From Disney Dancers To Dentists And Dune: Where Are The Actors From Shake It Up Now?

It has been over a decade since the iconic Disney Channel series Shake It Up aired its final episode, leaving a generation of fans wondering what happened to the energetic dancers from the fictional show-within-a-show, Shake It Up, Chicago! The series, which ran from 2010 to 2013, launched the careers of two of Hollywood's most talked-about stars. This deep-dive, updated for late 2024 and 2025, reveals the surprising and diverse career paths of the main cast, from Oscar-caliber acting and independent thrillers to dentistry and high-level politics.

The destinies of the stars who played best friends CeCe Jones and Rocky Blue have diverged dramatically. While some have become global movie stars, others have quietly pursued new, unexpected professions, proving that life after Disney is anything but predictable. Let's look at the current status of the main actors from Shake It Up as of December 2025.

The Main Cast: Full Biography and Current Career Profiles (2025)

The primary cast members of Shake It Up have gone on to forge paths across film, music, politics, and even medicine. Their collective list of post-Disney projects is extensive, establishing a strong topical authority in the entertainment world.

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• Zendaya (Rocky Blue):
  • Born: September 1, 1996, in Oakland, California.
  • Role in Shake It Up: Raquel "Rocky" Blue, the studious and responsible best friend.
  • Current Focus: Global film star, producer, and fashion icon.
• Bella Thorne (CeCe Jones):
  • Born: October 8, 1997, in Pembroke Pines, Florida.
  • Role in Shake It Up: Cecilia "CeCe" Jones, the impulsive, dyslexic, and ambitious dancer.
  • Current Focus: Independent film actress, director, writer, and producer.
• Davis Cleveland (Flynn Jones):
  • Born: February 5, 2002, in Houston, Texas.
  • Role in Shake It Up: Flynn Jones, CeCe's younger, mischievous, and food-obsessed brother.
  • Current Focus: Practicing healthcare professional (Dentistry).
• Caroline Sunshine (Tinka Hessenheffer):
  • Born: September 5, 1995, in Atlanta, Georgia.
  • Role in Shake It Up: Tinka Hessenheffer, the flamboyant, fashion-forward exchange student from a fictional European country (alongside her twin, Gunther).
  • Current Focus: Political Communications Aide.
• Roshon Fegan (Ty Blue):
  • Born: October 6, 1991, in Los Angeles, California.
  • Role in Shake It Up: Ty Blue, Rocky's older brother, a smooth-talking dancer and aspiring rapper.
  • Current Focus: Actor, rapper, and musician.
• Adam Irigoyen (Deuce Martinez):
  • Born: August 5, 1997, in Miami, Florida.
  • Role in Shake It Up: Martin "Deuce" Martinez, Rocky and CeCe's resourceful friend and entrepreneur.
  • Current Focus: Film and television actor.
• Kenton Duty (Gunther Hessenheffer):
  • Born: May 12, 1995, in Plano, Texas.
  • Role in Shake It Up: Gunther Hessenheffer, Tinka's equally flamboyant twin brother.
  • Current Focus: Actor and musician.

The Blockbuster Career of Zendaya (Rocky Blue)

Zendaya's trajectory since her time as Rocky Blue is arguably the most successful of any Disney Channel star in the modern era. Her career has transitioned seamlessly from teen idol to critically acclaimed, A-list global superstar. She is a two-time Emmy Award winner for her raw and powerful performance as Rue Bennett in the HBO drama series Euphoria, a role that cemented her dramatic acting prowess.

In 2024, Zendaya dominated the box office with two major film releases. She returned as Chani in Denis Villeneuve's sci-fi epic, Dune: Part Two, a massive critical and commercial hit. Shortly after, she starred in and produced the highly anticipated romantic sports drama Challengers, directed by Luca Guadagnino, where she played the complex role of Tashi Duncan.

Looking ahead to 2025, fans are eagerly awaiting the return of Euphoria for its third season. Her successful transition from Disney to serious, high-profile projects like the Spider-Man trilogy (as MJ) and the critically lauded romantic drama Malcolm & Marie highlights her exceptional versatility as an actress and producer.

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From Disney Star to Political Aide and Aspiring Dentist: The Most Surprising Career Changes

The post-Shake It Up paths of three main cast members have been the most unexpected, moving entirely outside the traditional Hollywood acting lane. These career shifts demonstrate a commitment to diverse personal interests and a willingness to step away from the spotlight.

Caroline Sunshine (Tinka Hessenheffer) Enters Politics

Caroline Sunshine, who played the eccentric European exchange student Tinka Hessenheffer, has completely left the entertainment industry for a career in American politics. This is perhaps the most shocking pivot among the entire cast. She first gained attention for her political work in 2018 when she joined the White House press team as an assistant.

As of 2024 and 2025, Sunshine continues her work in the political sphere, serving as a Deputy Communications Director for the Trump 2024 Campaign. Her dedication to public service and political communications is a significant and unique development for a former Disney Channel star.

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Davis Cleveland (Flynn Jones) Becomes a Dentist

Davis Cleveland, who played the younger brother Flynn Jones, has also chosen a non-acting career path. After stepping away from the screen, Cleveland pursued higher education in the medical field. In a remarkable achievement, he graduated from the Texas A&M University School of Dentistry in 2024.

The former child actor is now a practicing dentist, a career that is a world away from the sound stages and dance floors of Shake It Up. This focus on healthcare and education is a testament to his ambition outside of show business.

The Continued Creative Paths: Film, Music, and Independent Projects

The remaining core cast members have stayed within the creative industries, focusing on acting, directing, and music, building impressive portfolios in independent and mainstream projects.

Bella Thorne (CeCe Jones) and Her Independent Film Focus

Bella Thorne, who co-starred as CeCe Jones, has built a prolific career in independent and genre films, often taking on edgier, more mature roles than her Disney past. She is not only an actress but also a director and producer, having directed the short film Her & Him for Pornhub’s Visionaries series. Her filmography includes a wide range of titles, from the Netflix horror film The Babysitter to the romantic drama Midnight Sun.

Thorne's upcoming slate for 2025 is busy, including the horror-thriller film Saint Clare, where she plays a small-town girl with a religious calling who begins to hear voices. Other highly anticipated projects include the thriller Find Your Friends, the drama Motion, and the films The Trainer and Southland.

Roshon Fegan (Ty Blue) and Adam Irigoyen (Deuce Martinez)

Roshon Fegan, known for his role as Ty Blue, has continued to balance his passion for acting and music. He starred as Bobby DeBarge in the TV One biopic The Bobby DeBarge Story. His music career remains active, with a notable feature on the Koryn Hawthorne track "Won't He Do It," showcasing his rapping and singing talents.

Adam Irigoyen (Deuce Martinez) has also maintained a steady acting career. After Shake It Up, he had recurring roles in the series The Last Ship and the Netflix sci-fi drama Away. In 2024, he continued his work with roles, including the short film Hemorrhage as Matteo, demonstrating his commitment to varied projects.

Kenton Duty (Gunther Hessenheffer) and the Supporting Cast

Kenton Duty, who played the flamboyant Gunther, has focused on both acting and music. His recent film credits include the Western movie Centurion: The Dancing Stallion in 2023. Duty also uses his platform to support various charitable causes, including the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, a personal cause for him.

The adult and recurring cast members have also continued their careers. R. Brandon Johnson, who played the host Gary Wilde, continues to work as a host and actor, often reflecting on his Disney days in interviews. Anita Barone, who played CeCe's mother, Georgia Jones, a police officer, remains active with guest spots in various television series, adding to her extensive resume which includes roles in classic sitcoms like The Jeff Foxworthy Show and the original pilot of Friends.

Will There Ever Be a Shake It Up Reunion?

The question of a Shake It Up reunion is frequently asked by fans, especially given the global fame of Zendaya and Bella Thorne. While no official series or movie reunion has been announced as of late 2025, the cast members have shown that they remain supportive of each other's careers.

A sweet, recent "mini-reunion" occurred in February 2024 when Zendaya was doing press for Dune: Part Two and ran into actress Carla Renata, who played her mother, Marcie Blue, on the show. This moment, captured by media, showed the enduring bond between the cast members, even a decade after the show concluded. The success and wildly different paths of the ensemble cast—from a global movie star and a political operative to a practicing dentist—make the prospect of a full reunion a logistical challenge, but one that fans will always hope to see.