Lizzie McGuire fans are losing their minds after realising what heartthrob Paulo looks like 22 years after the hit film
YANI Gellman stole millions of hearts across the world when he played Paolo in the Lizzie McGuire Movie.
But now, 22 years after the hit film, the heartthrob looks completely different from his early Disney days.
Born in the US, Yani was catapulted into the spotlight thanks to his role as the handsome Italian popstar who convinced Lizzie, played by Hilary Duff, to perform with him.
Both Lizzie and the audience fell in love wit Yani’s sweet smile, swept hair and charming Italian accent – which is why when he turned out to be a fake at the end of the movie was particularly shocking and heartbreaking.
The Disney hit movie, which premiered in 2003, was a huge staple in millions of childhoods, and despite the twist ending, it’s safe to say that Paolo was a celebrity crush for many.
But what does he look like now? Well, Yani has most certainly grown up over the last two decades.
Recent Instagram photos show that the actor, now 39, is rocking some stubble, and his hair is much shorter than when he appeared on TV screens.
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.
However, his big break came in 2003 when he was cast as Paolo in The Lizzie McGuire Movie.
In addition to Hilary, now 37, it also starred Adam Lamberg, Robert Carradine, Haille Todd, and Jake Thomas.
The movie grossed $55.5 million – £43million – at the box office and made him an international star.
After the huge success of The Lizzie McGuire Movie, Yani 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, the actor appeared 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, which made him famous.
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 could 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.”
One fan recently commented under Yani’s post: ”You’re what my dreams are made of (talk to me).”
”Hi there handsome,” another fan shot their shot.
”Sing to me Paolo,” someone else chuckled.