David Henrie is an American actor, director, producer, and screenwriter best known for playing Justin Russo in Wizards of Waverly Place and Luke Mosby in How I Met Your Mother. Born on July 11, 1989, in Mission Viejo, California, he began working professionally as a young actor and later expanded into directing and producing.
His career has continued beyond Disney Channel, with film roles, independent projects, and his return as Justin Russo in Wizards Beyond Waverly Place. His work behind the camera has also become an increasingly important part of his career.
Who Is David Henrie?
David Henrie entered television as a child actor and built experience through guest appearances before becoming widely recognized by Disney audiences. His breakthrough came with Wizards of Waverly Place, where he played Justin Russo, the responsible older brother of Selena Gomez’s Alex Russo.
The series became a major part of his early career, but his résumé is broader than the Disney franchise. He also appeared as Luke Mosby, Ted Mosby’s future son, on How I Met Your Mother. Other credits include That’s So Raven, Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2, Little Boy, and Walt Before Mickey.
David Henrie Career Highlights
One notable feature of his career is the transition from performing to filmmaking. Henrie has worked as a director, writer, and producer in addition to acting.
| Career area | Notable work |
|---|---|
| Television acting | Wizards of Waverly Place, How I Met Your Mother |
| Film acting | Little Boy, Walt Before Mickey, Reagan |
| Directing | This Is the Year, Monster Summer |
| Producing | Wizards Beyond Waverly Place, Monster Summer |
| Writing | This Is the Year and other projects |
His 2020 film This Is the Year was particularly significant because he directed it and also played the lead role. He later directed Monster Summer, starring Mel Gibson, and served as an executive producer on Wizards Beyond Waverly Place.
💡 Pro Tip: If you are exploring his career chronologically, start with Wizards of Waverly Place, then compare his later acting credits with his directing and producing work. It gives a clearer picture of how his responsibilities in entertainment have expanded.
Return as Justin Russo
A major recent development in David Henrie’s career was his return to the Wizards universe. Disney announced the continuation of Wizards of Waverly Place in 2024, with Henrie returning as Justin Russo and serving as an executive producer. Selena Gomez also returned to the franchise in a guest-star capacity and as an executive producer.
The continuation, Wizards Beyond Waverly Place, brings the character into a new stage of life. Henrie’s involvement is therefore both in front of and behind the camera, connecting the original Disney series with its newer continuation.
According to Disney’s official biography, Henrie has worked in entertainment for more than 25 years and has accumulated extensive television and film credits.
Movies and Other Notable Roles
Beyond television, David Henrie has appeared in several films across different genres. His credits include the family drama Little Boy, where he played London Busbee, and Walt Before Mickey, in which he portrayed animator Rudy Ising.
He also appeared in Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 and later took on the role of young Ronald Reagan in the 2024 biographical film Reagan. IMDb lists him as an actor, producer, director, and screenwriter, reflecting the range of roles he has taken throughout his career.
For viewers researching David Henrie movies and TV shows, his filmography shows a gradual move from child and teen television roles toward broader creative work.
David Henrie’s Family Life
Henrie married Maria Cahill in 2017. The couple have four children, with their youngest son, Peter, born on September 2, 2026. People reported that Peter was the couple’s fourth child and described his arrival as especially meaningful for the family following an earlier pregnancy loss.
The family has also been part of Henrie’s public life, although much of his professional profile remains centered on acting and filmmaking.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is David Henrie?
David Henrie was born on July 11, 1989, in Mission Viejo, California. As of September 2026, he is 37 years old.
What is David Henrie best known for?
He is best known for playing Justin Russo in Wizards of Waverly Place and its continuation, Wizards Beyond Waverly Place. He is also recognized for playing Luke Mosby on How I Met Your Mother.
Is David Henrie married?
Yes. He married Maria Cahill in April 2017. The couple have four children.
Did David Henrie direct any movies?
Yes. He directed This Is the Year and Monster Summer, among other projects. He has also worked as a producer and writer.
Is David Henrie still playing Justin Russo?
Yes. He returned as Justin Russo for Wizards Beyond Waverly Place, while also serving as an executive producer on the continuation.
📌 Key Takeaway: David Henrie’s career extends well beyond his best-known Disney role. From How I Met Your Mother and Wizards of Waverly Place to directing and producing, his résumé reflects a sustained move into multiple areas of entertainment.
Conclusion
David Henrie remains closely associated with Justin Russo, but his career has developed considerably since his early Disney Channel years. His acting work spans television and film, while directing, writing, and producing have given him greater creative involvement in the projects he makes.
For audiences searching for David Henrie, his recent return to the Wizards franchise provides a familiar connection to his best-known character while his filmmaking credits show another side of his professional career.
