“Hannah Montana” Star Reveals He Lied to Disney Producers About His Age to Play Miley Cyrus’ Teen Brother

Jason Earles’ Age Deception: The Secret Behind Playing Miley Cyrus’ Teen Brother

When “Hannah Montana” first aired, fans were captivated by the charming dynamic between Miley Stewart, played by Miley Cyrus, and her older brother Jackson Stewart, portrayed by Jason Earles. However, many viewers were surprised to learn that Earles was not a teenager during filming but was actually 28 years old when he auditioned for the role. In a recent episode of his podcast, Earles opened up about how he lied to Disney producers about his age to secure the part of Miley’s teen brother.

Earles admitted that he was initially hesitant to audition because he felt he was too old to convincingly play a 16-year-old character. Despite his reservations, he went ahead with the audition after being encouraged by the casting director to claim he was 18 years old. This deception allowed him to land the role, and he successfully kept his true age hidden for several episodes.

The Audition and the Secret That Almost Cost Him the Role

Jason Earles revealed that when he first read for the role of Jackson Stewart, he was already married and well into his late twenties. The casting director, Lisa London, had previously heard Earles claim to be 19 during another audition and suggested he tell Disney producers he was 18 to improve his chances. Earles agreed, despite knowing the risk involved.

The ruse worked, and Earles was cast as Miley’s older brother. However, his secret was eventually uncovered halfway through the first season, around episode eight. A high-ranking Disney executive confronted him about his real age and marital status during a show night, leading to a tense but ultimately understanding conversation. The executive even joked about whether Earles had any children, to which Earles responded no, and the executive advised him to keep it that way for a few years.

Despite the initial shock, the showrunner Steven Petermen later thanked Earles for lying about his age, explaining that discovering the truth too early might have led to recasting and disrupted the show’s dynamic.

Why Jason Earles’ Age Didn’t Affect the Show’s Success

One might wonder how Earles, nearly twice the age of his character, managed to fit in seamlessly with the much younger cast. Miley Cyrus was only 13 when she started, and other main cast members like Emily Osment and Mitchel Musso were in their early teens. Earles’ maturity and professionalism earned him respect on set, and he was seen as both a peer and a mentor by the younger actors.

His ability to “act like a kid” and lead by example helped maintain a positive and disciplined environment during filming. According to writer-producer Douglas Danger Lieblein, Earles’ presence was crucial to the show’s success. The younger cast members treated him as one of their own, which contributed to the authentic sibling chemistry that fans loved.

Earles humorously noted that many teenagers stop maturing around 16, which helped him blend in convincingly. The combination of his acting skills and genuine rapport with the cast made the age difference irrelevant to viewers.

Conclusion

Jason Earles’ revelation about lying to Disney producers to play Miley Cyrus’ teen brother on “Hannah Montana” offers a fascinating glimpse behind the scenes of one of the most beloved Disney Channel shows. His story highlights the lengths actors sometimes go to land roles and the importance of chemistry and professionalism in creating memorable television. If you’re a fan of “Hannah Montana” or interested in the casting stories behind your favorite shows, this insider tale is a must-know. Don’t miss out on more exclusive entertainment news—subscribe to our newsletter today and stay updated with the latest celebrity secrets and TV show insights!