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Drew Roy trades Hollywood for the skies as a jet pilot

From Disney Channel heartthrob to aviation professional—how one actor's bold career pivot took him from TV sets to the cockpit. His new life is all about family and flight.

The image shows a young man in a black jacket posing for a picture against a dark background. He...
The image shows a young man in a black jacket posing for a picture against a dark background. He appears to be an actor, with a confident and determined expression on his face. His hair is neatly combed and his eyes are bright and full of life. He looks like he is ready to take on any challenge that comes his way.

Drew Roy trades Hollywood for the skies as a jet pilot

Drew Roy, best known for playing Jesse in Hannah Montana, has left acting behind to become a qualified jet pilot. The former Disney Channel star now works for AeroDynamic Aviation in Canada. His career shift marks a complete departure from Hollywood after years in television and film. Roy first gained fame as Miley Stewart's love interest in Hannah Montana. His character, Jesse, had a complicated relationship with Stewart, played by Miley Cyrus. After a breakup caused by Jake Ryan's infidelity, Jesse briefly returned—but Stewart ultimately chose Jake in the series finale.

Following *Hannah Montana*, Roy took on roles in *Falling Skies*, *Timeless*, and *The Last Ship*. He also appeared in *Sugar Mountain* and *The Murder of Nicole Brown Simpson*. His final acting job was reprising Griffin in the 2021 *iCarly* revival. Despite his past success, Roy did not attend the 20th-anniversary *Hannah Montana* special or premiere. Today, he lives in Canada with his wife, Renee Roy, and their two sons. His focus is now entirely on aviation, leaving his entertainment career behind.

Roy's transition from actor to pilot is complete. He no longer participates in industry events or reunions. His new profession and family life have replaced his former Hollywood career.

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