The Surprising New Life Of Brooke Shields: What The 'Mom From Hannah Montana' Is Doing Now In 2025

The actress who played the beloved, though rarely seen, mother on Disney Channel's *Hannah Montana* has undergone a massive career transformation in the last year, moving from the screen to a major leadership role. As of late 2024 and heading into 2025, Brooke Shields, who portrayed Miley Stewart’s late mother, Susan Stewart, is not only starring in new Netflix rom-coms but has also been elected to lead one of the most powerful unions in the entertainment industry. This deep dive reveals the iconic star’s full biography and her surprising, fresh new chapter. While fans remember her as the guiding, posthumous figure to Miley Cyrus’s character, the real-life Brooke Shields has been a consistent force in Hollywood for decades. Her recent activities, including a major union presidency and the launch of a new entrepreneurial venture, prove her career is far from slowing down. The following sections detail her complete profile and the latest, most current updates on her professional life.

Brooke Shields: Complete Biography and Career Profile

Brooke Christa Shields is an American actress, model, and entrepreneur whose career began in infancy and has spanned six decades, marked by both controversy and critical acclaim. Her role as Susan Stewart on *Hannah Montana* was a brief but memorable guest appearance, a small part in a monumental career.

• Full Name: Brooke Christa Shields
• Date of Birth: May 31, 1965
• Age (as of December 2025): 60
• Place of Birth: New York City, New York, U.S.
• Parents: Frank Shields (father) and Teri Shields (mother)
• Spouse: Chris Henchy (m. 2001)
• Children: Rowan Francis Henchy and Grier Hammond Henchy
• Education: Princeton University (B.A. in French Literature)
• Notable Early Career Milestones:
  • Began modeling at 11 months old (Ivory Snow Baby).
  • Starred in the controversial film *Pretty Baby* (1978) at age 12.
  • Lead roles in major films like *The Blue Lagoon* (1980) and *Endless Love* (1981).
  • Became the youngest model to appear on the cover of *Vogue*.
  • Iconic spokesperson for Calvin Klein jeans in the 1980s.
• Key TV Roles: *Suddenly Susan*, *Lipstick Jungle*, and guest appearances on *Friends* and *Hannah Montana*.
• Union Role (Current): President of the Actors' Equity Association (Elected May 2024).

From Disney Channel Mom to Union President: Brooke Shields' Major 2024 Career Shift

The biggest and most surprising update in Brooke Shields' professional life is her election as the President of the Actors' Equity Association (AEA). This powerful union represents over 51,000 professional actors and stage managers working in the American theatre. She was officially elected in May 2024, taking on a four-year term. This new position places the Golden Globe-nominated actress at the forefront of protecting the rights and working conditions of thousands of performers. Shields' transition into union leadership is a significant move that showcases her commitment to the arts community beyond acting. Her experience spanning Broadway, film, and television provides a unique perspective to advocate for her fellow members. She has publicly compared the demanding new role to "going to college again," highlighting the steep learning curve of leading a major labor organization. This shift is a major milestone, moving her from a memorable guest role on a Disney show to a key figure in the American labor movement for the arts.

Fresh Film Roles and Launching a New Empire

Despite taking on a demanding union role, Brooke Shields has not stepped away from acting or entrepreneurship. Her recent projects demonstrate a multi-faceted career approach, blending her passion for performance with business ventures aimed at empowering women.

The Netflix Rom-Com Success: Mother of the Bride

In May 2024, Shields starred in the highly anticipated Netflix romantic comedy *Mother of the Bride*. The film, directed by Mark Waters, was a major project for the actress, who also served as an executive producer. In the movie, Shields plays Lana, a woman who travels to a luxurious resort in Thailand for her daughter Emma's (played by Miranda Cosgrove) wedding, only to discover that the groom’s father is her old college flame, played by Benjamin Bratt. The film, which also features Chad Michael Murray, became an immediate hit for the streaming giant, proving Shields' enduring appeal in the romantic comedy genre.

Commence: The New Entrepreneurial Venture

Adding to her packed schedule, Shields launched her latest entrepreneurial venture, Commence, in June 2024. Commence is a digital platform and hair care line specifically designed to inspire and cater to women over 40. The brand focuses on the unique beauty and life experiences of mature women, with the hair care products addressing issues like thinning and texture changes. This project aligns with her public advocacy for aging gracefully and confidently, a theme she has explored extensively in recent years.

The Enduring Legacy of Susan Stewart and the Hannah Montana Cast

Brooke Shields’ character, Susan Stewart, was the deceased wife of Robby Ray (Billy Ray Cyrus) and mother to Miley and Jackson Stewart (Jason Earles). Although she only appeared in three episodes, usually in flashbacks or as a ghostly figure, her presence was central to the show's emotional core. The character’s death was the driving force behind the Stewart family’s close bond and Miley’s struggle to balance her normal life with her pop star alter-ego, Hannah Montana. The show, which ran for four seasons and ended in 2011, continues to be a cultural touchstone. The entire *Hannah Montana* cast has moved on to major success:

• Miley Cyrus: Became a multi-platinum recording artist and global pop icon.
• Emily Osment (Lilly Truscott): Continues a successful acting career, including roles in *Young Sheldon* and *Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage*.
• Billy Ray Cyrus: Maintained his music career and has continued to act.

Brooke Shields’ brief but impactful role on the show connects her to a generation of Disney fans. Her current work as a union President and successful entrepreneur demonstrates a powerful evolution from her early career as a controversial child star and model to a mature, influential figure in 2025. Her commitment to the Actors' Equity Association and her new business ventures solidify her status as one of Hollywood’s most enduring and dynamic personalities.