Mitchel Musso, well-known for his role as Oliver Oken in the Disney Channel series “Hannah Montana,” has recently reflected on the strong bond he shared with co-stars Miley Cyrus and Emily Osment during their time on the show. First airing in 2006, the sitcom became a significant part of their early careers and lives, and Musso has spoken candidly about the trio’s inseparable friendship.
In an appearance on the Joe Vulpis Podcast, Musso described his relationship with Cyrus and Osment as akin to a close-knit family, expressing that they essentially grew up together. “This is our middle school, high school, college – we graduated a class of three,” he remarked, indicating the depth of their connection both on set and beyond. The three friends often found time to engage in shared leisure activities, such as snowboarding, as well as enjoying each other’s company during downtime in Tennessee.
Musso mentioned that their friendship was built on a foundation of inside jokes and a genuine desire to be together. “We were just never wanted to be apart,” he said, underscoring the camaraderie that flourished during the production of the popular series. His affection for Cyrus came through in his commentary, as he termed her “one of the coolest people” and likened their relationship to that of siblings, stating, “I’d do anything for Miles.”
Despite their bond, both Musso and Osment were notably absent from the recent “Hannah Montana” 20th Anniversary Special, which aired in March 2026. The special featured Cyrus performing songs and sharing her experiences, but Musso expressed disappointment regarding the way it was presented. He believed it did not do justice to the characters or the series itself. “It wasn’t presented correctly,” he critiqued, adding that he would have preferred a reunion episode or movie that engaged all the original cast members.
Musso’s nostalgia was palpable as he reminisced about the excitement he felt at the prospect of being back on set with his co-stars. “The kid in me was banking on it,” he admitted, reflecting on his disappointment when that dream did not materialise. Although they were not part of the celebration, both he and Osment took to social media to honour the impact “Hannah Montana” had on their lives and careers.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Osment expressed gratitude for the show’s influence on her personal and professional growth. She acknowledged the show’s significance in her life, noting it imparted valuable lessons in discipline, patience, and respect. Osment also shared that she has interacted with countless fans over the years and that their continued support has meant a great deal to her. She wrote, “I can’t tell you what your sweet messages mean to me and how lucky I feel to have been a part of this once-in-a-generation goliath of a television show.”
Both Musso and Osment’s emotional responses to the show’s anniversary highlight the lasting legacy of “Hannah Montana,” not just as a series, but as a formative experience that shaped their lives. Musso’s advocacy for a more fitting tribute to the series emphasises the deep connection they all share with it to this day.
As the two former co-stars look back on their time in “Hannah Montana,” they do so with fondness, reflecting on friendships that have endured despite the passing years and shifting careers. With Osment’s commitment to quality storytelling in her ongoing work and Musso’s hiatus from Hollywood, it seems they continue to honour the valuable lessons and experiences they gained while working on the unforgettable series.
Their stories serve as a testament to the profound impact that childhood experiences and friendships can have on individuals, as they navigate the complexities of adulthood while holding onto cherished memories from their youthful years. The legacy of “Hannah Montana” remains bright, not just as a television show, but as a cornerstone of the actors’ journeys into the world of entertainment.