Jason Earles is an American actor, director, and producer best remembered for playing Jackson Stewart on Disney Channel’s smash-hit series Hannah Montana. Over a career spanning more than two decades, Jason Earles has built a reputation as a versatile performer, moving from teen sitcoms to action-comedy films, voice work, and podcasting. He is also known publicly as the husband of Katie Drysen, a former production assistant turned social media personality. This article explores Jason Earles’ early life, rise to fame, professional milestones, personal relationships — including his marriage to Katie Drysen — and his current projects, giving readers a complete and accurate picture of the man behind Jackson Stewart.
Who Is Jason Earles?
Jason Daniel Earles was born on April 26, 1977, in San Diego, California. He is widely recognized for his comedic timing and youthful appearance, which allowed him to convincingly play teenage characters well into his thirties. Beyond acting, Earles has worked as a director and producer, expanding his footprint in the entertainment industry. His most defining role remains Jackson Stewart, the bumbling but lovable older brother on Hannah Montana, a part that made him a household name among millions of Disney Channel viewers worldwide and secured his place in early-2000s pop culture history.
Early Life and Family Background
Jason Earles’ family moved frequently during his childhood, relocating from San Diego to Ohio, then Washington state, before eventually settling in Oregon. This nomadic upbringing exposed him to different environments and communities, which he has credited with shaping his adaptable personality. It was during his early school years, specifically third grade, that Earles discovered his passion for performing after landing the role of Hansel in a school production of Hansel and Gretel. That early theatrical spark stayed with him and eventually became the foundation of his professional acting career.
Education and Theatre Training
Before pursuing Hollywood, Jason Earles relocated to Billings, Montana, where he attended Rocky Mountain College, graduating in 2000. During his college years, he intensively trained in theatre, performing in acclaimed stage productions such as One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Equus, Twelfth Night, and House of Blue Leaves. These performances earned him multiple Irene Ryan nominations, a prestigious recognition in collegiate theatre. He also performed with the Virginia City Players and Montana Shakespeare in the Parks, experiences that sharpened his craft long before he appeared on television screens.
Jason Earles’ Path Into Acting
After graduating college, Jason Earles made the transition into film and television around 2001, eventually landing his TV debut with a small role on MADtv in 2003. That same year, he also appeared in episodes of The Shield and Still Standing. In 2004, he gained wider visibility with a supporting role in the blockbuster adventure film National Treasure, playing Thomas Gates. A year later, he appeared in American Pie Presents: Band Camp. These early credits gradually built his resume and positioned him for the breakout opportunity that would define his career.
Breakthrough Role: Jackson Stewart in Hannah Montana
In 2006, Jason Earles landed the role that would make him famous: Jackson Stewart, the older brother of Miley Stewart, played by Miley Cyrus, on the Disney Channel series Hannah Montana. The show became a cultural phenomenon, and Earles appeared in every season, along with the 2009 feature film spin-off Hannah Montana: The Movie. His performance as the goofy, scheme-prone Jackson earned him a devoted fan base and a Teen Choice Award nomination in 2009 for Choice Movie Actor. The role remains the most defining credit of his career to this day.
The Birth Date Controversy
One of the more unusual chapters of Jason Earles’ career involves his real age. To land the role of a supposedly 16-year-old character, Earles reportedly misrepresented his birth date to producers, fearing he would be recast if his true age became known. He later confirmed this on his own podcast, admitting he was genuinely afraid of losing the role. In reality, Earles was nearly 29 years old when Hannah Montana premiered and 34 by the time the series concluded — a fact that surprised many fans who had assumed he was much younger throughout the show’s run.
Life After Hannah Montana
Following the conclusion of Hannah Montana, Jason Earles continued building a diverse career across television. He starred in Disney XD’s Pair of Kings and hosted the talent competition series PrankStars. He also appeared in Melissa & Joey and took on roles in TV movies including Sharknado 4: The 4th Awakens and Sharknado 5: Global Swarming. His ability to pivot between genres — from family sitcoms to campy disaster comedies — showcased his range as a performer and helped him avoid being permanently typecast as Jackson Stewart alone.
Kickin’ It and Other TV Roles
Jason Earles found another major hit with Kickin’ It, a Disney XD martial-arts comedy series where he played Rudy Gillespie, the eccentric owner of a struggling dojo. Premiering in 2011, the show became one of Disney XD’s top-rated series and further cemented Earles as a bankable name in youth-oriented television. He has also lent his voice talents to animated favorites like Phineas and Ferb and Milo Murphy’s Law, and appeared in shows such as WTH: Welcome to Howler and Hotel Du Loone, proving his staying power in children’s and family entertainment well beyond his Disney Channel debut.
Film Career and Notable Movies
While much of Jason Earles’ fame comes from television, his film career includes several notable credits. His earliest big-screen appearance came in National Treasure (2004), followed by American Pie Presents: Band Camp (2005). He later took on an action role in the film Hunted, playing what he has described as a “lovable killer,” a departure from his usual comedic persona. These film roles, though smaller compared to his television work, demonstrate his willingness to explore different genres and character types outside the family-friendly image he built during his Disney years.
Voice Acting and Behind-the-Camera Work
Beyond live-action performances, Jason Earles has done extensive voice-over work, including contributions to the popular web series The Most Popular Girls in School. He has also expanded into directing, earning membership with the Directors Guild of America (DGA) and directing multi-camera sitcoms in recent years. He served as an acting coach for High School Musical: The Musical: The Series and even guest-starred in its third season as camp counselor Dewey Wood. This behind-the-camera growth highlights his evolution from actor to a more well-rounded industry professional.
Best of Both Our Worlds Podcast
In 2026, Jason Earles launched a podcast dedicated to revisiting his most famous show, titled Best of Both Our Worlds (often shortened to BOBOW). He co-hosts the podcast alongside director Shannon Flynn and writer-producer Douglas Danger Lieblein, both of whom worked on Hannah Montana. The podcast allows Earles to reflect candidly on his time on the series, share behind-the-scenes stories, and reconnect with the show’s massive fan base. It has become a notable project in his post-Disney career, blending nostalgia with new-media storytelling.
Jason Earles’ Personal Life
Away from the camera, Jason Earles leads a relatively private life centered around family, fitness, and hobbies. He holds a blue belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, describes himself as a “wannabe world traveler,” and is an avid fan of sports and video games. He currently resides in Toluca Lake, California. Despite his fame from playing a teenager for nearly a decade, Earles is known among colleagues for his down-to-earth personality and self-deprecating humor, traits that have helped him maintain long-term friendships within the entertainment industry.
First Marriage to Jennifer Earles and Daughter Noah
Before his current marriage, Jason Earles was married to Jennifer Earles from 2002 to 2013. The couple share a daughter named Noah, who primarily lives with her mother. While Earles has kept most details of his first marriage private, his role as a father remains an important part of his personal identity. Balancing a demanding acting career with parenthood has been part of his life story, and he has occasionally referenced fatherhood as a grounding influence throughout his years in Hollywood.
Meeting and Marrying Katie Drysen
Jason Earles met his second wife, Katie Drysen, on the set of MADtv, where she worked as a production assistant. The two developed a relationship that eventually led to marriage on August 12, 2017, in a private ceremony held at The Garland in Toluca Lake, California. Katie Drysen has since become known publicly primarily through her connection to Earles, though she has also built her own presence in television production and on social media. Together, the couple shares a home in Toluca Lake, along with two cats reportedly named Donut and Zeke.
Who Is Katie Drysen?
Katie Drysen worked in television production before and after marrying Jason Earles, holding production assistant roles on shows including MADtv, It’s a Laugh Productions projects, and Silicon Valley. While detailed, independently verified biographical information about her early life remains limited, she is publicly recognized as Jason Earles’ wife and maintains an active presence on social media platforms, where she shares glimpses of their life together. Her behind-the-scenes production background gives her a unique perspective on the entertainment industry that complements her husband’s on-screen career.
Jason Earles’ Net Worth
Thanks to a career spanning film, television, voice acting, and directing, Jason Earles has built a substantial net worth over the years, largely attributed to his long-running role on Hannah Montana and subsequent projects like Kickin’ It. While exact figures vary by source, his diversified income streams — acting royalties, directing fees, and podcast revenue — reflect a career built on longevity rather than a single hit. His continued relevance more than two decades after his television debut speaks to sound career management alongside creative talent.
Hobbies and Interests
Outside of acting, Jason Earles maintains an active lifestyle. He practices Brazilian jiu-jitsu, enjoys traveling, and is a self-described sports enthusiast, particularly following the Cleveland Browns. He is also known to be an avid video gamer, often citing titles like Destiny as favorites. These interests paint a picture of a multifaceted individual whose life extends well beyond the entertainment industry, balancing his professional obligations with personal passions that keep him grounded outside of Hollywood’s spotlight.
Jason Earles’ Legacy and Influence
More than fifteen years after Hannah Montana concluded, Jason Earles remains a beloved figure among millennial and Gen Z audiences who grew up watching the show. His portrayal of Jackson Stewart continues to resonate through reruns, streaming platforms, and nostalgic online communities. By launching the Best of Both Our Worlds podcast, Earles has found a new way to engage directly with fans, ensuring his legacy from the Disney Channel era continues to grow rather than fade, while simultaneously building new creative projects for the next chapter of his career.
Conclusion
Jason Earles’ journey from a small-town theatre enthusiast to a recognizable face of Disney Channel’s golden era is a testament to persistence and versatility. From his breakout role as Jackson Stewart to his continued work as an actor, director, and podcaster, Earles has proven himself far more than a one-role star. His personal life, including his marriage to Katie Drysen, adds another layer to his public story, showing a man who has balanced fame with family throughout his career. As he continues exploring new creative avenues, Jason Earles remains a relevant and respected name in entertainment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is Jason Earles? Jason Earles is an American actor, director, and producer best known for playing Jackson Stewart on Disney Channel’s Hannah Montana and Rudy Gillespie on Kickin’ It.
2. How old is Jason Earles? Jason Earles was born on April 26, 1977, in San Diego, California.
3. Who is Jason Earles’ wife, Katie Drysen? Katie Drysen is Jason Earles’ wife, whom he met on the set of MADtv. The couple married in a private ceremony on August 12, 2017.
4. Does Jason Earles have children? Yes, Jason Earles has a daughter named Noah, from his first marriage to Jennifer Earles.
5. What other shows has Jason Earles appeared in besides Hannah Montana? Beyond Hannah Montana, Earles has appeared in Kickin’ It, Pair of Kings, PrankStars, Melissa & Joey, the Sharknado franchise, and animated series like Phineas and Ferb.
6. Is Jason Earles still acting? Yes, Jason Earles continues to work in the industry, including hosting his podcast Best of Both Our Worlds, which revisits his time on Hannah Montana.
7. Was Jason Earles really a teenager on Hannah Montana? No. Jason Earles was actually in his late twenties to mid-thirties during the show’s run, despite playing a teenage character; he has since admitted to misrepresenting his age to secure the role.
