Jennifer Stone, former Disney star, says ER nursing job has helped her stay grounded while returning to Wizards of Waverly Place franchise

Former Disney Channel star Jennifer Stone said she has leaned on her work as an emergency room nurse for stability while balancing what she described as her return to the Wizards of Waverly Place franchise, according to an interview published by Fox News on Aug. 11, 2026.

Stone, who is widely associated with her role from the original Disney sitcom, described the ER job as a lifeline that keeps her grounded, tying her day-to-day responsibilities to a steadier sense of perspective than life in entertainment can provide, the report said.

In the Fox account, Stone also referenced the broader experience of fellow child actors, characterizing their transitions out of early fame as potentially destabilizing. The report frames her remarks as reflective rather than as a direct allegation about any specific individual, and it does not provide additional identifying details about the “spiraling” she mentioned.

The interview situates her nursing work in contrast to the demands of maintaining ties to a high-profile franchise, describing her efforts to manage both worlds. Fox reported that Stone spoke about returning to the Wizards of Waverly Place franchise, while continuing a clinical career that places her in front of emergencies and fast-moving situations.

Stone’s comments come as audiences continue to track how child actors mature in public and how they manage the long-term pressures of media exposure. While the report focuses on her own coping mechanism, it also draws attention to the mental health and stability challenges that can accompany early stardom, especially when careers and identities are tied to youth-oriented productions.

A Fox News photo accompanying the report features Stone in a Wizards of Waverly Place-related setting, underscoring the renewed visibility around the franchise at the same time she described pursuing healthcare work in the real world.

The report did not set out a detailed timeline or specific production dates for any new Wizards of Waverly Place installment. It also did not include information on any licensing, cast negotiations, or formal announcements beyond the interview framing of Stone’s return to the franchise.

Stone’s portrayal of emergency-room work as an anchor highlights how some public figures may draw stability from regulated employment in fields that require credentialing and standardized training, according to the account. For viewers and fans, it also raises questions about what support systems exist for child performers as they move into adult life and different career paths.