‘Pretty Little Liars’: Where the Cast and Characters Are Now

Confiding in one another is what strengthens our bond.” That’s something Alison DiLaurentis, the leader of Pretty Little Liars, would express to her tight-knit group of friends: Aria Montgomery (Lucy Hale), Spencer Hastings (Troian Bellisario), Hanna Marin (Ashley Benson) and Emily Fields (Shay Mitchell).

Fifteen summers ago, the series “Pretty Little Liars,” inspired by Sara Shepard’s novels, made its debut on ABC Family (now known as Freeform). The show followed a group of friends, known as the Liars, as they investigated the mysterious disappearance of their best friend Alison (also called “Ali”). Throughout the series, these characters received ominous texts revealing their secrets and were pursued by an anonymous stalker referred to as “A.” Even after Ali was discovered alive and returned to Rosewood, this pattern of secrets being exposed and stalking continued.

For approximately seven years and across seven seasons, the popular series PLL came to an end in 2017. Since then, we’ve seen a spin-off titled Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionists, featuring recurring characters like Mona Vanderwaal, played by Sasha Pieterse and Janel Parrish. More recently, there has been a reboot/spin-off sequel called Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin.

To celebrate the 15th anniversary of the show, Marlene King, its creator, and several cast members shared their thoughts with The Hollywood Reporter about the series finale, the unmasking of “A”, theories surrounding it, popular shippers, potential spin-offs, a possible reunion project, answered fan questions, reminisced about lifelong friendships formed on set, and more.

Below, THR examines where some of the cast have found themselves since the series finale. Actors like Hale, Bellisario, Benson, Mitchell, Pieterse, Ian Harding, Tyler Blackburn, and Keegan Allen shared with THR their thoughts on where they believe their characters are now.

Lucy Hale as Aria Montgomery

Lucy Hale portrayed Aria Montgomery, the creative and literary character within her friend circle. She shared a highly-discussed romantic relationship with her teacher, Ezra Fitz, played by Ian Harding. Despite Ezra being aware of Aria’s identity prior to their meeting (as explained in season four), they managed to overcome this hurdle, and the beloved duo, known as “Ezria,” eventually got married in the series finale. The finale also disclosed that Aria is unable to have children, so they were considering adoption. In Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin, it was mentioned that they intended to adopt Imogen Adams’ (Bailee Madison) child, although this did not come to fruition.

Today, Hale shared with THR that he wishes Aria, wherever she may be beyond Rosewood, is content and has returned her signature pink hair. He imagines her preparing a lovely homemade meal for Ezra. Strangely enough, I have this feeling that she and the girls are up to some mischief, he added.

Following the conclusion of the show, Hale has been featured in numerous films such as Blumhouse’s “Truth or Dare”, “Fantasy Island”, and a variety of others including “The Unicorn”, “Dude”, “A Nice Girl Like You”, “The Hating Game”, “Borrego”, “Big Gold Brick”, “The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry”, “Inside Man”, “Puppy Love”, “Which Brings Me to You”, “Running on Empty” and “F Marry Kill”. Additionally, she has acted in television series such as The CW’s “Life Sentence” and the spinoff of “Riverdale”, titled “Katy Keene”.

Ashley Benson as Hanna Marin

In the town of Rosewood, Ashley Benson’s character Hanna Marin took over as the popular figure after Ali disappeared. Known for her love of fashion, quick-witted dialogue, and humor (remember the joke “Jenna can’t hear you, she’s blind!”), Hanna spent most of the show in a relationship with Caleb Rivers, portrayed by Tyler Blackburn. The duo, affectionately known as “Haleb,” got married in a courthouse in the final season and announced they were expecting a baby in the series finale. Contrary to their on-screen romance, it was revealed that the actors playing Hanna and Caleb never dated off-screen, despite rumors suggesting otherwise.

According to Benson, he believes that Hanna and Caleb are currently residing in New York City along with their child. It’s possible they have another child as well, and they are both employed in New York and Europe. He speculates that Hanna might have launched her own fashion line and possibly even a magazine. As for Caleb, he thinks he could be managing the online aspects of their shared endeavors somewhere. Benson assumes they are primarily based in New York, but frequently travel to Europe for work purposes with their child.

Following her final performance, she has since appeared in various projects. These include the 2018 movie “Her Smell,” where she also contributed her voice to the soundtrack, as well as films such as “The Birthday Cake,” “Private Property,” “Alone at Night,” “The Loneliest Boy in the World,” “Angry Neighbors,” “Mob Land,” and “McVeigh.” Additionally, she starred in the 2023 series titled “Wilderness.

Shay Mitchell as Emily Fields

Shay Mitchell’s character, Emily Fields, was known for her athletic prowess among the group of characters called the Liars. She was a swimmer on Rosewood High’s team before suffering a shoulder injury, later transitioning into the role of swim coach at the same school. In the initial season, Emily revealed her sexual orientation as gay, which was the storyline the cast and creators were most proud of, according to an interview with THR. The couple had twin babies, and in the final episode, Emily proposed to Alison. However, in the spin-off series titled “Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionists,” the relationship between Emily and Alison (often referred to as ‘Emison’) ended when Ali filed for divorce.

Mitchell shared with THR where he believes Emily is currently: “I can’t quite explain it, but I often find myself thinking, ‘She’s off exploring the globe.’ I have a feeling she would be traveling, indeed. Many of those girls from Rosewood seem to have become globetrotters, venturing out into the world. I think Emily would definitely attend Wimbledon. She’d be quite interested in that, exposing her kids to various sports, cultures, and travel experiences.

After the performance, Mitchell starred as Peach in season one of 2018’s You, alongside Penn Badgley. In addition, she played Stella across two seasons of Hulu’s Dollface from 2019 to 2022. Other roles include those in The Possession of Hannah Grace, The Heiresses, Trese, Miracle Workers, Something from Tiffany’s, and Velma. Apart from acting, Mitchell has ventured into entrepreneurship. She launched the travel brand Béis and co-created Onda Tequila.

Sasha Pieterse as Alison

As a dedicated gamer immersed in the world of Rosewood, I used to know Alison DiLaurentis, the notorious queen bee who mysteriously vanished and was thought to be gone forever. But lo and behold, she miraculously reappeared in season five, stirring up just as much drama as ever! Later on, Ali decided to give teaching at Rosewood High a shot, where she continued her journey of transformation.

In the later seasons, Ali proposed to Emily in a heartwarming moment during the season finale. They even welcomed twins into their family. However, our fairytale romance took a turn for the worst when we hit a roadblock in The Perfectionists, which I couldn’t help but feel was a misstep. In fact, I’ve been quite vocal about it, calling it just that: a mistake.

Pieterse shared with THR that she believes Alison will return to Rosewood. According to her, “Emily and Alison are still a couple. They’ve managed their space; long-distance relationships can be challenging for many couples. Alison has come back to Rosewood, and they’ve worked things out. Their twin children would now be in the sixth grade. They’ve constructed a home on a beautiful piece of land and seem to be thriving. I suspect Emily might be working as a swim instructor part-time because she enjoys it so much, and Alison could possibly be an online professor.

After the series ended, the actress continued to be part of the PLL universe by appearing in its spinoff, “The Perfectionists,” which debuted in 2019 but only ran for a single season. Since then, she has also featured in several other productions such as “The Honor List,” “Epic Night,” “Ivy + Bean: Doomed to Dance,” “Ivy + Bean: The Ghost That Had to Go,” “The Image of You,” and “A Carpenter Christmas Romance.” Pieterse, alongside her endeavors, co-created the beverage brand Hippie Water and hosts the “Women In The Nude Podcast.” Notably, her fellow PLL cast members Hale, Bellisario, and Parrish have been guests on this podcast.

Troian Bellisario as Spencer Hastings/Alex Drake

Spencer Hastings, portrayed by Troian Bellisario, was a smart and ambitious character who excelled at decoding messages from ‘A’. Following the time jump in season six, Spencer entered politics. Throughout the series, her relationship with Toby stood out as particularly significant, despite occasional breakups. The finale hinted at their reunion, suggesting a hopeful romantic future for them. The couple, often referred to as “Spoby”, were eventually confirmed as endgame in the spin-off ‘The Perfectionists’, when it was revealed that Spencer and Toby had eloped. It’s surprising to think they could ever have been anything but endgame, given that Toby managed to distinguish Spencer from her twin sister Alex Drake in the series finale, who turned out to be the mysterious ‘A’ or A.D. that everyone was searching for.

Bellisario shared with THR that Spencer had plans for a career in the public eye, be it law or politics, following in her mother’s footsteps. However, they also envisioned a secluded retreat, much like Toby’s style, where he would craft the furniture and they could enjoy their personal life away from the spotlight.

Following PLL, Bellisario moved to the role of director for the 2020 short film titled “Life on Mars” as well as season seven’s episode 15 of Pretty Little Liars, entitled “In the Eye Abides the Hear.” She has also acted in various productions such as Feed, Clara, Where’d You Go, Bernadette, Stumptown, Bite Size Halloween, Ways & Means, Doula, and Plan B. Currently, Bellisario is appearing in the Prime Video series On Call.

Ian Harding as Ezra Fitz

In a high school named Rosewood, Ian Harding’s character Ezra Fitz functions as an English teacher. He interacts with all four of the main characters, the Liars, during his tenure there. Prior to Aria’s junior year, he encounters her at a bar. The following day, Aria appears in his class as one of his students, and their relationship unfolds throughout the show. During season four, hints suggest Ezra could be “A,” but this theory is debunked when it’s disclosed that Ezra had prior acquaintance with Alison before her disappearance and was seeking information about Ali’s case for a book he was composing. After their separation and dating other individuals, they reconcile and get married in the series finale.

Previously, Harding spoke to THR about the couple, and now shares an update on Ezra’s current situation: “I wish him well. I hope he’s not in jail. I hope he’s enjoying a life similar to mine – he has a small family, is able to dedicate himself to his passion for writing, finds time to savor life, and reflects on all the experiences that have shaped him. I hope he’s content. That’s what I truly wish for my friend Ezra.

Apart from his main undertakings, he’s also involved with numerous series, films, and TV flicks such as “Thin Ice,” “No Apologies,” “Chicago Med,” “Good People,” “Magnum P.I.,” “The Hater,” “Long Slow Exhale,” “Ghosts of Christmas Always,” “The Magic of Lemon Drops” and “Holidazed.” Last year, he appeared in the Netflix film “Our Little Secret” sharing screen time with Lindsay Lohan and Kristin Chenoweth.

Tyler Blackburn as Caleb Rivers

Tyler Blackburn portrayed Caleb Rivers, a skilled online hacker who often assisted the Liars in outsmarting the mysterious figure known as “A.” One particularly striking message from “A” read: “If you don’t call off your tech-savvy companion, I’ll reveal what your mother hides in the lasagna box to the police.” Caleb had a complex past, having been a foster child. He initially developed feelings for Hanna and later had a brief romance with Spencer. However, their relationship was destined as they eventually married in the final season. The series finale revealed that they were expecting a baby together.

Blackburn shared with THR that “Haleb” might have children now. It’s likely that Hanna is involved in some form of fashion design, while Caleb may be working in IT or perhaps even running his own tech company. My advice to them back then was essentially, “Why don’t you leave Rosewood and move on?” (Laughs.)

Throughout the series’ run, Blackburn departed during season four to headline his own spinoff, titled “Ravenswood,” but returned to “PLL” in season five following its cancellation. Since then, he has starred as Alex Manes across four seasons of “Roswell, New Mexico” from 2019-2022. He’s also made appearances in “Hello Again,” “Charmed,” and “Capsized: Blood in the Water.” In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Blackburn expressed his aspiration to work on “The Last of Us” as one of his dream projects.

Keegan Allen as Toby Cavanaugh

In the popular series, Keegan Allen’s character, Toby Cavanaugh, is revealed to be the step-brother of Jenna Marshall (played by Tammin Sursok). Initially shunned by the community due to suspicions about his role in Ali’s murder, Toby later joins both the police force and carpentry. His romantic involvement with Spencer was a much-loved storyline among fans. At one time, he was part of the “A-Team,” but it was eventually disclosed that this was merely to safeguard Spencer. In the series finale, Toby manages to distinguish Spencer from her twin, Alex Drake, the final “A.” In the last scene with the Liars, it is hinted that their relationship may be rekindled as Toby decides to remain in Rosewood. In a later spin-off, The Perfectionists, it’s suggested that they got married in haste.

Allen revealed to THR about his character’s current situation: “I believe Toby resides in a tranquil, coastal area, perhaps shrouded by pine trees and fog, where he spends his time fixing boats or restoring classic motorcycles. He likely keeps a notebook in the pocket of his back pants, half-filled with sketches and half-filled with thoughts he never verbally expresses. As for Toby and Spencer, I don’t think they have completely moved on from each other. They might not be physically together, but their hearts are still aligned. In an alternate universe, they could be living in a book-filled house, with mystery novels and antique compasses, continuing to unravel the world together, albeit without the peril. Perhaps they have children, pets, and evenings spent on a patio, reading aloud and listening to oldies… that would be my dream for them. I wish only the best for them.

After the PLL run, Allen appeared in The CW’s Walker for four seasons, sharing the screen with Jared Padalecki (known for Supernatural). Among his other projects are Major Crimes, What/If, Zeroville, and Follow Me. Aside from acting, Keegan has released two photography books: life.love.beauty in 2015 and Hollywood: Photos and Stories from Foreverland in 2018.

Janel Parrish as Mona Vanderwaal

Initially portrayed as ‘A’ in the books and the initial ‘A’ on the TV show, which was disclosed during the season two finale, Janel Parrish’s character Mona Vanderwaal was close friends with Hanna and eventually joined forces with the main characters, known as the Liars.

After that, Parrish appeared in the spinoff of The Perfectionists alongside Pieterse, as well as in the popular Netflix movies To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before and To All the Boys: Always and Forever. Among her other projects are I’ll Be Watching, Trespassers, Tiger, Mighty Oak, Holly & Ivy, Right in Front of Me, Coyote Creek Christmas, Christmas Is Canceled, Run & Gun, Until We Meet Again, Magnum P.I., Family History Mysteries: Buried Past, Never Been Chris’d, Haunted Wedding, Sugarplummed, XO, Kitty, and Return to Office.

Torrey DeVitto as Melissa Hastings

In the television series, Torrey DeVitto portrayed Melissa Hastings, Spencer’s elder sibling. Throughout the show, there were strong hints suggesting that she could be the mysterious figure known as “A,” but in actuality, she was linked with the “A-Team.

Apart from her role on screen, she’s famously recognized for portraying Dr. Natalie Manning across six seasons of “Chicago Med,” along with appearances in “Chicago P.D.” and “Chicago Fire.” Additionally, you might recognize her from movies like “Write Before Christmas,” “The Christmas Promise,” “Rip in Time,” “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas,” “Love’s Greek to Me,” and “Skelly.

Drew Van Acker as Jason DiLaurentis

Drew Van Acker’s character, Jason DiLaurentis, was the half-brother of Alison and Spencer because their fathers are biologically related. He reappears in Rosewood during the second season and harbors romantic feelings for Aria, but she ultimately chooses Ezra over him. However, they do share a brief romance when the storyline skips five years in season six.

This actor has been featured in films such as “Training Day,” “Life Like,” “Titans,” “Spy Intervention,” and “Last Survivors.” Last year, he had a romantic role in the music video for Addison Rae’s song “Diet Pepsi.

Julian Morris as Wren Kingston

In the series “Pretty Little Liars,” Julian Morris played Wren Kingston, a character who many viewers thought was “A.” However, he was part of the “A-Team.” During the first season, he was engaged to Melissa, but later pursued Spencer. By the series finale, it was revealed that Wren had feelings for Alex Drake, though she ended up killing him when he refused to assist her in taking Spencer’s identity. It was also discovered that he was the biological father of Alison and Emily’s twin daughters. After “Pretty Little Liars,” Morris has been seen in shows such as “The Morning Show, Little Women, Man in an Orange Shirt” and “The Good Fight.“. His subsequent roles include those in “Viper Club “and “The Presence of Love.“.

Tammin Sursok as Jenna Marshall

Tammin Sursok’s character, Jenna Marshall, was deceived by the group known as the Liars, who were orchestrated by Alison. Jenna was suspected of being “A,” though she wasn’t one of the primary revelations about “A.” Instead, she was associated with the “A-Team.

After the show, Sursok has appeared in various projects including “Aussie Girl”, “Joe vs. Carole”, and the Australian soap opera “Neighbours”. She’s also been seen in “Killer in Red”, “Braking for Whales”, “Love and Penguins”, “Blood, Sweat and Cheer”, “Mommy’s Stolen Memories”, “Kane”, and shared the screen with her PLL co-star, Brant Daugherty (Noel Kahn) in 2024’s “Trivia at St. Nick’s”. In addition, Sursok teamed up with Lindsey Shaw (Paige McCullers) to co-host the “Pretty Little Liars: True Crime” podcast, a rewatch series.

Brant Daugherty as Noel Kahn

In the town of Rosewood, actor Brant Daugherty portrayed the wealthy villain, Noel Kahn. Apart from his mischievous deeds, Noel was linked with the mysterious “A-Team.” Tragically, in season seven, Noel met an untimely end when he stumbled and fell onto an axe, leading to his decapitation.

After the performance, Daugherty took on the role of Dakota Johnson’s bodyguard in the 2018 film “Fifty Shades Freed”. Previously, he has starred in several Hallmark productions such as “Mingle All the Way”, “Timeless Love”, “The Baker’s Son”, “#Xmas”, “Joyeux Noel” and “Trivia at St. Nick’s”, often appearing alongside his former co-star from “PLL”, Tammin Sursok.

Lindsey Shaw as Paige McCullers

In the television series, Lindsey Shaw’s character, Paige McCullers, was one of Emily’s romantic interests. In the first season, Paige attempted to drown Emily, but later they had a tumultuous on-and-off relationship. Their relationship ended permanently in season five.

Since then, Shaw has been featured in shows like “1/1”, “Reboot Camp”, “Lucifer” and “As Certain as Death”. Previously, she co-hosted the “Pretty Little Liars: True Crime” podcast with Tammin Sursok. Prior to that, she played the character “Moze” in Nickelodeon’s “Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide”. Currently, Shaw is co-hosting a rewatch podcast for the show along with Devon Werkheiser and Daniel Curtis Lee.

2025-07-02 22:25