Where Are They Now? The 5 Main Stars Of The 'Cadet Kelly' Cast (2024 Updates)

The 2002 Disney Channel Original Movie (DCOM) Cadet Kelly remains a beloved piece of early 2000s nostalgia, pitting the vibrant, free-spirited Kelly Collins against the rigid, disciplined world of military school. This iconic military comedy, which premiered over two decades ago, brought together two of the biggest teen stars of the era, Hilary Duff and Christy Carlson Romano, in a memorable on-screen rivalry. As of late 2024, the principal cast members have continued to build impressive, diverse careers across television, film, and music, with several major new projects that keep them firmly in the spotlight.

Released on March 8, 2002, and directed by Larry Shaw, Cadet Kelly follows Kelly Collins, who is forced to enroll at the George Washington Military Academy after her mother marries the school's Commandant. Her clashes with the strict Cadet Captain Jennifer Stone—a classic Disney Channel rivalry—form the heart of the film. The following deep dive provides a complete cast and character list, followed by the latest, most current updates on what the stars are doing now.

Cadet Kelly: Complete Main Cast & Character Profiles

The success of the Disney Channel Original Movie hinged on its talented ensemble, featuring a mix of established veterans and rising teen idols. Here is a complete profile of the main cast members, their roles, and biographical details:

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• Hilary Duff (Kelly Collins)
  • Role: Kelly Collins, the quirky, artistic protagonist who is forced to attend military school and struggles to adapt to the strict rules.
  • Born: September 28, 1987, in Houston, Texas.
  • Career Highlights: Lizzie McGuire, A Cinderella Story, Younger, How I Met Your Father.
  • Notable Entity: Pop singer with multiple platinum albums like *Metamorphosis*.
• Christy Carlson Romano (Cadet Captain Jennifer Stone)
  • Role: Cadet Captain Jennifer Stone, the rigid, by-the-book military cadet who becomes Kelly's superior and rival.
  • Born: March 20, 1984, in Milford, Connecticut.
  • Career Highlights: Ren Stevens on Even Stevens, the voice of *Kim Possible*, Broadway star (Beauty and the Beast).
  • Notable Entity: Host of the popular podcast Vulnerable.
• Gary Cole (General Joe "Sir" Maxwell)
  • Role: General Joe Maxwell, the stern but eventually caring Commandant of the military academy and Kelly's new stepfather.
  • Born: September 20, 1956, in Park Ridge, Illinois.
  • Career Highlights: Bill Lumbergh in Office Space, Vice President Bob Russell on The West Wing, Kurt McVeigh on The Good Wife.
  • Notable Entity: Currently a main cast member on the long-running procedural drama *NCIS*.
• Shawn Ashmore (Cadet Major Brad Rigby)
  • Role: Cadet Major Brad Rigby, the handsome, high-ranking cadet who is initially Jennifer Stone’s love interest but develops feelings for Kelly.
  • Born: October 7, 1979, in Richmond, British Columbia, Canada.
  • Career Highlights: Bobby Drake/Iceman in the *X-Men* film series, Jack Joyce in the video game *Quantum Break*, Mike Weston on *The Following*.
  • Notable Entity: Identical twin brother of actor Aaron Ashmore.
• Aimee Garcia (Gloria)
  • Role: Gloria, one of Kelly's first friends at the George Washington Military Academy who helps her navigate the new environment.
  • Born: November 28, 1978, in Chicago, Illinois.
  • Career Highlights: Veronica Palmero on *George Lopez*, Jamie Batista on *Dexter*, Ella Lopez on *Lucifer*.
  • Notable Entity: Co-wrote the *Glow* comic book series for IDW Publishing.

The Cadet Kelly Cast: Where Are They Now? (2024 Career & Life Updates)

The stars of Cadet Kelly have successfully shed their DCOM roots, moving into major network television, blockbuster films, and new media ventures. Here are the most current updates on their careers and personal lives, focusing on the latest news from 2024.

Hilary Duff (Kelly Collins) - The Music Comeback and New Docuseries

Hilary Duff's career trajectory has remained one of Hollywood's most consistently successful, transitioning seamlessly from teen idol to leading adult actress. While her Hulu series *How I Met Your Father* was canceled in 2023 after two seasons, Duff has quickly pivoted back to her musical roots, providing some of the freshest news for her fans in 2024.

In a major announcement, Duff revealed she has signed a new record deal and is working on her first new album in nearly a decade. Even more exciting is the accompanying docuseries being produced about her return to music. This intimate project is set to be directed by Sam Wrench, the acclaimed director behind Taylor Swift’s *Eras Tour* film, underscoring the high-profile nature of her musical comeback. Duff has been working on the new music with her husband, musician Matthew Koma, adding a personal touch to the creative process. Outside of her professional life, Duff remains a devoted mother, often sharing glimpses of her family life with her three children, providing a grounded contrast to her high-flying career.

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Christy Carlson Romano (Cadet Captain Jennifer Stone) - Podcasting, Turning 40, and Reboot Talk

Christy Carlson Romano, who played the formidable Cadet Captain Jennifer Stone, has become a prominent voice in the world of new media. Her popular podcast, *Vulnerable*, sees her interviewing fellow child stars and industry veterans, offering a candid look at the challenges of growing up in the entertainment business.

In 2024, Romano celebrated her 40th birthday, a milestone she discussed openly, reflecting on her extensive career that includes not just *Cadet Kelly* but also *Even Stevens* and voicing the iconic *Kim Possible*. The most buzzworthy news for her fans is her openness to a potential revival of *Kim Possible*. Romano has publicly discussed the possibility of new episodes for the hit animated series in 2024, fueling fan speculation. Like her co-star Duff, Romano is also actively working on new music, with news of an upcoming album for 2024.

From George Washington Military Academy to NCIS and The Walking Dead

The supporting cast of Cadet Kelly has also achieved significant success, with several actors landing major, long-running roles in some of the biggest franchises on television. The film, written by Gail Parent and Michael Walsh, served as a launchpad for many of these established careers.

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Gary Cole (General Joe "Sir" Maxwell) - The NCIS Stalwart

Gary Cole, who played Kelly's stern stepfather and the Commandant of the George Washington Military Academy, has enjoyed an incredibly prolific career. His most significant and current role is that of FBI Special Agent Alden Parker on the long-running CBS procedural drama, *NCIS*.

Cole joined the series in Season 19, effectively taking over the main leadership role after the departure of Mark Harmon's character, Leroy Jethro Gibbs. As of 2024, Cole remains a central figure in the *NCIS* universe, starring in Season 21 and the upcoming Season 22. Furthermore, he is already listed for Season 23, and is set to appear in the second season of the series *A Man on the Inside* in 2025, cementing his status as one of the hardest-working actors in television.

Aimee Garcia (Gloria) - Joining The Walking Dead Universe

Aimee Garcia, who played Kelly's supportive friend Gloria, has been a familiar face on television for years, notably starring as Ella Lopez on the hit series *Lucifer*. In 2024, Garcia made a major move by joining another massive television franchise.

It was announced that Aimee Garcia will be a new series regular on the upcoming third season of *The Walking Dead: Dead City*. This move places her in one of the most successful and enduring post-apocalyptic universes on television. Adding to her busy 2024, Garcia also starred in the Hallmark Mystery movie "The Cases of Mystery Lane: Death is Listening," showcasing her versatility across different genres.

Shawn Ashmore (Cadet Major Brad Rigby) - The X-Men Veteran's Continued Success

Shawn Ashmore, who played the military academy heartthrob Cadet Major Brad Rigby, has maintained a steady and successful career, primarily known for his role as Bobby Drake/Iceman in the *X-Men* film franchise. Ashmore continues to be active in the industry, attending high-profile events like the 2024 Disney Upfront in New York City, demonstrating his ongoing relationship with major studios.

The Canadian actor, who is the twin brother of fellow actor Aaron Ashmore, has consistently worked across film and television, with his unique flair for roles in genre projects, including the video game *Quantum Break* and the television series *The Following*. His presence at the 2024 industry events confirms his continued engagement in new projects, solidifying his status as a reliable and recognizable actor.

Topical Authority: Fun Facts and Cadet Kelly Legacy

Cadet Kelly was a significant DCOM for the Disney Channel, premiering to an impressive 7.8 million viewers and cementing Hilary Duff’s status as a bona fide superstar. The film's enduring legacy is tied to several unique elements:

• Filming Location: Despite the story being set in an upstate New York military school, the movie was actually filmed entirely in Toronto, Canada. Key scenes were shot at the Fort York Armory, which provided the authentic military academy backdrop.
• The Director: The movie was directed by Larry Shaw, a television veteran known for his work on major shows like *Desperate Housewives* and *21 Jump Street*, lending a polished, cinematic feel to the DCOM format.
• The Rivalry: The on-screen tension between Kelly Collins (Duff) and Jennifer Stone (Romano) was a masterstroke of casting, bringing together the stars of Disney Channel’s two most popular shows at the time, *Lizzie McGuire* and *Even Stevens*. This created a pop culture moment that fans still discuss today.
• LSI Keywords/Entities: The film is often cited alongside other early 2000s DCOM hits like *The Thirteenth Year*, *Halloweentown*, and *The Cheetah Girls*, and is a key entity in the broader Disney Channel Original Movie library. The themes of military discipline, teenage rebellion, and the George Washington Military Academy setting are central to its lasting appeal.

From the parade ground drills to the final, high-stakes competition, Cadet Kelly offered a perfect blend of comedy and heart. The cast has moved on to major success, with 2024 proving to be a year of significant career milestones, including major roles on *NCIS* and *The Walking Dead*, and a highly anticipated musical comeback for the film's leading lady, Hilary Duff. The enduring popularity of this DCOM classic ensures that the stars of the *Cadet Kelly* cast will continue to be celebrated by fans for years to come.