hollywood, focusing on both acting and entrepreneurial pursuits within the film industry.

• Recent Acting: Irigoyen has secured roles in serious network dramas since *Shake It Up*, including a recurring role on *The Last Ship* and a part in the Netflix series *Away*.
• Non-Profit Work: He is actively involved with the non-profit organization Healing TREE (Trauma Resources, Education & Empowerment), demonstrating a commitment to mental health advocacy alongside his creative work.

Kenton Duty (Gunther Hessenheffer)

Kenton Duty, who played Tinka's equally flamboyant brother Gunther Hessenheffer, has continued his career in acting, music, and is notably involved in charitable work.

• Early Career: Before *Shake It Up*, Duty was known for his role as "Young Jacob" on the final season of the critically acclaimed ABC drama *Lost*.
• Charitable Focus: Duty is a vocal advocate for autism awareness and support, frequently using his platform to promote various causes. He continues to pursue film and music projects, with a focus on roles that align with his personal values.

The cast of *Shake It Up* has proven that the Disney Channel is merely a launching pad, not a final destination. From the global superstardom of Zendaya in the *Dune* and *Spider-Man* universes to Bella Thorne's bold independent film career, and the surprising, high-stakes pivots by Caroline Sunshine into politics and Davis Cleveland into dentistry, the ensemble has redefined what a post-Disney career can look like. Their continued success and diverse career paths make them one of the most fascinating and relevant groups of former child stars in the industry today.

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