Cadet Kelly remains a cherished film for many Disney-loving millennials, capturing hearts since its premiere on March 8, 2002. The movie features Hilary Duff in the lead role, showcasing her journey as Kelly Collins, a girl who faces the challenges of being sent to her stepdad’s military school. This film not only brought together two of Disney Channel's biggest stars, Hilary Duff and Christy Carlson Romano, but also marked a significant moment in the DCOM renaissance, making it a beloved classic for fans.
As we reflect on the 20th anniversary of Cadet Kelly, it’s fascinating to see how time has flown since the film first graced our screens. For many viewers, it feels like just yesterday they were eagerly tuning in to witness the adventures of Kelly Collins. Nostalgia is in the air, and for those looking to revisit the film, it is now available for streaming on Disney+, allowing a new generation of fans to experience the magic.
This retrospective journey will explore the cast of Cadet Kelly and their evolution over the years, providing insights into their lives and careers since the film's debut. From Hilary Duff's ongoing success in the entertainment industry to Christy Carlson Romano's ventures in voice acting and YouTube, let’s dive into what these talented individuals have been up to since that memorable premiere!
Table of Contents
Hilary Duff
Hilary Duff, now 33, starred as Kelly Collins in Cadet Kelly. At the same time as filming, she continued her iconic role as Lizzie McGuire in the Disney Channel series. Hilary transitioned from television to film, bringing Lizzie's character to the big screen in 2003 with The Lizzie McGuire Movie. Following the end of her series in 2004, she starred in several films including A Cinderella Story and Cheaper by the Dozen.
Over the years, Hilary has also made significant strides in her music career, releasing five studio albums since 2002. Recently, she has taken on the role of Sophie in the Hulu series How I Met Your Father, showcasing her versatility as an actress.
In her personal life, Hilary has experienced changes as well, including a marriage to Mike Comrie, with whom she shares a son, Luca, born in 2012. After their divorce in 2016, she found love with singer Matthew Koma, with whom she has two daughters, Banks and Mae.
Christy Carlson Romano
Christy Carlson Romano, now 36, portrayed the fierce Cadet Captain Jenny Stone in Cadet Kelly. During the same time, she starred in Even Stevens, where she played Ren Stevens from 2000 to 2003. She also lent her voice to the beloved character Kim Possible in the animated series from 2002 to 2007, further solidifying her status as a Disney favorite.
Christy has continued her career in entertainment, appearing in various TV films and making a cameo in the live-action adaptation of Kim Possible in 2019. In addition to acting, she runs a successful YouTube channel where she shares personal stories and insights, boasting over 350,000 subscribers. She married Brendan Rooney in 2013 and is a proud mother of two daughters.
Shawn Ashmore
Shawn Ashmore, now 41, played the charming Cadet Major Brad Rigby in Cadet Kelly. He later reprised his role as Iceman in the X-Men film franchise, appearing in multiple sequels. Shawn has also starred in the FOX series The Following and played Lamplighter in the Amazon series The Boys. Currently, he stars as Wesley in the ABC series The Rookie.
In his personal life, Shawn married Dana Renee Wasdin in 2012, and they welcomed their son in 2017, marking a new chapter in his life.
Andrea Lewis
Andrea Lewis, now 35, portrayed Carla, a friend of Kelly's at military school. Best known for her role as Hazel in Degrassi: The Next Generation, she starred on the show from 2001 to 2006. Andrea has also made waves in the music industry, releasing her debut album Float Away in 2005, followed by her second album in 2010.
In addition to her music career, she created and starred in her own web series, Black Actress, and founded an entertainment company, Jungle Wild Productions, in 2012. Andrea continues to inspire many with her multifaceted talents.
Gary Cole
Gary Cole, now 64, played General Joe "Sir" Maxwell in Cadet Kelly. After the film, he starred in popular movies like Talladega Nights: The
