What Happened to Johnny Tsunami? A Rare Catch Up With Brandon Baker

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Brandon Baker went big and then he went home.

When the actor who once shone in Disney Channel Original Movies decided to retire from acting, which he did some time ago following his role as Johnny in “Johnny Tsunami” in 1999, it was evident that he no longer resided in sunny Southern California.

After tasting the limelight in Hollywood, starting with his leading role in the 1998 film “The Jungle Book: Mowgli’s Story”, the 40-year-old chose to explore Colorado’s landscapes in search of self-discovery.

In an exclusive interview with TopMob News, Brandon shared that relocating here ten years ago provided him with the opportunity to clarify his identity beyond the confines of a quarter-life crisis. This journey of self-discovery proved immensely therapeutic for him, significantly enhancing his sense of personal identity.

Before swapping bustling cityscapes for fresh country breezes, he had been merely a young actor residing about an hour away from the City of Lights (Hollywood).

Brandon clarified that he was raised in Orange County and saw his life as distinct from Los Angeles. He noted that this distinction was rooted in his identity. People often identified themselves as actors, but for him, it was always, “I am Brandon, and I happen to act.

As a die-hard fan, I can’t help but reminisce about those thrilling times when my idol was juggling his career and commitments. Indeed, during this period, he was engrossed in filming what would become his defining movie, all while gracing our screens as a regular on NBC’s teen sitcom, One World, from 1998 to 2001, appearing on the Saturday morning slot.

However, hailing from sunny California provided a unique perspective for him compared to his costars like Kirsten Storms from the Tsunami cast, who had ventured from Orlando to Hollywood in the ‘90s. The difference in our experiences and backgrounds made their paths fascinatingly distinct.

Brandon mentioned that there was a group of child actors he didn’t belong to. Instead, after wrapping up work on set, he’d journey for about an hour back to his home in Orange County and reunite with his longtime friends from childhood.

Despite this, he still managed to develop unique relationships on set. Interestingly, he and Kirsten even shared a romantic involvement following their DCOM collaboration, with some assistance from their mothers.

Brandon mentioned that we were around 13 years old during those events, and there were a couple of instances where someone’s mother drove them to another mom’s house. He added that the drive between Los Angeles and Orange County took about an hour. Moreover, he expressed having a crush on her at that time.

Additionally, much like his on-screen persona Johnny Kapahala, he also emerged victorious in the race. He shared, “Indeed, a kiss took place in a stairwell during our Utah shootings.” Nevertheless, he confessed, “I must admit, my feelings for her far exceeded hers for me.

During his teenage years, he didn’t lack fans, largely because Disney Channel frequently aired the shows that made him famous.

The individual reminisced, “Often, people would approach me saying something like, ‘Aren’t you from that Johnny Tsunami TV series?’ To which I’d respond, ‘Oh, actually it was a movie.’ They’d correct me, saying the television show is always airing. And I’d explain, ‘Perhaps you’ve watched it so frequently that your memory perceives it as a series.’

Despite consistently acting during his teenage years and twenties, appearing in shows like “Even Stevens” and a Tsunami sequel, and earning a film degree from UC Santa Barbara, Brandon still felt compelled to make a change. Consequently, he decided to relocate to Colorado.

In Colorado, a state where he didn’t know anyone initially, he admitted that the initial months were quite “isolating” and “awkward.” However, once he managed to surpass that initial hurdle, he found himself able to progress beyond the identity of an actor that he had carried since the age of 11.

“I can self-actualize out here,” he realized. “I can be whoever I want to be.” 

Indeed, what transpired was quite unexpected – his professional aspirations were actually a complete reversal of anything one might have initially guessed. Instead, he found himself pursuing a role as a wedding officiant for an elopement business.

Brandon shared that he’s had a lifelong affection for romance. Initially, he accepted the job as a means to earn some additional income, but soon found himself immersed in it full-time. He enjoys working in Colorado’s stunning landscapes and often gets hired for adventure elopements where he guides couples on hikes, skiing or snowboarding trips to specific peaks, ultimately officiating their wedding at the summit.

He added, “Every time that happens, I’m just like, ‘This is so crazy that this is my life.’”

For the newlyweds and their families as well, it’s a remarkable memory they won’t forget, given that some of them purposefully enlist Brandon, known as Johnny Tsunami, for their wedding day. Others only realize his true identity during the ceremony itself, which adds an unexpected touch of humor to the occasion.

In each situation, his fame frequently overshadows his privacy, something he found difficult to accept for a long time. However, the past ten years have brought him a more balanced view of his time at Disney Channel, and he’s happy to acknowledge that it now feels satisfying.

Brandon explained, ‘That aspect represents a piece of my identity, but not the entirety, yet it has imparted countless lessons to me.’ Now, it seems deeply interwoven with my self-concept, and I cherish who I am, embrace my life, and am incredibly grateful for every part of it.

He’s equally thankful for his progress on his self-discovery path, recognizing that it hasn’t followed the same trajectory for many other child stars.

In a candid moment, he expressed that growing up as a child actor felt quite unusual. He is grateful for the supportive community that has helped him navigate through this experience. Furthermore, he acknowledged his good fortune in never encountering significant adversity and being able to reach his current position.

In addition to officiating weddings, he devotes his time to hosting a new nostalgia podcast called the “Flip Phone Confessional,” acknowledging the abundance of podcasts already available. He also engages in freelance production for music festivals. During the day, he is often with his wife Nina Crouse, whom he married last year.

After a long hiatus from the spotlight, Brandon is now considering returning to the world of acting.

He expressed that after a decade of personal development, he now has a clearer understanding of himself and the person he aspires to be. It seems that for some time, taking on another role is more alluring than it has been before.

Instead of idly waiting for casting calls, Brandon claims he’s now prepared to invest more of himself into the world. Could it be that they’re searching for him in the next installment of Johnny Tsunami 3?

For more about what former Disney Channel hunks are up to these days, keep reading…

As a devoted fan, I’m thrilled to share that Ryan continued his acting journey in 2024 with his role in “Model House,” and in 2022, he captivated audiences once again in “Out of Exile.” Many will remember him as Ian Thomas from the hit series “Pretty Little Liars.” In addition, he’s starred in several chilling horror movies. On a personal note, Ryan tied the knot with Kristen McMullen in 2014, and every year since then, we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day together – a tradition I am truly grateful for.

Erik Von Detten, much like a real-life Disney prince, has graced various Disney projects such as “Brink!”, “The Princess Diaries”, lending his voice to “Toy Story”, “Recess”, and “Tarzan”. He temporarily left Hollywood in 2010 to focus on starting a family. However, he re-entered the acting scene in 2024 with the TV movie “My Acting Coach Nightmare”. Alongside his partner Angela, Erik became a father for the first time in May 2019, welcoming a daughter named Claire, and expanded their family with another child in 2021. The former Pup ‘N Suds member started a family, returned to acting, and had two children over this period.

In 1998, Sam took on the role of Val, the leader of Team X-Bladz in the series Brink! Since then, he’s been featured on various television shows such as Veronica Mars, One Tree Hill, Modern Family, Desperate Housewives, CSI, and True Blood. Quite an impressive list of credits! He shares two children with his former spouse, Betty.

Proto Zoa, the renowned actor, continues to grace our screens today. He appeared in CBS All Access’ “Tell Me a Story” and featured in two episodes of “Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionists,” portraying Sophia Carson’s father. Additionally, it’s worth noting his notable role in the series “24” back in 2002 and 2003. Recently, he has shifted gears and taken up a directorial position.

Following Zenon, he acted in Everwood from 2002 to 2006 and Rookie Blue from 2010 to 2015. However, since 2015, his career path has changed, and he’s been directing, notably on CW series like Arrow, Riverdale, The Flash, Legends of Tomorrow, Supergirl, and Superman & Lois. He tied the knot with Taylor McKay in 2018, and they have two children together.

Following his role as Johnny Kapahala in the 2007 movie “Johnny Kapahala: Back on Board”, he continued to act, appearing in two more films – “The Formula” in 2013 and “Up on the Wooftop” in 2015. Nowadays, he serves as a wedding officiant for an elopement business. He married his wife Nina Crouse in the year 2024.

Ever since the release of the 2001 movie, he has consistently landed acting roles in numerous productions such as Nancy Drew, Proven Innocent, Life Sentence, Frequency, Nashville, The Messengers, True Blood, 90210, Drive, Joan of Arcadia, and 24, among many others. Additionally, he is the frontman for a band called The Life of Riley.

After the release of “The Thirteenth Year,” Chez has mainly focused on creating fitness content for his social media, while spending time with his three lovely children and his partner, Whitney.

Since 2003, following his role in Eddie’s Million-Dollar Cookoff, Taylor has largely stepped out of the spotlight. For a significant period, he was only active on television as part of the series Still Standing from 2002 to 2006. Interestingly, he maintains a very private life, with no evidently active social media accounts to his name.

Since 2014, Chris has taken a break from acting roles. Prior to that timeframe, he showcased his talent as Declan on the series Kyle XY, and made an appearance in the DCOM film Now You See It. Chris is married to actress Alexandra Picatto and together they share a young son.

Disney veteran Joey Fatone, famously known as JT, graced the screen in the Mickey Mouse Club and portrayed a male model character in Model Behavior under the name Jason Sharpe. If you’ve been secluded for decades or on Mars, you might not be aware, but he remains a well-recognized figure. Together with his wife Jessica Biel, they are proud parents to Silas and Phineas.

Robert Ri’chard has built upon his role in the 2000 film “Alley Cats Strike” by having a sustained acting career, which includes time spent on shows like “Cousin Skeeter,” “Veronica Mars,” “Meet the Browns,” “The Vampire Diaries,” and “Empire.” Additionally, he’s made appearances on various other shows such as “iZombie,” “CSI: NY,” “NCIS,” and “CSI: Miami. His IMDb profile remains active with numerous upcoming projects, including a 2025 TV show titled “Mind Your Business.

Kyle has been quite active post his time at the bowling alley, landing roles in shows like Netflix’s “The I-Land”, “Being Human”, “Lost Girl” and a 2012 episode of “Arrow”. Currently, he is part of the principal cast for “NCIS: Origins”. He tied the knot with actress Caity Lotz in 2023.

Taran made a notable appearance as pop star Jordan Cahill in the year 2004’s movie. From 2010 to 2016, he was part of the cast on Saturday Night Live. He also shared screen time with Cobie Smulders on How I Met Your Mother. The two got married in 2012 and are now parents to two daughters, one born in 2009 and another in 2015.

Following his crush on Lizzie McGuire from 2001 to 2004, he transitioned into real estate and married his long-term partner Allegra Edwards in November 2020. Nowadays, he occasionally acts in films or TV shows, having initially been scheduled to reprise his role as Ethan in the Lizzie McGuire revival (though the project was eventually cancelled). Yes, he remains just as charming as ever from years past.

Lizzie McGuire’s close friend, Gordo, appeared in just two productions following his stint on the popular Disney Channel show, with the final one airing as far back as 2008. Interestingly, he was also set to bring back his role in a series revival that never materialized. As per his LinkedIn profile, Gordo worked at the Irish Arts Center in New York City until 2019, and now he’s involved in fundraising.

Despite being fondly remembered as Troy Bolton from High School Musical, Zac Efron has expanded his acting portfolio significantly over the years. He’s appeared in films such as 17 Again, Neighbors, Baywatch, The Greatest Showman, and took on the role of Ted Bundy. In 2021, he won a Daytime Emmy for his Netflix series, Down to Earth with Zac Efron. More recently, in 2023, he starred in the critically acclaimed movie The Iron Claw.

In his stint on Wizards of Waverly Place, David Henrie was simultaneously portraying a character’s son on How I Met Your Mother. However, he took a break from acting in 2016. Interestingly, he resumed his career by co-writing, directing, and featuring in the 2020 film titled This Is The Year. Currently, he is starring in and also serves as executive producer for the revival of Wizards, called Wizards Beyond Waverly Place.

In the year 2017, he tied the knot with Maria Cahill. Their first child, Pia, was born in March 2019. The couple’s son, James, came into the world in December 2020. Another daughter joined their family during summer 2022.

He gained fame for portraying Hannah Montana’s love interest in the 2009 film, then took on the lead role in CBS’s MacGyver from 2016 to 2021. Additionally, he appeared in two X-Men films as Havok and starred as Taylor Swift’s neighbor in her “You Belong With Me” music video.

In 2024, it was disclosed that Skyler Samuels, Till’s long-term partner at the time, had secretly married him earlier in the year and also given birth to their child.

I’m sorry for having Cole and Dylan together on one slide, but the question arises – could Zack thrive without Cody, and vice versa? It seems that during the years between 2011 and 2017, the twins took a hiatus from acting to focus on their college education. However, they have now returned to show business and are making the most of their newfound hunk appeal.

Cole appeared in the series “Riverdale” and after his breakup with costar Lili Reinhart, he began a relationship with Ari Fournier. He continues to act, featuring in the 2024 dark comedy titled “Lisa Frankenstein.

Meanwhile, Dylan continues to act and tied the knot with model Barbara Palvin in 2023.

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2025-08-30 17:17