For a certain generation, few things evoke the cozy, slightly spooky nostalgia of a Disney Channel Original Movie quite like Mom's Got a Date with a Vampire. It was the kind of film that hit all the right notes: sibling squabbles, a charmingly clueless single mom, and a genuinely menacing (yet oddly alluring) vampire. Decades later, the question still lingers in the minds of fans who grew up with Adam, Chelsea, and Taylor Hansen: Where Are They Now?: Updates on 'Mom's Got a Date with a Vampire' Actors.
This isn't just about a trip down memory lane; it's about appreciating the careers and lives of the talented individuals who brought this beloved cult classic to life. Many of them have gone on to significant roles, some have shifted focus, but all have left an indelible mark on entertainment.
At a Glance: What You'll Discover
- Caroline Rhea remains a vibrant presence in comedy and television.
- Matt O'Leary has forged a steady career in independent films and TV.
- Laura Vandervoort became a sci-fi/fantasy staple, known for iconic hero roles.
- Charles Shaughnessy continues his distinguished career, balancing stage, screen, and voice work.
- Robert Carradine is still active, embracing his unique legacy.
- The younger actors, Myles Jeffrey and Courtney Mun, took different paths post-Disney.
The Charm That Endures: Why We Still Talk About This Film
Mom's Got a Date with a Vampire, released in 2000, landed squarely in a sweet spot for family-friendly Halloween viewing. It perfectly blended humor, light horror, and coming-of-age themes. The premise—two kids trying to save their mom from a charming vampire date—was inherently engaging. But what truly made it stick were the performances. Each actor, from the lead siblings to the menacing bloodsucker, delivered a memorable turn that cemented the film's place in early 2000s pop culture.
It's a testament to the film's enduring appeal that fans still seek out updates on its cast. Whether you're curious about the brave kids, the oblivious mom, or the darkly charismatic vampire, understanding their journeys offers a fascinating glimpse into the ebb and flow of Hollywood careers.
Caroline Rhea as Lynette Hansen: The Mom with a Mysterious Date
Caroline Rhea was already a familiar face to many viewers before Mom's Got a Date with a Vampire. Her role as Hilda Spellman on Sabrina, the Teenage Witch had made her a household name throughout the late 90s. As Lynette Hansen, she perfectly captured the slightly overwhelmed but loving single mother, whose innocent desire for a normal date unwittingly plunges her family into supernatural chaos. Her comedic timing and warm presence were central to the film's charm.
What She's Been Up To:
Rhea's career has been consistently robust since her vampire rendezvous. Following Sabrina, she hosted her own syndicated talk show, The Caroline Rhea Show, from 2002 to 2003, showcasing her quick wit and engaging personality. She then became the original host of the reality weight-loss show The Biggest Loser for its first three seasons (2004–2006).
Beyond hosting, Rhea has maintained a strong presence in stand-up comedy, touring extensively and releasing comedy specials. She's also a prolific voice actor, perhaps most notably as Linda Flynn-Fletcher in the hit animated series Phineas and Ferb (2007–2015) and its subsequent movies and spin-offs. Her voice work continues, adding depth to numerous animated characters. More recently, she's made appearances in various television shows and films, including a recurring role on the Disney Channel sitcom Sydney to the Max and a return to the Sabrina universe with a cameo in Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. Caroline Rhea remains a beloved figure in comedy and television, always bringing her signature energy and humor to her projects.
Matt O'Leary as Adam Hansen: The Eldest Sibling and Chief Investigator
Matt O'Leary played Adam, the eldest Hansen sibling, whose initial annoyance with his mom's date quickly turns into grave suspicion when he realizes Dimitri Belikov isn't just a regular guy. O'Leary brought a relatable teenage angst and burgeoning sense of responsibility to the role, driving much of the film's plot. His chemistry with Laura Vandervoort as his sister Chelsea was a believable portrayal of sibling rivalry mixed with reluctant cooperation.
What He's Been Up To:
After Mom's Got a Date with a Vampire, O'Leary transitioned from Disney fare into more mature and often darker roles, building a respectable career in independent films and television. He appeared in the critically acclaimed thriller Frailty (2001) alongside Matthew McConaughey and Bill Paxton, and later in Spy Kids 2: The Island of Lost Dreams (2002).
His filmography expanded significantly with roles in Brick (2005), a neo-noir mystery that garnered critical praise, and Death Sentence (2007) with Kevin Bacon. He often gravitated towards gritty, character-driven projects, showcasing a versatility beyond his Disney beginnings. O'Leary also appeared in films like Live Free or Die Hard (2007), American Violet (2008), and Mother's Day (2010). While not always in leading roles, his consistent work across genres has marked him as a reliable character actor. More recently, he has continued to appear in films and television series, often taking on guest roles in popular shows, demonstrating a commitment to his craft.
Laura Vandervoort as Chelsea Hansen: The Resourceful Sister
Laura Vandervoort's portrayal of Chelsea, the quick-witted and pragmatic middle child, was a standout. She was the one who often pieced together the clues, grounding Adam's more impulsive actions with her sharp observations and a touch of gothic flair. Chelsea's determination to protect her family, even from a creature of the night, made her a fan favorite.
What She's Been Up To:
Vandervoort's career skyrocketed after her Disney Channel role, particularly in the realm of science fiction and fantasy, where she has established herself as a prominent figure. Her most iconic role came in 2007 when she joined the cast of Smallville as Kara Zor-El, also known as Supergirl. This portrayal introduced her to a massive global audience and solidified her place in superhero lore.
Following Smallville, she continued to embrace genre roles. She starred as Lisa in the reboot of V (2009–2011) and later took on the lead role of Elena Michaels, the only female werewolf, in the critically acclaimed Canadian supernatural drama Bitten (2014–2016). Her work on Bitten earned her significant praise for her strong, complex performance. She has also made appearances in other popular shows, including a recurring role in Haven and a return to the Supergirl universe with guest spots on The CW's Supergirl series, portraying Indigo. Beyond genre work, Vandervoort has also appeared in various films, independent projects, and voiced characters in animated series. Her career is a prime example of an actor finding a niche and excelling within it, building a dedicated fanbase along the way.
Charles Shaughnessy as Dimitri Belikov: The Charming Vampire
Ah, Dimitri Belikov. Charles Shaughnessy brought a sophisticated, old-world charm to the film's antagonist, making him both undeniably attractive and utterly sinister. Most audiences knew Shaughnessy as the endlessly proper Mr. Sheffield from The Nanny, a role that showcased his comedic timing and aristocratic demeanor. As Dimitri, he deftly flipped that image, injecting a menacing undercurrent into his suave persona, making Lynette's attraction understandable and the kids' fear palpable. If you're keen to learn about the vampire cast and other supernatural elements, Dimitri is certainly the star of the show!
What He's Been Up To:
Shaughnessy's career didn't miss a beat after trading his butler uniform for vampire fangs. He has enjoyed a diverse and prolific career in television, film, and theater, cementing his status as a versatile performer. He continued to make numerous guest appearances on popular TV shows, often leveraging his distinctive voice and aristocratic charm.
Voice acting has been a significant part of his work, with roles in animated series like Stanley, Whisker Haven Tales with the Palace Pets, and The Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack. He also reprised his role as Mr. Sheffield in various Nanny-related projects and reunions, much to the delight of fans. Shaughnessy has also been active in the theater, performing in various stage productions. More recently, he's appeared in daytime dramas like Days of Our Lives (reprising his role as Shane Donovan) and General Hospital, continuing to bring his unique blend of charm and gravitas to screens. His enduring popularity is a testament to his talent and adaptability in the entertainment industry.
Robert Carradine as Malachi Van Helsing: The Quirky Vampire Hunter
Robert Carradine's Malachi Van Helsing was the wild card of the film—a slightly unhinged, self-proclaimed vampire hunter who, despite his eccentricities, possessed genuine knowledge (and some very specific tools). Carradine, famous for his iconic role as Lewis Skolnick in Revenge of the Nerds, brought his signature blend of earnestness and awkward humor to Van Helsing, providing crucial comedic relief and plot progression.
What He's Been Up To:
Carradine has maintained a steady acting career, largely in character roles and independent films, building upon his already extensive filmography. While Revenge of the Nerds remains his most recognized role, he's never truly left the screen. He continued to appear in various films and television series, often playing quirky or slightly off-kilter characters that suited his unique delivery.
He has been a staple in direct-to-video films, made guest appearances on popular TV shows, and participated in reality television, including King of the Nerds, where he served as a judge and mentor. This show directly tapped into his Revenge of the Nerds legacy, connecting with a new generation of fans. Carradine is part of the legendary Carradine acting family, and his commitment to the craft, regardless of the size of the role, has been unwavering. He continues to appear in projects, demonstrating his enduring passion for acting.
Myles Jeffrey as Taylor Hansen: The Youngest Sibling and Witness
Myles Jeffrey played Taylor, the youngest Hansen sibling, whose innocent observations and unshakeable belief in monsters often provided the earliest clues about Dimitri's true nature. His wide-eyed fear and determination, alongside his older siblings, made him an integral part of the trio's quest.
What He's Been Up To:
Myles Jeffrey had a promising start as a child actor, with roles in films like The Land Before Time V: The Mysterious Island (voice, 1997), Merry Christmas, George Bailey (1997), and The Odd Couple II (1998) before Mom's Got a Date with a Vampire. After the DCOM, he continued with a few more projects, notably as the voice of T.J. Detweiler in the Disney animated film Recess: School's Out (2001) and subsequent Recess video games and TV specials.
However, after a busy childhood career, Jeffrey appears to have largely stepped away from mainstream acting around the mid-2000s. Like many child actors, he seems to have pursued other interests outside of the Hollywood spotlight. Information on his current activities is less publicly available compared to the other main cast members, suggesting a move towards a more private life or a shift into roles behind the scenes or in other industries.
Courtney Mun as Merel Hansen: The Forgetful Youngest
Courtney Mun played Merel, the even younger Hansen sibling who briefly appears in the beginning, offering an adorable, somewhat forgetful counterpoint to her older siblings' antics. While her role was smaller, her presence contributed to the family dynamic.
What She's Been Up To:
Courtney Mun's acting career was relatively brief. Mom's Got a Date with a Vampire appears to be one of her few credited roles. It's not uncommon for young actors, especially those with smaller parts, to decide that a career in acting isn't their primary path. Information regarding her post-film life is scarce, suggesting she likely moved away from the entertainment industry to pursue other endeavors. Many child actors ultimately choose a more conventional life, and it's a perfectly valid path.
The Lasting Bite: Why These Stories Matter
The appeal of a "Where Are They Now?" piece goes beyond mere curiosity. It's about witnessing career evolution, celebrating enduring talent, and reflecting on the formative entertainment that shaped our youth. Mom's Got a Date with a Vampire might be a nostalgic comfort watch, but the careers of its actors are very real stories of perseverance, adaptation, and success in a challenging industry.
From Caroline Rhea's comedic mastery and Laura Vandervoort's ascent to sci-fi heroism, to Matt O'Leary's dedication to independent cinema and Charles Shaughnessy's versatile stage and screen presence, the cast has forged diverse and interesting paths. Robert Carradine continues to embrace his unique brand of acting, while Myles Jeffrey and Courtney Mun likely found fulfillment outside the glare of the spotlight.
This glimpse into their journeys reminds us that even after a quirky DCOM about a vampire date, the story for these artists continued, often in unexpected and exciting ways. So, the next time you queue up Mom's Got a Date with a Vampire, take a moment to appreciate not just the film itself, but the impressive careers born from it.