Moises Arias has successfully transitioned from child star to respected adult actor through strategic role choices and a commitment to his craft. His journey from Disney Channel favorite to serious film performer offers insights into navigating Hollywood's challenging career transitions.
Biography Table
| Full Name | Moises Arias |
|---|---|
| Profession | Actor |
| Birthday | April 18, 1994 |
| Age | 31 (as of 2025) |
| Birth Sign | Aries |
| Birthplace | New York City, New York, United States |
| Net Worth | $3.5 million (Estimated as of 2025) |
| Relationship Status | Private |
| Height | 5'1" |
| Weight | Private |
| Education | Private |
Introduction
Moises Arias, born April 18, 1994, in New York City, is an American actor who first captured audience attention as Rico on Disney Channel's hit series "Hannah Montana." Since his early success as a child actor, Arias has skillfully navigated the transition to more mature roles, appearing in critically acclaimed films and establishing himself as a versatile performer beyond his Disney origins. His distinctive presence and commitment to diverse character portrayals have helped him build a sustainable career in an industry where child stars often struggle to maintain relevance.
Early Life & Background
Born in New York City to Colombian parents, Moises Arias grew up in a culturally rich environment that likely influenced his later artistic sensibilities. While specific details about his early education remain private, his entry into acting came at a young age, suggesting either natural talent that was recognized early or family support for his creative pursuits.
Moises has a brother, Mateo Arias, who also pursued acting, indicating a family environment that nurtured performance arts. This sibling connection to the entertainment industry may have provided valuable support and understanding as Moises navigated his early career.
His heritage and upbringing in New York, a center for arts and culture, potentially provided a foundation for the diversity of roles he would later embrace, moving beyond stereotypical casting to explore complex characters across various genres.
Career Journey
From Child Actor to Disney Star
Moises Arias began his professional acting career at the young age of 11, making his television debut with a small role in "Everybody Hates Chris." This early exposure to professional sets laid the groundwork for what would soon become a significant breakthrough.
His career-defining moment came when he was cast as Rico Suave on Disney Channel's "Hannah Montana," starring alongside Miley Cyrus. As the mischievous and entrepreneurial beach stand owner, Arias quickly became a fan favorite, known for his comedic timing and distinctive character work despite his young age. The role showcased his ability to deliver memorable performances that resonated with the show's target audience.
During his Disney Channel years, Arias expanded his presence on the network with guest appearances on other popular shows including "The Suite Life of Zack & Cody" and "Wizards of Waverly Place," further cementing his status as a recognizable Disney Channel personality.
Transition to Film and Mature Roles
Unlike many child actors who struggle with the transition to adult roles, Moises Arias strategically expanded his repertoire beyond family-friendly television. He ventured into film work with increasingly complex roles that demonstrated his range as an actor.
His film credits include significant roles in "Ben-Hur" (2016) and "Five Feet Apart" (2019), showcasing his ability to contribute to both historical epics and contemporary dramas. These performances helped distance him from his child actor image and established him as a serious performer capable of tackling diverse material.
Additionally, Arias has taken on recurring television roles in shows like "The Middle" and voice acting work for the animated series "Dive Olly Dive!" demonstrating his versatility across different media formats and character types.
Voice Acting Career
Beyond his on-screen performances, Moises Arias has explored voice acting, bringing animated characters to life. His work on the animated film "Astro Boy" alongside Freddie Highmore demonstrated his ability to convey character and emotion through voice alone, adding another dimension to his acting skill set.
This aspect of his career highlights his versatility as a performer and his willingness to explore different facets of the acting profession, contributing to his longevity in an industry where adaptability is crucial for sustained success.
Personal Life
Moises Arias maintains a relatively private personal life despite growing up in the public eye. Details about his romantic relationships remain largely out of the spotlight, reflecting a conscious choice to separate his professional career from his private affairs.
His relationship with his brother, Mateo Arias, who is also an actor, appears to be an important part of his life. This family connection within the industry may provide valuable perspective and support in navigating the challenges of an entertainment career.
Unlike many former child stars, Arias has largely avoided public controversies or the typical pitfalls associated with early fame, suggesting a grounded approach to both his career and personal development.
Net Worth & Financial Success
As of 2025, Moises Arias's estimated net worth stands at approximately $3.5 million. This financial achievement reflects his sustained career from childhood to adulthood, spanning television, film, and voice acting work.
His income sources likely include:
- Earnings from his years on "Hannah Montana" and other Disney productions
- Film appearance fees for roles in major productions like "Ben-Hur" and "Five Feet Apart"
- Residuals from continued streaming and syndication of his earlier work
- Voice acting compensation
- Potential endorsements or other entertainment-related ventures
While not among Hollywood's highest earners, his financial stability represents successful navigation of the often-difficult transition from child to adult actor, maintaining steady work and building sustainable wealth over time.
Notable Facts & Trivia
Several interesting facts about Moises Arias highlight different aspects of his career and talents:
- Despite often playing characters older than his actual age on "Hannah Montana," Moises was quite young during the show's run, beginning the series when he was approximately 12 years old.
- He has worked with significant Hollywood talents, including voice acting alongside Freddie Highmore in the animated film "Astro Boy."
- In addition to his more well-known Disney Channel appearances, he has had recurring roles on shows like "The Middle" and the animated series "Dive Olly Dive!"
- His film work demonstrates considerable range, from biblical epics like "Ben-Hur" to contemporary emotional dramas like "Five Feet Apart."
- His Colombian heritage represents an important aspect of his background, potentially influencing his approach to diverse roles and characters.
Acting Style & Approach
Moises Arias has demonstrated remarkable versatility throughout his career, successfully transitioning from the exaggerated comedy required for Disney Channel performances to the nuanced emotional work demanded by more serious dramatic roles.
His early work showcased strong comedic timing and physical comedy skills, while his later performances reveal depth and subtlety that weren't necessarily apparent in his child actor roles. This evolution suggests both natural talent and deliberate skill development as he's matured as an actor.
His relatively small stature at 5'1" has not limited his casting opportunities, and he has instead incorporated this physical characteristic into distinctive performances that stand out in the industry.
Cultural Impact
As Rico on "Hannah Montana," Moises Arias created a character that remains recognizable to a generation who grew up watching Disney Channel in the 2000s. His portrayal contributed to the show's cultural impact and continues to be referenced in discussions of notable Disney Channel characters.
More significantly, his successful transition from child star to respected adult actor provides an important model for young performers navigating similar career paths. In an industry where child actors often struggle with the transition to adult roles, his trajectory offers a template for sustained relevance and artistic growth.
Future Prospects
As Moises Arias continues to build his adult acting career, his demonstrated range and consistent work suggest promising future prospects. Having successfully shed his child actor image, he appears positioned to pursue increasingly complex roles across various genres and formats.
Potential future directions might include:
- Further dramatic film roles that challenge his acting abilities
- Expanded voice acting work in animation
- Possible movement into production or directing, following the path of other former child actors
- International film opportunities that might leverage his Colombian heritage
His established credibility as a versatile performer provides a strong foundation for these potential career developments.
FAQ
What is Moises Arias most famous for?
Moises Arias is best known for playing Rico on Disney Channel's "Hannah Montana," though he has since established himself in film roles including "Ben-Hur" and "Five Feet Apart."
How tall is Moises Arias?
Moises Arias is 5'1" tall.
Does Moises Arias have siblings in the entertainment industry?
Yes, his brother Mateo Arias is also an actor.
What was Moises Arias's first acting role?
He had his first small television role at age 11 in "Everybody Hates Chris."
Has Moises Arias done voice acting?
Yes, he has done voice acting work, including the animated film "Astro Boy" with Freddie Highmore.