Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · June 9, 2025 · Entertainment

From Rico Suave to Unrecognizable: Moises Arias' Transformative Journey

Moises Arias was skyrocketed into the spotlight when he starred as the troublemaker Rico in the beloved Disney Channel series Hannah Montana in the early 2000s

The Disney Darling Who Grew Up: Moises Arias' Jaw-Dropping Transformation

It's been nearly two decades since Moises Arias stole our hearts as Rico Suave, the charming and mischievous rich kid on the hit Disney Channel series Hannah Montana. The show, which aired from 2006 to 2011, catapulted him to fame at just 12 years old, but little did we know that this talented young actor was only just beginning his journey. Fast forward 14 years, and Moises, now 31, has undergone a staggering transformation that's left fans begging for more.

So, what happened to the adorable Rico Suave? Gone are the days of Moises' signature messy brown hair and baby face. In a recent Instagram selfie, he showed off his rugged new look, sporting scruffy facial hair and a much shorter hairstyle that's got us all talking. It seems Moises has traded in his Disney days for a more mature, edgy vibe.

Moises, now 31, was cast in the Miley Cyrus-lead series in 2006 when he was only 12 years old

But before we dive into the juicy details of Moises' transformation, let's take a trip down memory lane. The actor made his acting debut in 2006 with a small role in the movie Nacho Libre, and just a year later, he landed the coveted spot as Rico Suave on Hannah Montana. His character was originally supposed to be a supporting role, but Moises' undeniable charm won over audiences, and he was promoted to the main cast for the show's second season.

As Rico Suave, Moises played the perfect foil to Miley Cyrus' Hannah Montana (who was secretly Miley Stewart by day). The two would often get into trouble together, making for some of the most epic moments in the show. Who could forget their infamous feud over Rico's Surf Shop, or their wild adventures on the beach? Moises quickly became a fan favorite, and his chemistry with Miley on-screen was undeniable.

But what happened to this talented young actor after Hannah Montana wrapped up its four-season run? It turns out that Moises had bigger plans than just resting on his laurels. He went on to star in a slew of big movies and shows, including Beethoven's Big Break, The Perfect Game, Noobz, The Kings of Summer, Ender's Game, Ben-Hur, Pitch Perfect 3, Little B*hes, Five Feet Apart, American Murderer, and Samaritan, among others. Yes, you read that right – Moises has been keeping busy!

But now, nearly two decades after the show premiered, the actor looks so different from his Disney days

But it doesn't stop there. In addition to his acting career, Moises has also dabbled in directing. Along with his brother, Mateo Arias (who's also an actor), he created a series of YouTube films under the name Moiswashere. They're not just talented actors; they're creative entrepreneurs too!

In 2012, Moises co-founded a fashion brand called MSFTSrep with none other than Jaden Smith and Willow Smith. Yes, you guessed it – those two are his business partners! The brand has been gaining traction ever since its launch, and we can't help but wonder what's next for this talented trio.

But amidst all the glamour and glitz, Moises has also had to deal with some controversy. In 2014, a photo surfaced on social media that showed him lying on a bed shirtless with his then-13-year-old friend Willow Smith fully clothed. The image sparked outrage, with many calling for an investigation by child protective services. Jada Pinkett Smith, Willow's mom, defended the photo at the time, saying there was "nothing sexual about it." All parties were later cleared, but not before Moises' reputation took a hit.

Moises (seen last year), now 31, was cast in the Miley Cyrus-lead series in 2006 when he was only 12 years old. But now, flash forward 14 years later, and he is practically unrecognizable

In an interview on her Red Table Talk show in 2019, Jada revealed that she had been furious over the ordeal. She recalled, "I was looking at the CPS lady and thinking, 'You could be helping so many kids right now,' and you're wasting your time with a child who has everything they need." Willow also spoke out about the experience, saying that it was "crazy" and that she wished people would focus on more important issues.

Nowadays, Moises is keeping busy as a photographer, sharing his stunning shots on Instagram where he has over 800,000 followers. It's clear that this talented young actor has grown up to be a confident, creative force to be reckoned with.

As fans, we can't help but wonder what's next for Moises Arias. Will he continue to dazzle us with his acting talents? Or will he surprise us with a new venture altogether? One thing's for sure – we'll be keeping an eye on this talented young man as he continues to take the world by storm.

After the show turned Moises into a sensation practically overnight, he went on to star in a slew of big movies and shows. He's seen last year

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Over the years, Moises also dabbled in directing, co-founded a clothing line, and is now a photographer

Most recently, he played Norm MacLean in the wildly popular TV show Fallout, based off the video game of the same name