So many of us grew up watching Disney Channel in the late ’90s, and one of the faces that stood out was Chez Starbuck. He played Cody Griffin in the beloved movie “The Thirteenth Year,” which was a big deal for a lot of us back then. Fast forward to today, and people are still curious about where he is, what he’s doing, and why he stepped away from the spotlight.
If you’ve ever wondered what happened to the kid who turned into a sea creature for his 13th birthday, you’re not alone. Chez Starbuck may not be in the headlines anymore, but his journey is worth revisiting. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just stumbling across his name for the first time, there’s a lot to unpack.
So, let’s dive into the story of Chez Starbuck. We’ll take a look at his early days, his time in the spotlight, and what’s gone on since then. You might be surprised at how much has changed — and how much has stayed the same.
Table of Contents
- Biography of Chez Starbuck
- Personal Details and Bio Data
- Career Highlights
- Life After Acting
- Frequently Asked Questions
Biography of Chez Starbuck
Chez Starbuck, born Caesaray Sarnella, came into the world on July 26, 1982, in Lakewood, Colorado, USA. He was just a teenager when he landed one of his most famous roles as Cody Griffin in the 1999 Disney Channel movie “The Thirteenth Year.” That film, which blended fantasy, humor, and a coming-of-age story, became a classic for many kids growing up at the time.
While “The Thirteenth Year” was his breakout role, Chez also appeared in other shows and movies during the late ’90s and early 2000s. He had parts in “Undressed” and “Time Share,” which gave him more exposure in the entertainment world. But despite early success, he didn’t stay in the spotlight for long. In fact, he eventually chose to step away from acting altogether.
Looking back, it’s clear that Chez had a short but impactful presence on screen. His work, especially in Disney’s film, still resonates with fans today. Whether it’s nostalgia or genuine appreciation for his role, people are still searching for updates on his life.
Personal Details and Bio Data
Full Name | Chez Starbuck (born Caesaray Sarnella) |
---|---|
Date of Birth | July 26, 1982 |
Place of Birth | Lakewood, Colorado, USA |
Age | 42 (as of 2025) |
Profession | Former Actor |
Notable Roles | Cody Griffin in “The Thirteenth Year” |
Other Appearances | “Undressed” (1999), “Time Share” (2000) |
Status | Retired from Acting |
Personal Life | Married, father, fitness enthusiast |
Career Highlights
Chez Starbuck’s career was pretty short-lived, but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t memorable. He made his mark with “The Thirteenth Year,” a film that combined humor, fantasy, and a whole lot of teenage awkwardness. The story follows a boy who turns into a merman on his 13th birthday, and Chez’s performance helped make it a hit with young audiences.
He also appeared in “Undressed,” a teen drama series that aired on MTV in the late ’90s. That show was known for its edgy content and exploration of teen issues, so it was a bit of a departure from the family-friendly Disney vibe. Chez’s role there showed a different side of him as an actor, even if it didn’t quite reach the same level of popularity.
Another project he worked on was “Time Share,” a comedy that came out in 2000. It wasn’t a huge box office success, but it gave him more experience in front of the camera. Still, by the early 2000s, Chez had already begun stepping away from the industry, and he hasn’t been seen in any major roles since.
Life After Acting
After his time in the spotlight, Chez Starbuck took a different path. He decided to step back from acting and focus on his personal life. From what little we know, he’s living a quieter life away from the cameras and the red carpets.
He’s married and is a proud father. He’s also shared that he’s into fitness, which is a big part of his lifestyle now. That’s pretty normal, really — after all, a lot of former child stars choose to move on to other things once the spotlight fades.
There’s not a ton of public information about his current activities, and that’s probably by choice. Sometimes, people just want to live their lives without constant attention. If you’ve ever Googled him lately, you might have noticed that there’s not much out there. That doesn’t mean he’s not doing well — it just means he’s not in the public eye anymore.
Still, fans occasionally check in to see what he’s up to. Social media has made it easier for people to stay connected, but Chez doesn’t seem to be very active online. Whether that’s intentional or not, it’s clear he’s chosen a more private life — and that’s totally okay.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Chez Starbuck’s most famous role?
Chez Starbuck is best known for playing Cody Griffin in the 1999 Disney Channel movie “The Thirteenth Year.” That film, which blended fantasy and comedy, became a classic for many viewers who grew up in the late ’90s.
Is Chez Starbuck still acting?
No, Chez Starbuck is retired from acting. He stepped away from the entertainment industry in the early 2000s and has since focused on his personal life. He doesn’t appear to be involved in any current acting projects.
Where can I watch Chez Starbuck’s movies or TV shows?
“The Thirteenth Year” and other Disney Channel Original Movies are sometimes available on streaming platforms like Disney+ or through classic TV reruns. You can also find DVDs or digital copies of the film online if you want to relive the nostalgia. Learn more about Disney+ for current availability.
Summary and Call to Action
So, there you have it — a look at the life and career of Chez Starbuck. From his early days in Colorado to his time in the spotlight and his decision to step away from acting, his journey is a reminder that fame doesn’t always last forever. That’s not a bad thing, though. Sometimes, stepping back is the best choice for a more balanced, fulfilling life.
If you’re a fan of Disney Channel classics or just curious about what happened to the stars of your childhood, you might want to revisit “The Thirteenth Year.” It’s a fun, quirky film that still holds up today. And if you’d like to keep up with updates about former child actors and Disney stars, feel free to check back here. Learn more about other former stars and their stories.



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