Sometimes all it takes for people to get a gig as an actor is their name.  Other times, people have to work and work their whole life for a chance at that once in a lifetime opportunity.  You will notice that a lot of current singers, actors, and actresses have actually been in the business for quite sometime.  The most common starts are things like commercials or cameos in television series.  One of the biggest producers of talent it seems is the Disney Channel.  Remember those adorable Mickey Mouse Club members from back in the day?  And now the shows are creating stars like Demi Lovato and Selena Gomez.  Let’s take a look at who got their start thanks to the Disney Channel…

Powerhouse singer and occasional actress Christina Aguilera started out as a part of Disney’s Mickey Mouse Club.  Today she boasts a couple of Grammys and judges on the reality television show “The Voice.”

Another singer and actor made appearances around the same time as Ms. Aguilera on the Mickey Mouse Club.  Justin Timberlake was one of the members of the band ‘NSYNC before he set out to a very successful solo career and acting career.  He also has his own golf course.

Fergalicious Fergie, Stacy Ferguson, was a Mickey Mouse member before she was “so delicious.”

Time’s coolest man of the year and runner up for People’s sexiest man of the year, Ryan Gosling donned Mickey Mouse ears as a kid.

It is fairly well-known that Britney Spears got her start on the Disney Channel.  The singer and performer’s little sister even had her own Disney show at one time.

Shia LeBouf got his acting start on the Disney Channel show “Even Stevens” playing an annoying little brother.

Before Hilary Duff was writing books and creating her own brand, she was Lizzie McGuire on Disney’s “Lizzie McGuire.”

Lindsey Lohan, the Jonas Brothers, Raven Simone, Zac Efron, and Ashley Tisdale all got their start thanks to Disney too.  And we are thankful that Disney gave them their big break just as much as they probably are!