David Henrie

David Clayton Henrie is an American actor, writer, director, and producer. Born on July 11, 1989, in Mission Viejo, California, he became a household name to a generation of Disney Channel viewers as Justin Russo in Wizards of Waverly Place. He also played the future son of Ted Mosby in How I Met Your Mother for nine seasons. As of 2026, he is back in the spotlight starring in and executive producing the sequel series Wizards Beyond Waverly Place, which premiered on Disney+ in 2024.

Henrie has built a career that spans over two decades, moving between television, film, and directing. He has appeared in movies like Little Boy and Reagan, and he directed episodes of his own series. Known for his clean-cut image and Catholic faith, he has a devoted fanbase that grew up with his Disney work. He also authored a children's book, Is God Bigger Than A Dragon?, which topped Amazon categories in 2026. [edit]

David Henrie grew up in a Catholic household in Mission Viejo, California, with his parents David Sr. and Karen. He was drawn to performance at an early age, often putting on shows for his family. His parents supported his ambitions, driving him to auditions around Southern California. He attended local schools while balancing early acting jobs.

His first television appearance came in 2004 with a guest spot on Without a Trace. He also landed a small role on The Suite Life of Zack & Cody before his breakthrough. In 2005, he was cast as Luke Mosby, the future son of Ted, on How I Met Your Mother. That role ran for the entire series, and it put him on the radar of Disney Channel casting directors. He also appeared in a 2005 episode of Monk and a 2006 episode of Cold Case.

Henrie's big break came in 2007 when he was cast as Justin Russo in Wizards of Waverly Place. The show premiered that October and quickly became one of Disney Channel's highest-rated series. He played the ambitious older wizard brother for four seasons, a role that would define his career for years to come. [edit]

Wizards of Waverly Place ran from 2007 to 2012, turning Henrie into a teen idol. He earned a People's Choice Award nomination for Favorite TV Sidekick during his time on How I Met Your Mother. After the Disney show ended, he took on dramatic roles in films like Little Boy (2015) and Walt Before Mickey (2015).

In 2024, he returned to his most famous character in Wizards Beyond Waverly Place, a sequel series on Disney+. He not only starred but also served as an executive producer and directed several episodes. The show drew strong ratings and renewed interest in the Russo family. In August 2026, he addressed fan concerns about the Season 2 finale, clarifying that Alex Russo would not be killed off. He also hinted at a potential movie set in Italy, expanding the franchise further.

Henrie has also written and directed short films, and he published the children's book Is God Bigger Than A Dragon? in 2026, which topped Amazon categories. His recent work reflects a shift toward faith-based storytelling, while he continues to lead the Wizards revival. [edit]

David Henrie is known for his approachable, clean-cut persona. He maintains an active social media presence, with over 2.8 million followers on Instagram and 2.6 million on TikTok. He frequently posts about his projects, family, and religious beliefs. Fans of the Wizards franchise affectionately call him 'the responsible Russo,' and his return to the role in the sequel series was met with excitement. Media coverage often highlights his wholesome image, contrasting with the typical Hollywood lifestyle. He has also been open about his Catholic faith, which resonates with many of his followers. [edit]

David Henrie maintains a distinct footprint in global entertainment, tracked across media coverage, search activity, and consumption signals worldwide. According to the iFANN Global Fame Rankings, he is currently the 26th most famous person in Disney, holding steady from the previous cycle as of August 2026. This standing reflects his sustained visibility through decades of work in family television and recent high-profile returns to the franchise that launched his career. While his professional reach spans directing, producing, and writing, his primary recognition remains anchored in his long-running roles within the Disney ecosystem. The fanbase supporting David Henrie has no formal name; audiences generally identify themselves through broader groupings such as "Wizards of Waverly Place" fans or general Disney Channel followers rather than a unique moniker dedicated solely to him. There are no documented records of organized fan campaigns, birthday billboards, or charity drives specifically funded by supporters in his name, nor are there specific rituals unique to him beyond those shared by the wider show community. His digital engagement remains significant, with interactions primarily occurring on social platforms where he shares updates on his projects and personal interests.[edit]

David Henrie converted to Catholicism later in life and frequently cites how his faith influences his career decisions, a detail often illustrated by the cross tattoo on his wrist which serves as a personal reminder. He wrote and directed the short film Broken Trail in 2006, marking an early entry into production work. His children's book Is God Bigger Than A Dragon? originated from a bedtime story he told his own children and later topped Amazon categories in Children's Religious Literature. An avid supporter of the Los Angeles Dodgers, he once identified the episode where Justin Russo transforms into a werewolf as his favorite installment of Wizards of Waverly Place. Recent years have added new layers to his public narrative following the Season 2 finale of Wizards Beyond Waverly Place, where a verified conflict arose with co-star Jake T. Austin regarding revival plans. Henrie publicly clarified that he was asked to return and stated the show would never kill off Alex Russo, a stance that became a focal point of fan discourse. Additionally, tabloid investigations have resurfaced rumors about past relationships with Erika 'Evil Eyes' Kirk and current romance with Jennifer Stone, though these remain unconfirmed stories rather than established folklore.[edit]

David Henrie married Maria Cahill in 2014. Maria is a former actress and model, and the couple met through mutual friends in Los Angeles. They have three children: daughters Pia and Gemma, and a son, James. Henrie often shares family moments on social media, and he has said that fatherhood changed his perspective on work and faith. The family lives in Los Angeles, and Henrie has described their household as full of energy and laughter. He credits his wife with keeping him grounded in the entertainment industry. [edit]

David Henrie is closely associated with the Disney Channel brand, particularly through Wizards of Waverly Place. He worked alongside Selena Gomez, who played his sister Alex, and the two have remained friends. He also starred opposite Josh Radnor in How I Met Your Mother. In the sequel series, he collaborates with original cast member David DeLuise, who returns as their father. Henrie has also been linked to director Rob Reiner, who directed him in Being Flynn. [edit]

David Henrie married Maria Cahill in 2014. The couple has three children together. Before his marriage, he was briefly linked to his Wizards of Waverly Place co-star Selena Gomez, though neither ever confirmed the rumors. He also had a relationship with actress Ashley Tisdale in the late 2000s, which was reported by tabloids but never publicly acknowledged. As of 2026, Henrie is happily married to Maria, and the family resides in Los Angeles. [edit]

iFANN currently estimates David Henrie's net worth at $15 million as of 2026. This figure aggregates earnings from multiple streams throughout his two-decade career. Substantial salaries accumulated during his long runs on How I Met Your Mother and Wizards of Waverly Place form the foundation of his wealth. Additional fees are generated through his roles as executive producer and director on Wizards Beyond Waverly Place. His literary venture, the children's book Is God Bigger Than A Dragon?, has also contributed to his financial growth, achieving top rankings in its category. Smart real estate investments in the Los Angeles area further bolster his portfolio, while endorsement deals and public appearances provide supplementary income. Over the years, his net worth has grown steadily, reflecting his continued relevance in family entertainment and his successful pivot into authorship and direction.[edit]