Whatever happened to Jennifer Stone?
Jennifer Stone became a beloved figure to Disney Channel viewers through her role as Harper Finkle, the quirky, fashion-forward best friend of Selena Gomez’s Alex Russo on Wizards of Waverly Place, which ran from 2007 to 2012 and became one of the network’s most successful series. Her character, with her distinctive style, unwavering loyalty, and comedic timing, made Harper one of television’s most memorable sidekicks and positioned Stone for continued success in entertainment. However, Stone made a decision that surprised many in Hollywood: she left acting to pursue nursing, eventually becoming a registered nurse working in the emergency room at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center in Burbank, California. Her own health struggles inspired her motivation after being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in 2013, wanting a career with tangible impact, helping others navigate similar challenges.
The diagnosis that changed everything
When Stone was 20 years old, just as Wizards of Waverly Place ended, she started experiencing mysterious symptoms, including blurry vision so severe she couldn’t read street signs, extreme fatigue, and gaining 60 pounds in three months without changing her diet or activity levels. She spent four years visiting different doctors, receiving conflicting diagnoses, before finally being correctly diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. Her frustrating healthcare experience, particularly the lack of support from some physicians, inspired her to change her career path from psychology to nursing so she could help others facing similar struggles.
From Harper to healthcare
Stone entered nursing school and graduated in 2019, immediately beginning work in the emergency room, where she discovered her passion for the intensity and variety of emergency medicine. She started her nursing career in early 2020, just as the COVID-19 pandemic made nursing exponentially more challenging, working on the frontlines while managing her own Type 1 diabetes. Despite wearing full PPE (masks, gowns, and gloves) during the pandemic, patients still recognized her from her red hair and distinctive voice, creating surreal moments when Disney Channel fans realized their childhood TV best friend was now their actual nurse.
Balancing two demanding careers
Stone continues acting while working as an ER nurse, describing the dual careers as “acting is for me and nursing is what I do for others.” She loves the collaboration and multitasking in both fields, finding that understanding the human body makes her a better actor, while empathy developed through acting makes her a more effective nurse. Stone serves on the Global Ambassador Council for Beyond Type 1, Nick Jonas’s nonprofit, advocating for diabetes awareness and encouraging people with Type 1 diabetes to explore advancing technology options for managing their condition.
Conclusion
Jennifer Stone’s transformation from Disney Channel star to ER nurse demonstrates that personal health struggles can inspire meaningful career changes, proving that childhood fame can serve as a foundation for work with genuine impact, helping others navigate the challenges she experienced herself.
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