The “Hannah Montana” 20th anniversary special is officially here, but two key players from the Disney show are missing in action.
Emily Osment and Mitchel Musso, who starred as Miley Stewart’s best friends, Lilly and Oliver, do not appear in the special, which dropped on Disney+ March 24. But they both have spoken out about their experience being part of the hit series to mark 20 years since it premiered in March 2006.
Osment posted an Instagram video explaining that she couldn’t take part in the special because she is shooting her CBS comedy, “Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage.”
“‘Hannah Montana’ changed my life, it gave me a lifelong respect for this medium of comedy, it taught me discipline, patience, timing and respect working in an adult space so young,” she captioned an Instagram video of her and “Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage” co-star Montana Jordan on March 23 from the show’s set.
In the video, Osment confirmed she was “not able to be a part of the 20-year reunion because we are here shooting our show.” The “Young Sheldon” spinoff is currently airing its second season.
Osment, who after “Hannah Montana” went on to star in “Young & Hungry” and “Young Sheldon,” said she feels grateful for all the support she’s received from fans.
“I can’t tell you what your sweet messages mean to me and how lucky I feel to have been apart of this once in a generation goliath of a television show,” she wrote. “Thank you for letting me into your living rooms and I hope to still be there many years from now. Would never be where I am without you guys, working on another beautiful show I love so dearly. With all my heart, THANK YOU.”
Musso, meanwhile, shared a series of photos from his time on “Hannah Montana,” along with a lengthy post detailing his love for the show. He did not share why he was not part of the special.
“‘Hannah Montana’ wrapped around my heart and never really let go. We literally grew up with ya’ll — long days, crazy schedules, learning lines, cracking up between takes, and figuring out life while the cameras rolled,” he wrote.
“It taught me so many wonderful values, but the most important ‘to me’ is that laughter can get you through the tough days. That confidence still sticks with me every single day.”
Musso, who in later seasons played Lilly’s love interest on the show, referenced Osment’s post while noting how gratifying it is to see their viewers grow into adults.
“To all of you who grew up right alongside us… your friends were our friends too. Like my Lillypop said on her post, so many of you building families of your own and sharing this wonderful story with your kids is a gift beyond words. It’s been the coolest part of HM,” he wrote.
Musso again acknowledged Osment, as well as Miley Cyrus, Billy Ray Cyrus and fellow cast members Moises Arias and Jason Earles.
“Miley, Emily, Jason, Billy Ray, Moises, and the whole crew at Disney — you became my family through all the real, messy, beautiful moments. Thank you for believing in a goofy kid from Texas who wore some questionable outfits with a haircut like that,” he wrote.
“To all of you, thank you for welcoming me into your homes and hearts 20 years ago and still allowing me to be here today. I’m honored we get to share all of this together.”
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