Miley Cyrus Says Country Star Dad Billy Ray Had to Audition to Play Her Father on “Hannah Montana”, but Almost Jeopardized Role by Being ‘Too Nice’

Miley Cyrus Reflects on Hannah Montana’s Impact on Family

Miley Cyrus recently opened up about her experiences while starring in the Disney Channel series “Hannah Montana,” revealing the profound significance it held for her family. In a candid discussion with Variety, the 33-year-old singer shared her journey to securing the lead role of Miley Stewart, the show’s protagonist, highlighting the bond formed with her father, Billy Ray Cyrus, who portrayed her on-screen dad.

Initially, Miley faced rejection during her first audition for the show, which led Disney to pursue a different direction. However, destiny intervened when, a year later, she was invited to audition in person in Los Angeles, where she ultimately landed the coveted role. Reflecting on this pivotal moment, Miley expressed how the project symbolised a special opportunity for her family to engage more together.

As the casting team worked to assemble the rest of the family for “Hannah Montana,” her mother, Tish, recounted a humorous encounter with a Disney casting director who had a crush on Billy Ray Cyrus. In light-hearted jest, the director remarked, “Too bad we can’t afford her real dad.” Tish, keen on keeping the family close, quickly saw a chance and replied, “Oh, maybe you can.” At that time, Billy Ray was balancing filming in Canada with his life in Tennessee while working on another show, “Doc.”

While everything appeared to be falling into place, there was a brief moment of concern when Billy Ray threatened to inadvertently give up the role. Miley recounted how her father, known for his kindness, began encouraging other fathers attending auditions with their daughters, promoting them for what would ultimately be his role as Robby Ray Stewart. He even ventured into the parking lot to rally other dads, telling them, “You should hire this guy! He’s a great actor!”

This concerning bout of generosity led to Miley’s mother discreetly telling her father to stop jeopardising their chances of securing the part, urging him with a playful squeeze to stay focused on the role at hand. Eventually, Miley concluded that the undeniable connection between her and her father made his casting inevitable. “It was so obvious, after all the other dads, that you can’t fake the kind of connection that we have,” she asserted, reminiscing about the unique rapport they shared both on and offscreen.

The father-daughter duo proved successful, with Billy Ray playing Robby Ray across 99 episodes of the series. Miley also noted that having her father on set provided an essential protective barrier against the industry. “My parents didn’t need me to be famous to survive or to be stable,” she explained, emphasising that her family’s motivation was never driven by a need for her fame or financial success.

Cyrus’ upbringing within the entertainment industry was notably different from many child stars, as she stressed that she was never burdened with the responsibility of being the family’s financial backbone. Instead, she was grateful her earnings went into her own bank account, thanks to her parents’ guidance and support.

On the “Hannah Montana” set, Miley and Billy Ray shared connecting dressing rooms, with an office in between that served as the headquarters for Miley’s fan club, which was managed by her grandmother. This close-knit arrangement ensured that her father was always nearby, closely safeguarding her during her formative years in the spotlight. “There was never a time where I was going to be alone in that dressing room,” she reflected, acknowledging Billy Ray’s constant presence as integral to her experience.

Fans of the iconic series can look forward to a special anniversary celebration. The “Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special” is set to premiere on March 24, precisely two decades after the original series first graced viewers on the Disney Channel. With this event, Miley and her family anticipate returning to the beloved legacy that shaped their lives and connected them as a family for years.