21-05-2025
Heartthrob Paolo from The Lizzie McGuire movie looks unrecognizable over 20 years after the film's premiere
Yani Gellman stole the hearts of millions across the globe when he played Paolo in the beloved Lizzie McGuire Movie.
But now, 22 years on, he looks completely different from his Disney days.
Yani was skyrocketed into the spotlight thanks to his portrayal as the handsome Italian popstar who convinced Lizzie, played by Hilary Duff, to perform with him.
His sweet smile and perfectly swept hair paired with his sultry Italian accent charmed both Lizzie and audiences alike... which is why when he ended up being a total fake at the end of the film it was especially shocking.
The Disney movie, which premiered in 2003, was a huge staple in many people's childhoods, and despite the twist conclusion, it's safe to say that Paolo was served a first celebrity crush for many.
But what does he look like now? Well, Yani, now 39, has certainly grown up over the last two decades.
Recent Instagram photos show he's now rocking some stubble, and his hair is much shorter than when he played Paolo.
Yani made his acting debut back in 1998 in an episode of the show Animorphs.
After that, he landed a bunch of small roles in shows like Goosebumps, The Famous Jett Jackson, Blue Murder, and Mentors.
He also starred in the movies Urban Legends: Final Cut, Jason X, Boss of Bosses, and The Matthew Shepard Story.
In 2002, he landed the lead role in the TV series Guinevere Jones.
But his big break came in 2003 when he was cast as Paolo in The Lizzie McGuire Movie.
In addition to Hilary, it also starred Adam Lamberg, Robert Carradine, Haille Todd, and Jake Thomas.
The movie grossed $55.5 million at the box office and transformed him into a massive star.
After the success of The Lizzie McGuire Movie, he went on to act in the show Wild Card, the Canadian series Monster Warriors, CBS' The Young and the Reckless, the popular drama series Pretty Little Liars, and CW's 90210.
In more recent years, he starred in the horror film 47 Meters Down, the TV movie A Bestselling Kind of Love, and Apple TV's Departing Seniors.
Over the years, Yani has spoken positively of The Lizzie McGuire Movie.
Back in 2023 on the 20th anniversary he posted an emotional tribute to his Instagram, writing, 'This week marks the 20th anniversary of the premiere of The Lizzie McGuire Movie.
'This film has meant more to me than words can say ... [Here's] to the best community of fans and supporters anywhere - thank you for an amazing run. This truly is what dreams are made of.'
He also told Too Fab in 2018 that he would love to reprise his role as Palo for a reboot so that he can have a 'chance at redemption.'
'I think a reboot would be fun,' he said. 'I think a reboot with some sort of like shout outs to the generation of actors beforehand would be fun.
'But then I also think that there's potentially even a bit of a story there about like what happens to these characters after this trip.'
The actor added, 'I've always felt that Paolo had a heart bigger than what he kind of showed in those moments.
'The character would love a chance at redemption. So you know I would definitely be open to considering that if it came around.
'But no matter what, I think the movies and the TV show that are still out there kind of really appeal and relate to like even today's audiences, so whether they make another thing or not, this world kind of lives on and people still enjoy it.'
