Selena Gomez Reveals Shocking Truth About Her Early Career

Selena Gomez, a multifaceted talent known for her successful music career and acting roles, recently opened up about her early days in Hollywood. In a candid conversation on The Hollywood Reporter’s Award Chatter podcast on November 25, 2024, Gomez shared insights into her early career, revealing how she was often confused for her iconic TV character, Alex Russo, from the Disney Channel show Wizards of Waverly Place.

Selena Gomez Reflects on Her Early Career Struggles

Gomez, who was only a teenager when she landed the role of Alex Russo, explained that she wasn’t bothered when people associated her so strongly with her character. During the interview, she recalled, “We would do our tapings for Wizards in front of a live audience every Friday night. And that was the biggest high I could ever get. It was the coolest feeling to make a kid laugh uncontrollably because it’s pure.”

The 32-year-old actress continued by sharing how she often encountered young fans who didn’t know her as Selena Gomez, but rather only as Alex Russo. She mentioned, “I’ve had kids come up to me, and they only know me as Alex. You know? And they’ll have full conversations like, ‘Where’s your wand?’” These memories, Gomez explained, became cherished moments of recognition of the immense influence she had on her fans, especially children, and how she helped make them feel good.

This sense of connection with her audience left a lasting impression on the star. “I think that’s probably a moment I’ll never forget where I recognized we had this influence to make people and kids feel good.”

Selena Gomez’s Return to ‘Wizards of Waverly Place’

After many years, Selena Gomez returned to the world of Wizards of Waverly Place in 2024. She reprised her role as Alex Russo in the first episode of the new show, Wizards Beyond Waverly Place, which premiered on October 29, 2024. The new series, which marks a continuation of the beloved Disney Channel show, brings back old favorites like David Henrie, who portrayed her brother Justin Russo on the show.

Selena Gomez is not only reprising her role but is also taking on the role of executive producer for the new series, collaborating with David Henrie, who has expressed how meaningful it was to work with Gomez again. In a conversation with People magazine in September 2024, Henrie said, “It was a dream come true. [She] and I have kept in such good contact and remain good friends.”

Looking Back on an Iconic Career

As Selena Gomez continues to evolve as an artist, she remains grateful for the early experiences that shaped her career. Despite the challenges of being closely tied to a single character, she recognizes the significant role her character played in her life and career. Through her open discussion of her early career, Gomez shows her ability to reflect on her journey with maturity and perspective.

Her return to the Wizards franchise demonstrates how deeply Selena Gomez values her roots and the connection she has with her fans. With her role as executive producer, she’s not just revisiting the past but is actively shaping the future of the beloved franchise.

Selena Gomez’s Enduring Influence

Through Wizards of Waverly Place and her ongoing career in music, Selena Gomez has maintained a unique and powerful connection with fans of all ages. Whether it’s through her acting or her music, she continues to be an influential figure in entertainment. With her return to Wizards Beyond Waverly Place, Selena Gomez proves that she is ready to make her mark once again, bringing new fans to the franchise while celebrating her roots.

This new chapter in her career shows that Selena Gomez remains as relatable and impactful as ever, solidifying her place as one of Hollywood’s most cherished stars.