The world was shocked and saddened to learn of the untimely passing of pop star Aaron Carter on November 5, 2022 at the age of 34. Carter rose to fame in the late 1990s and early 2000s as a teen pop sensation, releasing hit albums like Aaron’s Party (Come Get It) and delighting fans with catchy songs like “I Want Candy” and “That’s How I Beat Shaq”.
But beyond his successful music career, Carter also dabbled in acting, appearing in a handful of movies and TV shows over the years. While he was best known as a singer, Carter’s acting roles showcased his charisma and comedic timing.
As we remember Aaron Carter and celebrate his life and career, let’s take a look back at his 10 best movies and TV show appearances, ranked:
10. Popstar (2005)
Popstar was Aaron Carter’s only starring role in a feature film. In this straight-to-DVD comedy, Carter plays J.D. McQueen, a famous pop star whose parents send him back to high school to get an education. There, he meets Jane Brighton (Alana Austin), a math genius who helps him pass his tests and captures his heart.
While Popstar flew under the radar and was not widely seen, it gave Carter a chance to carry a film and perform his songs on screen. The movie is a lighthearted teen comedy that coasts on Carter’s charm and musical talents. It’s far from a cinematic masterpiece, but worth a watch for die-hard Aaron Carter fans.
Trivia: Popstar was filmed in 2004 but not released until 2005, after Carter’s popularity had peaked. The film is not currently available on any streaming platforms.
9. House of Carters (2006)
House of Carters was a short-lived reality show that aired on E! for one season in 2006. The series followed Aaron, his brother Nick Carter of Backstreet Boys fame, and their three siblings as they moved in together and tried to reconnect as a family.
The show was a fascinating, if uncomfortable, look into the Carter family dynamics, with plenty of drama and fighting, especially between Nick and Aaron. In hindsight, House of Carters was an early warning sign of Aaron’s personal struggles and foreshadowed some of the issues he would face in the years to come.
While it’s not an easy watch, the show is notable for capturing Aaron Carter at a pivotal moment in his life and career. It’s a raw, unfiltered glimpse into his world beyond the pop star persona.
Trivia: House of Carters was produced by the same company behind The Osbournes and Breaking Bonaduce, two other reality shows about famous siblings and families.
8. Dancing with the Stars (2009)
Aaron Carter competed on season 9 of the hit reality competition Dancing with the Stars in 2009. He was partnered with professional dancer Karina Smirnoff and made it to fifth place before being eliminated.
Carter was a strong competitor on the show, consistently scoring well with the judges and wowing audiences with his dance skills. A highlight was his crowd-pleasing samba performance to the song “Two Princes”.
Dancing with the Stars allowed Carter to showcase his showmanship and performance abilities in a new context. It also introduced him to a wider audience beyond his music fans. While he didn’t take home the Mirrorball Trophy, Carter proved he could hold his own on the dance floor.
Trivia: Among Carter’s fellow celebrity competitors on DWTS season 9 were Donny Osmond (the eventual winner), Mýa, Kelly Osbourne, Melissa Joan Hart, and Louie Vito.
7. Supercross (2005)
Supercross is a 2005 action sports drama film starring Steve Howey as K.C. Carlyle, a motorcycle racer determined to win the Supercross championship. Aaron Carter has a supporting role as Owen Cole, a fellow racer and K.C.’s rival.
The film is a fairly generic sports movie, with a predictable plot and stock characters. However, it benefits from exciting race sequences and a strong cast that also includes Channing Tatum and Robert Patrick.
Carter doesn’t have a ton of screen time in Supercross, but he makes the most of his scenes, bringing cockiness and competitive drive to his character. It’s fun to see him play against type as a brash athlete.
Trivia: Supercross was one of Channing Tatum’s earliest film roles, years before his breakout turn in Step Up. He plays K.C.’s brother Trip.
6. Rocket Power (2000)
Rocket Power was a popular animated series that aired on Nickelodeon from 1999 to 2004. The show followed a group of young extreme sports enthusiasts in the fictional town of Ocean Shores, California.
In a 2000 episode titled “Super McVariel 900”, Aaron Carter guest starred as Bucky, a famous skateboarder who comes to town for a competition. The kids are thrilled to meet their idol, but Bucky turns out to be rude and arrogant.
Carter’s voice acting is impressive in the episode, as he imbues Bucky with the right mix of cool charisma and smarmy entitlement. It’s a small but memorable role that trades on Carter’s real-life fame at the time.
Trivia: The “Super McVariel 900” title is a reference to skateboarding legend Tony Hawk’s famous 900 trick, which he first landed at the 1999 X Games.
5. 7th Heaven (2004)
7th Heaven was a long-running family drama series that aired on The WB and later The CW from 1996 to 2007. The show centered on the Camden family, led by pastor Eric Camden (Stephen Collins) and his wife Annie (Catherine Hicks), and their seven children.
Aaron Carter appeared in a two-episode arc during the show’s ninth season in 2004. He played Harry, a new love interest for Ruthie Camden (Mackenzie Rosman), who becomes jealous when he starts spending time with her friend Jill.
Carter’s stint on 7th Heaven allowed him to flex his acting muscles in a more dramatic context. He brings charm and likability to Harry, making him a convincing romantic foil for Ruthie. The storyline also touches on themes of trust and friendship.
Trivia: 7th Heaven was the longest-running family drama in television history until it was surpassed by Heartland in 2021.
4. Liberty’s Kids (2002-2003)
Liberty’s Kids was an educational animated series that aired on PBS from 2002 to 2003. The show followed a group of young journalists during the American Revolutionary War, as they witnessed key events and interacted with historical figures like George Washington and Benjamin Franklin.
Aaron Carter had a recurring role in the series as Joseph Plumb Martin, a real-life soldier who served in the Continental Army. Carter’s character appears in several episodes, including “Valley Forge” and “Yorktown”, which depict pivotal moments in the war.
Liberty’s Kids was praised for its historical accuracy and engaging storytelling. Carter’s voice work helps bring Joseph to life, conveying his bravery and patriotism. The show is a great example of Carter using his talents to educate and inspire young audiences.
Trivia: Other celebrity voices in Liberty’s Kids included Dustin Hoffman, Michael Douglas, Annette Bening, Billy Crystal, and Whoopi Goldberg.
3. Lizzie McGuire (2001)
Lizzie McGuire was a beloved Disney Channel sitcom that ran from 2001 to 2004. The show starred Hilary Duff as the titular character, a clumsy but well-meaning teenage girl navigating the ups and downs of middle school.
In a first-season episode called “Here Comes Aaron Carter”, Lizzie and her best friend Miranda (Lalaine) win a contest to meet the pop star and have him perform at their school. But when Aaron arrives, he takes a liking to Lizzie, making Miranda jealous.
Carter guest stars as himself in the episode, gamely poking fun at his own image and fame. He has great comedic chemistry with Duff and the rest of the cast, and his performance of “I Want Candy” is a highlight.
The episode is a fun time capsule of early 2000s pop culture, and a testament to Carter’s star power at the height of his career. It’s also a sweet, relatable story about friendship and celebrity crushes.
Trivia: Aaron Carter and Hilary Duff dated in real life in the early 2000s, and their relationship and breakup was heavily covered in teen magazines at the time.
2. Sabrina the Teenage Witch (1998)
Sabrina the Teenage Witch was a popular sitcom that aired on ABC and The WB from 1996 to 2003. The show followed Sabrina Spellman (Melissa Joan Hart), a teenage girl who discovers on her 16th birthday that she has magical powers.
In a 1998 episode called “The Band Episode”, Sabrina uses her magic to help her friend Jenny (Michelle Beaudoin) win a radio contest to have Aaron Carter perform at her birthday party. But when Aaron arrives, he’s more interested in Sabrina than Jenny.
Carter’s guest appearance is a highlight of the episode, as he charms Sabrina and the other characters with his wit and musical talents. He performs his song “Crush on You” and shares a memorable scene with Sabrina’s talking cat Salem (voiced by Nick Bakay).
The episode is a fun showcase for Carter’s comedic timing and a clever use of his real-life persona. It’s also a great example of Sabrina‘s blend of magic, humor, and relatable teenage storylines.
Trivia: The “Crush on You” music video, featuring Melissa Joan Hart, premiered during this episode of Sabrina the Teenage Witch.
1. Seussical (2001)
In 2001, at the age of 13, Aaron Carter made his Broadway debut in the musical Seussical. The show, based on the works of Dr. Seuss, follows Horton the Elephant (Kevin Chamberlin) as he tries to protect the tiny citizens of Whoville.
Carter played JoJo, a young Who who is sent to military school for thinking too many “thinks”. JoJo has several solo songs in the show, including “It’s Possible (In McElligot’s Pool)” and “Alone in the Universe”.
Seussical received mixed reviews from critics, but Carter’s performance was widely praised. He brought energy, heart, and strong vocals to the role, holding his own alongside Broadway veterans like Chamberlin and Sharon Wilkins.
Carter’s stint in Seussical showcased his versatility as a performer and proved he could handle the demands of live theater. It remains one of the most impressive achievements of his career, and a testament to his talent and work ethic.
Trivia: Seussical underwent major rewrites and cast changes during its pre-Broadway run, with Carter and Chamberlin among the few actors to remain with the show throughout.
Aaron Carter’s acting career may have been overshadowed by his music, but as this list shows, he left a mark on screens both big and small. From guest spots on beloved sitcoms to voice work in animated series to his one Broadway musical, Carter consistently brought his signature charm, humor, and talent to his performances.
While his life was tragically cut short, Aaron Carter’s legacy as a performer lives on through his music and his memorable film and television appearances. He will be deeply missed, but his work will continue to entertain and inspire fans for generations to come.
What are your favorite Aaron Carter movie and TV roles? Share your memories and tributes in the comments below.
