A Different Kind of Fame: Jason Earles Reflects on Growing Up in the Pre-Social Media Spotlight
Jason Earles, 47, is known for playing the slightly goofy, ever-supportive older brother Jackson Stewart in the Disney Channel hit series Hannah Montana. The sitcom, which aired from 2006 to 2011, catapulted both Earles and his co-star, Miley Cyrus, into the public eye. While they both navigated the challenges of fame at a young age, Earles believes he and his peers belonged to a unique generation of stars who experienced a much different kind of spotlight compared to today’s celebrities.
In a Revelatory conversation on the Let’s Talk About! podcast, Earles suggests that he and his Disney contemporaries were among the "last generation" to escape the brunt of online scrutiny.
“I think we were the last generation of Disney kids that didn’t really have to deal with the pressures of social media,” he reflected. “Twitter kind of became a thing in the middle of Hannah.”
Earles acknowledges that while they weren’t immune to the relentless attention of paparazzi – he vividly recalls being pursued by TMZ at The Grove shopping center – the landscape was vastly different.
“If anything, we were the last generation of Disney stars to worry about paparazzi, it was like Britney Spears holding up traffic. That was that time. And that doesn’t seem to be quite the same anymore. It’s really social media. It’s not what it is anymore, it’s just trolls online.”
The rise of social media has undoubtedly transformed the experience of being famous. For today’s celebrities, the constant scrutiny and potential for negativity online can take a significant toll.
A Potential ‘Hannah Montana’ Reboot?
While Earles expressed his certainty that he and his Disney colleagues experienced a rarefied form of fame that is unlikely to be replicated, questions remain about whether shows like Hannah Montana could find success in today’s media landscape.
The show’s success relied in part on its clever premise: a double life, a secret identity, and the comedic tension of navigating two distinct worlds.
Embedded in this premise was a relatable coming-of-age story, exploring themes of friendship, family, and finding your place in the world.
Would these themes resonate with a new generation? As Earles considers the possibility of a reboot, he admitted he’s uncertain if his former co-star would want to reprise the lead role. However, he could envision Miley Cyrus returning in a different capacity, perhaps as a producer on a potential series that explores the complexities of fame in today’s hyperconnected world.
The original Hannah Montana captured a moment in time, reflecting the anxieties and aspirations of a specific generation. While a direct revival might not fully translate to contemporary audiences, the core themes and relatable characters could potentially be reimagined to address the unique challenges faced by today’s youth.
Perhaps a new generation would respond to a series that acknowledges the pressures of social media, the blur between public and private lives, and the constant struggle to define oneself authentically in an age dominated by online personas and careful curation.
Earles’ insights into the evolving nature of fame offer a thought-provoking perspective on how entertainment and the public’s relationship with celebrities continues to evolve. Only time will tell if Miley Cyrus, or indeed any star from the original Hannah Montana cast, would be willing to revisit that world, but Earles’ musings provide a fascinating glimpse into the changing landscape of fame and the lasting impact of a beloved television show.
Do you think shows like “Hannah Montana” could find the same level of success in today’s media landscape?
## A Different Kind of Spotlight: Interview With Jason Earles
**Interviewer:** Welcome, Jason! Thanks so much for joining us on *Let’s Talk About!* Your recent comments on the *Let’s Talk About!* podcast about your experience growing up in the public eye during the *Hannah Montana* era really resonated with a lot of people. You mentioned that you and your Disney peers were perhaps “the last generation” to avoid the full force of social media scrutiny. Can you elaborate on that?
**Jason Earles:** Absolutely. I think back to our time on *Hannah Montana*, which ran from 2006 to 2011. Twitter was just starting to gain traction while we were filming, so it wasn’t the ever-present force it is today. Paparazzi were definitely around, especially in LA, I remember being chased by TMZ at The Grove once! [[1](https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/jason-earles-33174.php)]
But the feeling was different. It was more about fleeting moments captured by photographers, not the constant online commentary and potential for negativity that young stars face today. In a way, there was a sense of distance, a buffer between us and the public that social media has erased.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned feeling like the last generation to experience fame in that way. Do you think the rise of social media has fundamentally changed being a celebrity?
**Jason Earles:** I absolutely do. Today, young stars are under a microscope 24/7. Every move, every word, is analyzed and dissected online. It must be incredibly tough to navigate, especially at a young age when you’re still figuring things out. Back in my day, we could have a bad day, make a mistake, and it wouldn’t necessarily be splashed across the internet for everyone to see.
**Interviewer:** That’s a really interesting perspective. Some shows like *Hannah Montana* were massive hits. Do you think those kinds of shows could find the same level of success in today’s media landscape?
**Jason Earles:** That’s a tough one. I think *Hannah Montana* struck a chord because it captured a universal experience of adolescence, family, and friendship. Those themes are timeless. But the way we consume content has changed dramatically.
**Interviewer:** Jason, thank you so much for sharing your insights. It’s been a pleasure having you on the show.
