From Disney Wizard To Adult Creator: What Happened To Zeke Beakerman From Wizards Of Waverly Place?
The character of Zeke Beakerman was a beloved, if slightly quirky, recurring presence in the magical world of Wizards of Waverly Place, known as Justin Russo’s eccentric best friend and a frequent source of comic relief. However, the life and career trajectory of the actor who played him, Dan Benson, has taken one of the most unexpected and dramatic turns of any former Disney Channel star, culminating in a major career pivot that is still making headlines in late 2025.
This deep dive explores the full story of Dan Benson's journey—from his early days as a wholesome Disney actor alongside Selena Gomez and David Henrie, to his surprising and highly profitable transition into the adult entertainment industry, and the recent drama surrounding his exclusion from the highly anticipated Wizards of Waverly Place revival.
Dan Benson: Full Biography and Career Profile
Dan Benson, the man behind the memorable character Zeke, has maintained a steady, if low-key, presence in Hollywood for years before his recent shift in focus. Below is a detailed look at the actor's life and career path.
- Full Name: Daniel "Dan" Benson
- Date of Birth: September 10, 1987
- Age (as of late 2025): 38 years old
- Birthplace: Springfield, Missouri, USA
- Occupation: Actor, Voice Actor, OnlyFans Content Creator
- Career Highlights:
- Zeke Beakerman in Wizards of Waverly Place (2007–2012): His most famous role, appearing as Justin Russo's (David Henrie) non-wizard best friend.
- Voice Acting: Known for voicing Ethan in the critically acclaimed animated series Rick and Morty.
- Film Roles: Appeared in films such as Little Black Book (2004), The Rig (2010), and Hanna's Gold (2010).
- Other TV Appearances: Roles in shows like The Secret Life of the American Teenager and Grey's Anatomy.
- Current Status: Highly successful adult content creator on the OnlyFans platform, a career he has been very open about since 2022.
The Shocking Career Pivot: From Disney Star to OnlyFans Creator
The biggest news surrounding Dan Benson, and the reason for the renewed curiosity in the Wizards of Waverly Place alum, is his dramatic career change. After years of struggling to find consistent work following the end of his Disney run, Benson made the decision to pivot to creating adult content.
This was not a transition he initially planned. Benson has openly discussed how his trajectory "accidentally" changed after he discovered that explicit images of him had been leaked online without his consent.
Instead of battling the leaks, he chose to take control of his own narrative and image by joining the OnlyFans platform. This move allowed him to monetize the situation and regain agency over his private life, turning a violation into a profitable new venture.
The decision proved to be financially transformative. Benson has since become one of the more prominent former child stars to embrace the adult entertainment industry, often speaking candidly about the financial freedom and creative control the platform offers him, a stark contrast to the often restrictive nature of the traditional Hollywood system.
His content on the platform is described as pushing his own personal boundaries, a commitment to his new clientele that he has been transparent about.
The Wizards of Waverly Place Revival Snub: A Consequence of the OnlyFans Career?
In a major piece of news that broke in late 2024, it was confirmed that the beloved Disney Channel series is getting a sequel, with original stars Selena Gomez and David Henrie returning as executive producers and actors. However, Dan Benson, the original Zeke Beakerman, was notably absent from the initial cast announcements.
Benson revealed to the press that he was not asked back to reprise his recurring role as Justin Russo’s best friend. This news sparked immediate speculation among fans and the media about the reason for his exclusion.
The actor himself believes his high-profile career in the adult entertainment industry is the likely factor. He suggested that his current profession on OnlyFans may have negated a possible return to the family-friendly Disney franchise, a sentiment that highlights the ongoing tension between his past and present careers.
This situation has led to a public discussion among the cast and fans. While the show's lead, David Henrie, mentioned the returning cast, the exclusion of the Zeke character was met with a round of laughs from some, suggesting an uncomfortable awareness of Benson's current path.
The reboot, titled Wizards Beyond Waverly Place, is set to focus on Justin Russo's new life as a family man who has given up his wizard powers, only for a young wizard to show up needing his mentorship. The absence of a major character like Zachary Ezekiel "Zeke" Rosenblatt Beakerman, who was deeply connected to Justin's storyline, is a significant change for the revival.
Zeke Beakerman's Legacy and Topical Authority
To truly understand the weight of Dan Benson's career shift, it is important to remember the character he played. Zeke Beakerman was more than just a sidekick; he was an integral part of the show's topical authority, serving as a key non-wizard friend to the Russo family.
Zeke was the goofy, enthusiastic student at Tribeca Prep who was always involved in the school's various clubs and activities. He was known for his "cool, yet nerdy" personality and his often over-the-top, theatrical nature, which made him a perfect foil for the more serious Justin.
The character was often involved in some of the series' most memorable non-magical plots, including his relationship with Harper Finkle (played by Jennifer Stone) and his frequent, amusing interactions with the Russo siblings, including Alex Russo (Selena Gomez).
The stark contrast between the innocent, goofy Disney character and the adult content creator has fueled immense public interest. For many fans of the original series, the story of Dan Benson represents a powerful—and sometimes uncomfortable—look at the realities of life after being a child star in Hollywood.
His willingness to be open about his financial struggles, the exploitation he faced, and his ultimate decision to embrace the adult content industry offers a modern, complex narrative that continues to resonate with audiences who are curious about the lives of their favorite childhood stars in the 2020s.
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