Surprising Age Gaps in Films and TV That We Can't Ignore

Jason Earles and Miley Cyrus

Miley Cyrus became a household name by starring in the iconic show *Hannah Montana* at just thirteen years old. However, many fans might not realize that Jason Earles, who played her older brother Jackson on the show, was actually twenty-nine when the series first aired—despite his character being sixteen. To put it into perspective, Miley has only recently reached the age Jason was back then, while he’s now in his forties

This raises the question: why do Hollywood casting agents often choose actors significantly older than the characters they portray? While it’s not uncommon for actors to play younger roles, this age gap is less jarring than when actors with similar age differences are cast as romantic partners. Hollywood’s casting choices often leave audiences scratching their heads, but they’ve become a familiar part of the entertainment industry. After all, who hasn’t noticed how often teens in movies and TV shows are played by actors in their late twenties or even thirties? It’s just one of those quirks that keeps viewers talking.