For a certain generation, few things evoke a purer sense of nostalgia than a Disney Channel Original Movie. These films were appointment television, shaping weekends and sleepovers, and leaving an indelible mark on our collective pop culture consciousness. Among them, 1999’s The Thirteenth Year holds a special, splashy place, captivating audiences with its unique blend of teen angst and aquatic fantasy. But as the years turn into decades, a natural question surfaces: Cast & Characters: What Happened to The Thirteenth Year Stars?
You're not alone in wondering about the fates of Cody Griffin, Jess Wheatley, Sam, and the rest of the memorable ensemble. Hollywood careers can be as unpredictable as the tides, and for child actors especially, the path after a breakthrough role is rarely a straight line. Join us as we dive deep, exploring where these beloved faces landed after their journey in this enchanting DCOM.
At a Glance: Diving Deep into The Thirteenth Year's Legacy
- The Mer-Boy's Main Star: Chez Starbuck (Cody Griffin) largely stepped away from acting, focusing on a more private life and business ventures.
- The Loyal Sidekick: Justin Jon Ross (Jess Wheatley) also transitioned out of the acting spotlight, building a career outside of entertainment.
- The Brains and the Heart: Courtnee Draper (Sam) continued a robust career, particularly shining in voice acting for popular video games.
- The Iconic Dad: Dave Coulier (Whit Griffin) remained a prominent figure, especially known for his enduring role in Full House and its sequel.
- The Uncredited Cameo: A very young Kristen Stewart made a blink-and-you-miss-it appearance, foreshadowing her eventual superstardom.
- The Lasting Ripple: The Thirteenth Year remains a cherished DCOM, remembered for its charm, heart, and surprising depth.
The Enchanting Premise: What Made The Thirteenth Year Swim?
Before we track down the stars, let's briefly revisit the magic of The Thirteenth Year. Directed by Duwayne Dunham, this 1999 DCOM told the whimsical tale of Cody Griffin, a seemingly ordinary teenager adopted by Whit and Sharon Griffin. His world turns upside down on his thirteenth birthday when he starts experiencing bizarre changes: scaling walls with ease, generating static electricity, developing an insatiable thirst for water, and ultimately, growing fins.
The revelation? His birth mother is a mermaid, and Cody is slowly transforming into one himself. The film brilliantly blended typical teen struggles—navigating friendships, first crushes, and the pressures of school—with the fantastical challenge of adapting to a new, secret identity. It resonated with young viewers because it tapped into that universal feeling of being "different" during adolescence, albeit with a magical twist. This narrative, combined with the relatable performances from the talented cast of The Thirteenth Year, cemented its place in DCOM history.
The movie explored themes of identity, acceptance, and the meaning of family, whether biological or adoptive. It was a charming, often humorous, and surprisingly heartfelt look at growing up and discovering who you truly are, even if that means sprouting a tail.
The Main Currents: Tracking the Stars of The Thirteenth Year
The core trio of Cody, Jess, and Sam, along with Cody's adoptive parents and an uncredited future superstar, formed the heart of this aquatic adventure. Let’s see where their respective tides took them.
Chez Starbuck as Cody Griffin: The Mer-Boy's Next Chapter
As the protagonist Cody Griffin, Chez Starbuck delivered a memorable performance, capturing the confusion and wonder of a boy transforming into a merman. His expressive eyes and earnest portrayal made him a relatable hero for many young viewers grappling with their own coming-of-age changes.
After The Thirteenth Year, Starbuck appeared in a few other projects, most notably a recurring role in the short-lived TV series Undressed in 2000, and a guest spot on Ed in 2001. However, unlike many child stars who try to parlay early success into a lifelong acting career, Starbuck made a conscious decision to step away from the limelight. He chose a path that prioritized privacy and personal fulfillment over continued Hollywood fame.
Today, Chez Starbuck is reportedly involved in various business ventures and real estate, living a life far removed from the public eye. While fans occasionally express a desire to see him return to acting, his choice reflects a common trajectory for child actors who find different passions outside of entertainment. His legacy, however, remains firmly tied to his charming portrayal of the mer-boy who taught us to embrace our unique selves.
Justin Jon Ross as Jess Wheatley: Cody's Loyal Buddy
Every hero needs a loyal best friend, and Justin Jon Ross perfectly embodied that role as Jess Wheatley. Jess was the skeptical, yet ultimately supportive, companion who helped Cody navigate his bewildering transformation. His comedic timing and genuine chemistry with Starbuck made their friendship feel authentic and a cornerstone of the film's appeal.
Following The Thirteenth Year, Ross continued acting for a few more years, with appearances in shows like Party of Five and The Pretender. He also had a role in the 2001 film P.U.N.K.S., which reunited him with Thirteenth Year co-star Tim Redwine. However, much like Chez Starbuck, Justin Jon Ross eventually transitioned out of the acting industry.
Information about Ross's current endeavors is sparse, suggesting he, too, has embraced a life outside public scrutiny. Fans remember him fondly as the quick-witted Jess, a character who embodied the importance of unwavering friendship during extraordinary circumstances.
Courtnee Draper as Sam: The Brains and the Heart
Courtnee Draper’s portrayal of Sam was a standout. Sam was the intelligent, quick-thinking girl who not only helped Cody understand his condition but also proved herself a formidable ally. Her character added depth and wit to the narrative, providing much of the exposition and practical problem-solving.
Unlike her on-screen counterparts, Courtnee Draper continued to build a substantial career in entertainment. She moved into more mature roles, appearing in popular television series like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, The Bold and the Beautiful (where she had a significant role as Mary Warwick), Veronica Mars, and CSI: Miami.
However, Draper truly found her niche and garnered critical acclaim in the world of voice acting for video games. She is widely recognized for her powerful performance as Elizabeth in the highly acclaimed BioShock Infinite, a role for which she won a BAFTA Games Award for Best Performer. Her voice work extends to numerous other titles, including Kingdom Hearts III, God of War, and Fallout 4. Her pivot to voice acting showcases a successful evolution for a child actor, demonstrating versatility and a knack for finding impactful roles in new mediums. You can dive deeper into the career trajectories of the talented actors from The Thirteenth Year to see more examples of successful transitions.
Dave Coulier as Whit Griffin: The Iconic Dad Figure
For many viewers, Dave Coulier was already a household name before The Thirteenth Year. Best known as Joey Gladstone from the beloved sitcom Full House, Coulier brought his signature warmth and comedic timing to the role of Whit Griffin, Cody's loving adoptive father. His performance grounded the fantastical elements of the film, providing a sense of stability and unconditional love amidst Cody's transformations.
Coulier’s career remained robust after The Thirteenth Year. He continued to perform stand-up comedy, do voice work for animated series like Muppet Babies (the 2018 revival) and Robot Chicken, and make numerous television appearances. He famously reprised his role as Joey Gladstone in the Full House sequel series, Fuller House, which ran on Netflix from 2016 to 2020. This allowed a new generation of fans to enjoy his family-friendly humor and brought a comforting sense of continuity to those who grew up with him.
Dave Coulier remains an active and beloved figure in entertainment, often touring with his comedy show and engaging with fans who appreciate his enduring contributions to family entertainment. His presence lent a familiar and comforting touch to the 1999 Disney Channel hit.
Kristen Stewart's Uncredited Splash: A Future Star's Cameo
This one often catches people by surprise! Yes, one of Hollywood's biggest stars had an uncredited cameo in The Thirteenth Year. A very young Kristen Stewart appeared briefly as "Girl in Fountain Line." You can spot her in a quick shot, standing in line at the fountain. This blink-and-you-miss-it role occurred before her breakout performance in Panic Room (2002) and, of course, her global superstardom as Bella Swan in The Twilight Saga.
Stewart's career trajectory is a testament to perseverance and choosing diverse roles. After Twilight, she deliberately sought out independent films and challenging characters, earning critical acclaim for her work in movies like Clouds of Sils Maria, Personal Shopper, and Spencer, where she garnered an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress for her portrayal of Princess Diana.
Her uncredited appearance in The Thirteenth Year is a fun footnote in her incredible career, a tiny glimpse of a future star before she truly shined. It serves as a reminder that every major actor starts somewhere, sometimes in the most unexpected places.
Beyond the Main Wave: Catching Up with Other Key Cast Members
While the central figures anchored the story, The Thirteenth Year was populated by a host of other memorable characters, each contributing to its charm. Let’s briefly check in with some of them.
Tim Redwine as Sean Marshall
Tim Redwine played Sean Marshall, Cody's initial romantic rival who eventually becomes more understanding. Redwine continued acting for a few years, appearing in the aforementioned P.U.N.K.S. with Justin Jon Ross and in an episode of The Amanda Show. Like many of his young co-stars, he eventually chose a path outside of mainstream acting.
Stephanie Chantel Durelli as Mermaid
The enigmatic Mermaid, Cody's birth mother, was played by Stephanie Chantel Durelli. Her ethereal presence was crucial to the film's mythology. Durelli had a relatively short acting career, with The Thirteenth Year being one of her most prominent roles. She seems to have moved on to other ventures, leaving her mark with that memorable aquatic performance.
Lisa Stahl as Sharon Griffin
Lisa Stahl played Sharon Griffin, Cody's kind and supportive adoptive mother. Stahl had a steady career in television, with roles in soaps like Miami Sands and various guest appearances. After The Thirteenth Year, she continued acting in smaller roles and television series, often portraying maternal or professional characters.
Regan Burns as Joe
Regan Burns, who played Joe, is a recognizable character actor with an extensive list of credits. Even if you don't know his name, you've likely seen him in countless TV shows, often playing comedic or officious roles. Post-The Thirteenth Year, Burns has maintained a prolific career with guest spots on popular series like Curb Your Enthusiasm, NCIS, and a recurring role in Dog with a Blog. His consistent work highlights the steady careers of dedicated character actors in Hollywood.
Joel McKinnon Miller as Hal
Another familiar face is Joel McKinnon Miller, who played Hal. Miller is another quintessential character actor whose career truly took off in the decades following The Thirteenth Year. He is most widely known for his beloved role as Detective Norm Scully in the hit comedy series Brooklyn Nine-Nine, which ran for eight seasons. His portrayal of the lovable, food-obsessed detective earned him a huge fan base. Prior to that, he also had a recurring role in HBO's Big Love. His journey showcases how a small role in a DCOM can be just one step in a long and successful career. These diverse paths demonstrate the many directions the talented ensemble of The Thirteenth Year took.
The Thirteenth Year's Enduring Ripple Effect: A DCOM Legacy
The Thirteenth Year is more than just a movie about a merman; it's a significant part of the Disney Channel Original Movie canon. These films, often produced on modest budgets, became cultural touchstones for a generation. They offered aspirational stories, taught valuable life lessons, and provided a platform for many young actors who would go on to achieve varying degrees of success.
The DCOM era, in particular the late 90s to early 2000s, fostered a unique brand of family-friendly entertainment that blended fantasy, comedy, and coming-of-age narratives. For the actors involved, it often meant early exposure, a loyal fan base, and a stepping stone to other opportunities – or, as we've seen with Chez Starbuck and Justin Jon Ross, the realization that other paths called to them.
The journey of child actors is famously challenging. The transition from childhood fame to adult success is fraught with difficulties, and it’s heartening to see that many of The Thirteenth Year's cast members found fulfilling lives, whether in front of the camera or elsewhere. Their diverse trajectories underscore the complex realities of navigating a career in Hollywood, especially when starting young.
Revisiting the Waters: Where Can You Watch The Thirteenth Year Today?
Feeling a wave of nostalgia and want to re-experience Cody's mer-adventure? You're in luck! The Thirteenth Year, like many classic DCOMs, is available for streaming on Disney+. It’s the perfect opportunity to revisit the film, appreciate the performances of the memorable cast, and perhaps spot young Kristen Stewart in her uncredited role.
Watching it again as an adult can offer a different perspective, highlighting the film's subtle humor, the earnestness of the young actors, and the timeless themes that still resonate. It’s a comforting journey back to a simpler time, when discovering you were a merman was perhaps the biggest problem you could imagine.
The Enduring Magic: Why We Still Talk About The Thirteenth Year
Nearly two and a half decades after its premiere, The Thirteenth Year continues to hold a special place in the hearts of its original audience. It wasn't just a movie; it was a part of our childhoods, a fun, fantastical escape that made us believe in a little bit of magic.
The legacy of the film isn't just about what happened to its stars, but also about the enduring impact it had on those who watched it. It’s a testament to the power of a well-told story, charming characters, and the unique magic that only a DCOM could deliver. Whether you're a fan reminiscing or a newcomer discovering its charm, The Thirteenth Year remains a delightful piece of entertainment.
So, go ahead, dive back into the enchanting world of Cody Griffin and his friends. You might find that the magic of The Thirteenth Year still holds a powerful current, reminding you to embrace the extraordinary within the ordinary, and to celebrate the unique journey of everyone, including the incredible actors who brought this story to life.