A former Disney Channel star has confessed to deceiving about their age to secure a role alongside Miley Cyrus on Hannah Montana. Jason Earles, now 48, portrayed Miley’s on-screen older brother in the popular Disney show that aired from 2006 to 2011.

The series depicted Miley’s character juggling her life as a pop sensation and a regular school student. As the Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special approaches, scheduled to premiere on Disney+ on March 24, Jason reflected on how he landed his role on the iconic program.

During an episode of the Best of Both Worlds podcast with the show’s writer-producer Douglas Danger Lieblein and director Shannon Flynn, Jason admitted to falsifying his age during the audition process. Despite being 28 at the time, he claimed to be 18 to fit the role of a 16-year-old.

Jason shared his fear of being replaced after the truth about his age emerged halfway through the first season. The network executives only discovered his real age later on, with one executive jokingly questioning Jason about any other hidden secrets.

Apart from his role in Hannah Montana, Jason has also appeared in various movies and television series in the USA. His podcast appearance precedes the upcoming Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special on Disney+, which Miley Cyrus expressed excitement for.