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From Rico’s Surf Shop To The Wasteland: 7 Shocking Facts About The Hannah Montana Star Moisés Arias (Rico Suave) Now In 2025

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The character of Rico Suave, the pint-sized, scheming business mogul from Disney Channel’s hit series *Hannah Montana*, remains one of the most memorable antagonists in early 2000s television history. For years, fans have wondered what happened to the actor who played the young, obnoxious owner of Rico's Surf Shop, especially as the rest of the cast, like Miley Cyrus and Emily Osment, have dominated headlines with their adult careers. As of December 2025, the actor, Moisés Arias, has not only shed his child star image but has successfully transitioned into serious, critically-acclaimed roles, culminating in a major 2024 television hit.

Moisés Arias has masterfully navigated the difficult path from a Disney Channel star to a versatile adult actor, proving his acting chops extend far beyond playing a mischievous teenager who perpetually torments Jackson Stewart. His recent work has been a major topic of conversation, showing a deliberate shift toward darker, more complex characters in the post-apocalyptic world of a major streaming service hit. Here is a deep dive into the life and career of Moisés Arias today.

Moisés Arias: Full Biography and Profile

  • Full Name: Moisés Arias
  • Date of Birth: April 18, 1994
  • Age (as of Dec 2025): 31
  • Place of Birth: New York City, New York, U.S.
  • Nationality: Colombian-American
  • Occupation: Actor, Photographer
  • Known For: Rico Suave in *Hannah Montana* (2006–2011), Biaggio in *The Kings of Summer* (2013), Norm in *The King of Staten Island* (2020), and his role in the 2024 TV series *Fallout*.
  • Early Career Highlights: Guest roles on *Everybody Hates Chris* (2005) and appearances in films like *Nacho Libre* (2006).
  • Sibling: Mateo Arias (also an actor).
  • Other Endeavors: Professional photographer, often shooting portraits of fellow Hollywood and internet stars under the moniker 490tx.

The Post-Disney Evolution: From Rico Suave to the Wasteland

The character of Rico Suave, with his trademark smirk and constant attempts to trick Jackson and Oliver Oken, was a staple of the *Hannah Montana* series. He was the only major character who remained unaware of Miley Ray Stewart’s secret life as the pop star Hannah Montana, a plot point that drove much of his antagonistic comedy. However, when the Disney Channel series concluded in 2011, Moisés Arias made a conscious and successful pivot away from the family-friendly genre.

His early post-Disney work demonstrated a commitment to indie and critically praised projects. He received significant recognition for his role as the wild, independent teenager Biaggio in the 2013 Sundance Film Festival favorite, *The Kings of Summer*. This role was a stark contrast to the cartoonish villainy of Rico, showcasing his range and ability to handle nuanced dramatic material. He followed this with a major role in the science fiction blockbuster *Ender's Game*.

Arias continued to build a solid filmography, appearing in films like the Mario Van Peebles comedy-drama *We the Party* and the 2019 SXSW comedy-drama *Cokestraw*. His career trajectory showed a consistent effort to collaborate with respected directors and take on challenging parts, often playing the quirky sidekick or a troubled youth.

The 2024 Breakout: Starring in Amazon’s *Fallout*

The biggest and most recent career update for Moisés Arias came in 2024 with the premiere of the critically acclaimed TV series *Fallout* on Amazon Prime Video. The show, based on the popular video game franchise, became a massive hit, and Arias’s involvement brought him back into the mainstream spotlight. His appearance on the red carpet for the 2024 Emmy Awards to celebrate the show's success solidified his status as a successful adult actor.

This role represents a major milestone, proving his ability to secure a spot in one of the most talked-about streaming series of the year. The success of *Fallout* has opened up new avenues, with the series already renewed and his name being attached to other new and upcoming movies for 2025 and 2026.

More Than Acting: Moisés Arias’s Thriving Photography Career

In addition to his acting career, Moisés Arias has cultivated a serious second career as a professional photographer. This is one of the most surprising and least-known facts about the former *Hannah Montana* star. He began picking up a camera on set as early as age 14 and never put it down.

Operating under the name 490tx, Arias has gained a reputation for his stunning portraiture. His work often focuses on capturing the reality of today's most popular internet and Hollywood stars, providing a raw, intimate look at his subjects. He is known for his unique aesthetic, which has been featured in several magazines and online publications. This creative pursuit showcases a depth and artistic sensibility that fans of the original Disney show might not expect.

Key Career Entities and Projects After Disney

  • The Kings of Summer (2013): A breakout indie role as Biaggio.
  • Ender's Game (2013): A major supporting role in a high-profile sci-fi film.
  • Jean-Claude Van Johnson (2016-2017): A recurring role in the action-comedy series.
  • The King of Staten Island (2020): Featured in the Judd Apatow film starring Pete Davidson.
  • Fallout (2024): Major television role on Amazon Prime Video.
  • Photography (490tx): A thriving artistic career focusing on contemporary portraiture.

The Legacy of Rico and the Future of Moisés Arias

While the role of Rico Suave will forever be tied to the Disney Channel era, Moisés Arias has successfully leveraged that early fame into a diverse and respected career. His character, the young manager of Rico's Surf Shop, was a key part of the show's dynamics, constantly clashing with Jackson Stewart and adding comedic tension. The show, which also featured Miley Cyrus, Emily Osment as Lilly Truscott, and Billy Ray Cyrus as Robby Ray Stewart, remains a cultural touchstone.

Today, Arias is a prime example of a child star who didn't just survive the transition to adult roles but thrived by choosing challenging, non-commercial projects like *The Kings of Summer* and eventually landing a major hit with *Fallout*. His dual career as an actor and a photographer demonstrates a multi-faceted creative drive. As he continues to take on new projects, including those rumored for 2025 and beyond, the future looks incredibly bright for the actor who once played the wealthiest and most mischievous kid on the Disney Channel.

rico hannah montana
rico hannah montana

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