Jake T. Austin
A former Disney Channel star who successfully navigated the tricky transition from beloved child actor to a more mature creative force.
Born 1994 (age 32)·American actor·Birthday: December 3·Millennials
Biography
Jake T. Austin grew up on screen, landing his first commercial at age seven and quickly becoming a familiar voice and face to a generation of kids. He captured the role of Diego on Nickelodeon's 'Go, Diego, Go!' while still in elementary school, making him a preschool icon. His big break came with Disney Channel's 'Wizards of Waverly Place,' where he played the mischievous and lovable Max Russo opposite Selena Gomez for four seasons. Unlike many child actors, Austin deliberately stepped back from the spotlight in his late teens, taking selective film roles and focusing on his education. He later returned to television in a more mature capacity, originating the role of Jesus Foster on the groundbreaking family drama 'The Fosters.' This move demonstrated a conscious shift from sitcoms to substantive storytelling, showcasing his range and marking a deliberate evolution in his career as he built a life beyond the Disney bubble.
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.
Jake was born in 1994, 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 Jake Was Born
The biggest hits of 1994
#1 Movie
The Lion King
Best Picture
Forrest Gump
#1 TV Show
Seinfeld
Jake's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1994Born
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
1999Started school
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2007Became a teenager
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
2010Could drive
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
2012Could vote
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2015Turned 21
Paris climate agreement; same-sex marriage legalized in the US
Gas: $2.43/galHome: $171,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Uptown Funk" — Mark Ronson ft. Bruno MarsBest Picture: Spotlight
2024Turned 30
AI reshapes industries; Paris Olympics
Gas: $3.31/galHome: $372,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Espresso" — Sabrina CarpenterBest Picture: Anora
2026Age 32 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Starred as Max Russo on the hit Disney Channel series 'Wizards of Waverly Place' for its entire four-season run.
- Was the original voice of Diego on the long-running Nickelodeon animated series 'Go, Diego, Go!'
- Originated the role of Jesus Foster in the first season of the ABC Family drama 'The Fosters'.
Did You Know?
He is of Argentine, Spanish, English, and Ashkenazi Jewish descent.
Austin is a trained singer and performed the theme song for 'Go, Diego, Go!'
He co-starred in the 2009 family film 'Hotel for Dogs' alongside Emma Roberts and Don Cheadle.
“I started doing voices for animated characters when I was still a kid.”
