Cody Linley
An actor who grew up on screen, best known for charming a generation as Hannah Montana's love interest, Jake Ryan.
Born 1989 (age 37)·American actor·Birthday: November 20·Millennials
Biography
Cody Linley entered the public eye as a child actor, landing roles in films like 'My Dog Skip' and 'Hocus Pocus' before most kids hit middle school. His career trajectory was defined by the Disney Channel era, where his recurring role as Miley Stewart's sweet-natured love interest on 'Hannah Montana' made him a familiar face in millions of living rooms. This teen idol status was tested on the dance floor when he joined 'Dancing with the Stars' at 18, showcasing a competitive spirit and finishing a respectable fourth. While many child actors fade, Linley continued to work steadily in television and film, navigating the transition from adolescent roles to more mature characters, building a career that has spanned over two decades since his first audition.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Cody was born in 1989, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Cody Was Born
The biggest hits of 1989
#1 Movie
Batman
Best Picture
Driving Miss Daisy
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
Cody's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1989Born
Berlin Wall falls; Tiananmen Square protests
Gas: $1.00/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Look Away" — ChicagoBest Picture: Driving Miss Daisy
1994Started school
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
2002Became a teenager
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2005Could drive
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2007Could vote
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2010Turned 21
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2019Turned 30
First image of a black hole; Hong Kong protests
Gas: $2.60/galHome: $224,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Old Town Road" — Lil Nas XBest Picture: Parasite
2026Age 37 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Played the recurring role of Jake Ryan across multiple seasons of the Disney Channel series 'Hannah Montana'.
- Finished in fourth place on the seventh season of 'Dancing with the Stars' with professional partner Julianne Hough.
- Appeared in the feature film 'My Dog Skip' at the age of ten.
- Had a guest-starring role on the popular series 'The Suite Life of Zack & Cody'.
Did You Know?
He was a national spokesperson for the anti-bullying campaign 'Be a Star'.
He is an avid surfer and often shares surfing content on his social media.
He voiced the character of Zephyr in the animated series 'The Adventures of Kid Danger'.
He began his acting career with a commercial for Ore-Ida French Fries.
“I grew up on set; it was my normal classroom.”
