Making New Mileys: Disney's Teen-Star Factory

Its movies are tanking, the parks are weak, and ABC is hurting. But Disney is being buoyed by its ability to grow teen talent

Randy Holmes / Disney Channel

A wholesome celebrity- academy graduate, Bridgit Mendler, 16, is the star of the next new Disney Channel sitcom.

Bridgit Mendler is a willowy, blond teen with a sweet singing voice and decent comic timing. She's also the show-biz equivalent of the next iPhone — a young Disney star-in-waiting. Mendler, 16, is getting the full Disney Channel rollout. Introduced with recurring guest spots on two of its hit shows, Jonas and Wizards of Waverly Place , she will star in her own series, Good Luck Charlie , in 2010. "I've been told to brace myself," says Mendler. "If we have the success I hope we have with the show, everything will change."

Mendler is following a path to...

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