Before captivating audiences as Hazel Aden on “Degrassi: The Next Generation,” Andrea Lewis starred alongside Hilary Duff in the Disney Channel Original Movie “Cadet Kelly.” This role marked a memorable chapter in Lewis’s career, one she fondly recalls as “one of my most fun shoots.”
Lewis, who proudly identifies as a “Disney kid,” felt a mix of excitement and curiosity when she landed the role. Despite her initial unfamiliarity with the project, her enthusiasm for Disney Channel shows like “Even Stevens” and “Lizzie McGuire” fueled her anticipation. “I loved Disney Channel, loved Even Stevens, loved Lizzie McGuire … I was a [The] Famous Jett Jackson fanatic. I loved the content,” she shares.
Her excitement peaked during the first read-through when she realized she would be working with Hilary Duff and Christy Carlson Romano, both of whom she admired. “At that point I remember thinking, ‘Oh, this is kind of a big deal,’” Lewis recalls.
“Cadet Kelly,” released in 2002, follows Kelly Collins (Duff) as she navigates military school life, befriending Carla (Lewis) and clashing with her commanding officer Jennifer Stone (Carlson Romano). For Lewis, the experience was enriched by the summer filming schedule and the simplicity of her character’s wardrobe. “One outfit, your hair was in one style. I was like, ‘This is great.’”
Hilary Duff’s influence extended beyond the set. Lewis recalls Duff and her mother’s encouragement as pivotal. “Hilary’s mom is who encouraged us to come to L.A. and pursue certain things. And just to really stand on stuff.” Observing Duff’s multifaceted career, with a record deal and a series alongside the movie, was particularly inspiring for Lewis.
Reflecting on the film’s enduring popularity, Lewis expresses surprise and gratitude. “To be recognized still so frequently for Cadet Kelly shocks me very much all the time,” she admits. She has only watched the film a couple of times, yet its impact remains significant.
In 2023, Lewis commemorated the film’s 21st anniversary with a TikTok video, reminiscing about her warm memories from the shoot. “Every time I think of Cadet Kelly, or every time someone brings it up to me, I have the warmest feelings and memories,” she says. “Because I had a great time filming Cadet Kelly. It was the best.”
As for a potential “Cadet Kelly” reunion, Lewis is uncertain but intrigued by the idea. She notes an interesting cultural shift, observing how the film has been interpreted as a coming-out movie. “During the pandemic, I discovered that it was this big coming out movie for people. And so I think that would be actually very interesting to have a discussion about with the cast as adults.”
Hilary Duff and Christy Carlson Romano have also reflected on this perspective. Duff, in a 2022 interview, expressed surprise at the film’s interpretation as queer-coded but welcomed its positive impact. Carlson Romano, through her YouTube channel, acknowledged how the movie has resonated with the LGBTQ+ community, highlighting its role in many young girls’ self-discovery.
Lewis’s journey from “Cadet Kelly” to “Degrassi” showcases the diverse experiences and enduring connections formed through her early career. Her reflections provide a heartfelt glimpse into the behind-the-scenes moments that continue to resonate with fans decades later.
