Published: June 29, 2009 11:31 pm      

'Hannah Montana' co-star coming to Summer Motion

Ashland — Jason Earles, a co-star on the popular Disney channel show “Hannah Montana,” will be at Ashland’s Central Park as part of Summer Motion.

Earles plays Jackson Stewart, Miley Stewart’s older brother on the show. He will sign autographs for fans from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday near the main stage, Summer Motion officials said.

Earles was born in San Diego. There are conflicting national media reports about his age. His resume gives his birthday as April 26, 1985, but other reports, including an April Associated Press story, have given his birth year as 1977.

According to TV Guide and information provided by Earles’ managers, Earles studied acting, directing and dancing before heading to Hollywood. He also acted in local theater productions in Montana and Oregon, which won him four Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival Irene Ryan Nominations.

Earles debuted on television in a 2003 episode of the sketch-comedy series “Mad TV.”

His first major movie role was in 2004’s “National Treasure” when he was cast as Thomas Gates, the stable boy who discovers America’s founding fathers hid the Knights Templar Treasure.

In 2005, Earles was cast as Jackson Stewart in “Hannah Montana.” The role gives him an opportunity to not only display his comedic talents but to use the Southern accent he learned during his training.

CARRIE STAMBAUGH can be reached at cstambaugh@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2653.