Heartthrob Paolo from the Lizzie McGuire film looks more than 20 years after recognizable after the premiere of the film

Yani Gellman stole the hearts of millions around the world when he played Paolo in the beloved Lizzie McGuire film.

But now, 22 years later, he looks completely different from his Disney days.

Yani was shot in the spotlight thanks to his display as the handsome Italian pop star who convinced Lizzie, played by Hilary duffTo perform with him.

His sweet smile and perfectly swept hair combined with his sultry Italian accent charmed both Lizzie and the audience … That is why it was especially shocking when he was a total fake at the end of the film.

The Disney film, which premiered in 2003, was a huge staple in the youth of many people, and despite the conclusion of the turn, it is safe to say that Paolo was given a first famous crush for many.

But what does he look like now? Well, Yani, now 39, has certainly grown up over the past two decades.

Recent Instagram photos show that he is now rocking some stubble, and his hair is much shorter than when he played Paolo.

Yani made his acting debut in 1998 in an episode of the Show Animorphs.

Yani Gellman stole the hearts of millions of girls around the world when he played Paolo in the beloved Lizzie McGuire film in 2003

But now, 22 years later, he looks completely different than his Disney days

He then landed a number of small roles in shows such as Goosebumps, the famous Jett Jackson, Blue Murder and Mentors.

He also played in the films Urban Legends: Final Cut, Jason X, Baas van Bazen and the Matthew Shepard story.

In 2002 he landed the leading role in the TV series Guinevere Jones.

But his big break came in 2003 when he was cast as Paolo in the Lizzie McGuire film.

In addition to Hilary, it also played Adam Lamberg, Robert Carradine, Haille Todd and Jake Thomas.

The film earned $ 55.5 million at the cash register and transformed it into a huge star.

After the success of the Lizzie McGuire film, he continued in the Show Wild Card, the Canadian series Monster Warriors, CBS ‘The Young and the Reckless, the popular drama series Pretty Little Liars and CWs 90210.

In more recent years he played 47 meters down in the horror film, the TV film A bestseller type Love and the departing seniors of Apple TV.

Yani was shot in the spotlight thanks to his display as the handsome Italian pop star who convinced Lizzie, played by Hilary Duff, to perform with him

But what does he look like now? Well, Yani, now 39, has certainly grown up in the past two decades

Recent Instagram photos show that he is now rocking some stubble, and his hair is much shorter than when he played Paolo

After the success of the Lizzie McGuire film, he continued in the Show Wild Card, CBS ‘The Young and the Recsy (left), and the popular drama series Pretty Little Liars (right)

Over the years, Yani has spoken positively about the Lizzie McGuire film.

In 2023 he placed an emotional tribute to his Instagram on the 20th birthday and wrote: ‘This week the 20th birthday of the premiere of the Lizzie McGuire film marks.

‘This film has meant more to me than being able to say words … [Here’s] To the best community of fans and supporters everywhere – thanks for a great run. This is really true dreams of are made. ‘

He told too Over -fantastic In 2018 he would like to repeat his role as Palo for a reboot so that he can have a ‘chance of redemption’.

“I think a reboot would be fun,” he said. ‘I think a reboot with a kind of screaming would be to the generation of actors beforehand would be fun.

“But then I also think that there is even a bit of a story about what happens with these characters after this trip.”

The actor added: ‘I have always had the feeling that Paolo had a heart that was bigger than what he showed at those moments.

‘The character would like a chance of redemption. So you know that I would definitely be open to consider that if it would come.

“But whatever happens, I think the films and the TV program that is still a kind of really attractive and relate to even today’s audience, so whether they make something else or not, this world lives a bit and people still enjoy it.”