Cozi Zuehlsdorff Movies and TV Shows: A Professional Career Timeline

The landscape of family-oriented cinema and musical television has been significantly shaped by performers who can balance on-screen presence with behind-the-scenes creative input. Since her debut in the early 2010s, Cozi Zuehlsdorff has developed a filmography that spans major motion pictures, long-running television series, and innovative streaming projects. This record details the professional trajectory of her work, highlighting the transition from early character roles to her current standing as a writer and producer in 2026.

The Breakthrough Era: Dolphin Tale and Feature Film Origins

The cinematic career of Cozi Zuehlsdorff began with a high-profile entry into the industry via the 2011 film Dolphin Tale. In this production, she was cast in the role of Hazel Haskett, a character central to the narrative surrounding the rescue and rehabilitation of a dolphin named Winter. This project was notable not only for its box office performance but also for its ensemble cast, which included seasoned actors such as Harry Connick Jr., Ashley Judd, and Morgan Freeman. The film's success established a foundation for Zuehlsdorff in the genre of inspirational family drama.

Following the reception of the first installment, she reprised the role of Hazel in Dolphin Tale 2 (2014). This sequel continued the exploration of marine life rescue, focusing on the character's growth and her evolving responsibilities at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. A significant professional milestone during this production was her dual contribution as both an actress and a songwriter; she wrote and performed the track "Brave Souls" for the film's end credits, signaling the start of a recurring pattern where her musical and acting careers would intersect.

Between these major features, she also participated in documentary work, serving as the narrator for Winter, the Dolphin That Can (2013). This project provided an educational perspective on the real-life events that inspired the feature films, showcasing her early versatility in vocal performance and narration.

The Disney Channel and Disney XD Tenure

Television became a primary medium for Zuehlsdorff throughout the mid-2010s, particularly within the ecosystem of the Disney Channel and Disney XD. Her presence in this space was marked by a mix of recurring characters and guest appearances that appealed to a younger demographic.

Mighty Med (2013–2015)

One of her most consistent television roles during this period was as Jordan in the series Mighty Med. Appearing in 11 episodes across several seasons, her character was defined by a dry, cynical wit that contrasted with the high-energy, superhero-centric atmosphere of the show. This role demonstrated her ability to handle comedic timing and ensemble dynamics in a multi-camera sitcom format.

Liv and Maddie and K.C. Undercover

In 2013, she appeared in the popular series Liv and Maddie as the character Ocean. Although a guest role, it placed her within one of the network's flagship programs during its peak years. She later appeared in K.C. Undercover (2016) as Pinky, continuing her trend of taking on distinct, character-driven roles in established television franchises.

Voice Acting and Musical Contributions

Her work with Disney extended into voice acting, contributing to the animated series Sofia the First as the character Buttercup and providing singing voices for various musical segments. Additionally, she voiced characters in Whisker Haven Tales with the Palace Pets (2016–2017), including Carmen and Glamour. These roles leveraged her background in musical theater and classical vocal training, providing a different dimension to her television credits.

Leading Roles in Musical Movies and Dramas

As her career progressed into the late 2010s, the projects became increasingly centered on her ability to carry a film as a lead, often with a heavy emphasis on music.

Pure Country: Pure Heart (2017)

In the 2017 direct-to-video feature Pure Country: Pure Heart, Zuehlsdorff portrayed Piper Spencer, a young girl who discovers her late father was a country music singer. The film required a performance that balanced dramatic depth with musical proficiency. Sharing the screen with country music icon Willie Nelson, this project allowed her to explore a more grounded, Americana-style aesthetic compared to her earlier Disney works.

Freaky Friday (2018)

One of the most significant projects in her filmography is the 2018 television movie remake of Freaky Friday. This iteration was a musical adaptation of the classic body-swap story, where she starred as Ellie Blake opposite Heidi Blickenstaff. Unlike previous versions of the story, this production relied heavily on choreographed musical numbers and vocal range. Zuehlsdorff also contributed to the soundtrack with the opening theme song, "What It’s Like to Be Me." The role of Ellie Blake was a demanding one, requiring her to play a teenager whose body is inhabited by her mother, providing a complex acting challenge that was met with professional recognition in the television musical space.

Dramatic Expansion and Recurring Series Work

Entering the early 2020s, the focus shifted toward more mature dramatic roles and expanded presence in streaming content. This era saw her moving away from the "Disney star" archetype and into roles that required more nuanced emotional delivery.

Going Home (2022–2023)

In the drama series Going Home, Zuehlsdorff took on the role of Janey Richards. This series, which focused on the lives of hospice nurses and the families they serve, marked a departure into more serious, life-affirming drama. Appearing in 12 episodes, her portrayal contributed to a narrative that dealt with grief, faith, and end-of-life care, showcasing a level of maturity that resonated with older audiences.

High School Musical: The Musical: The Series (2023)

Her involvement in the fourth season of the Emmy-nominated High School Musical: The Musical: The Series was multifaceted. On-screen, she appeared as a reporter in two episodes. Off-screen, her contribution was perhaps even more significant; she served as a songwriter for several episodes, collaborating on the original music that defines the show's identity. This period highlighted her transition into a creative force behind the camera, using her songwriting skills to influence the narrative structure of modern musical television.

Current Projects and Production Roles (2025–2026)

As of April 2026, the current phase of her career is defined by her evolution into a multi-hyphenate creator. She has increasingly taken on roles that involve scriptwriting and executive production, indicating a shift in her professional focus toward storytelling from the ground up.

A Week Away: The Series (2025–Present)

Building on the success of the original Netflix film, A Week Away was expanded into a television series. In this project, she portrays the character Lennie across multiple episodes. However, her involvement goes beyond acting; she is credited as both a writer and a producer for the series. This role represents a significant expansion of her professional portfolio, as she is now responsible for the creative direction and production logistics of a major streaming property. The series continues the musical themes of its predecessor while exploring deeper character arcs, many of which were developed in the writers' room with her direct input.

Destination Heaven (2024)

In 2024, she appeared in the television mini-series Destination Heaven as Regina. This project continued her association with inspirational and faith-based media, a niche where she has maintained a steady presence throughout the latter half of her career.

LarryBoy (2026)

Her most recent cinematic project is the 2026 film LarryBoy, in which she portrays Maureen Jacobson. This production is part of a revitalized effort in the animation and family adventure space. As a current release, it represents her ongoing commitment to family-friendly entertainment while continuing to evolve her screen presence alongside modern production techniques.

Short Films and Guest Star History

A comprehensive look at her work must also include shorter-form media and one-off guest appearances, which often serve as bridges between larger projects.

• Monday Mornings (2013): She appeared as Trisha Miller in an episode of this David E. Kelley medical drama, marking one of her earliest non-musical dramatic roles.
• Code Black (2015): In the episode "Pre-Existing Conditions," she played Aubrey Clark, further establishing her ability to handle high-stakes medical drama.
• A Taylor Story (2016): She played the lead role of Lucy in this short film, which dealt with themes of illness and friendship, earning various accolades in the short-film circuit.
• Disney Channel Stars: Legendary (2018): A short-form musical project that featured her alongside other network talent, reinforcing her status as a key figure in that era of musical television.

The Synergy of Music and Screen

Unlike many of her contemporaries, Zuehlsdorff's film and television credits are almost inseparable from her musical output. This synergy is a defining characteristic of her professional identity. Her filmography is punctuated by credits in the "Music Department" and as a "Soundtrack" contributor. For example, her work on Angel Food (2024), while primarily a musical album project, has been integrated into her visual media presence through music videos and potential sync placements in her own produced series.

By writing songs for the projects she stars in, such as Dolphin Tale 2 and Freaky Friday, she has created a niche where her acting performance is bolstered by the emotional resonance of her music. This dual capability has likely been a factor in her longevity in the industry, allowing her to pivot from child actor to an adult creator with a distinct creative voice.

Future Outlook and Legacy Projects

As the industry moves further into 2026, the projects associated with Cozi Zuehlsdorff suggest a continued focus on independent production and high-concept musical storytelling. Her work on the A Week Away series, in particular, serves as a template for how she may continue to manage her career—prioritizing projects where she can exert creative control through writing and producing while maintaining a lead acting presence.

Her filmography reflects a deliberate choice of projects that emphasize positive messaging, musicality, and family-centric narratives. From the aquatic rescue missions of Dolphin Tale to the complex identity-swapping of Freaky Friday and the dramatic weight of Going Home, the range of her work demonstrates a consistent professional evolution. As she continues to develop new scripts and produce new content, her influence on the intersection of music and television is expected to grow, providing a roadmap for other performers looking to expand their roles within the entertainment industry.

Summary of Key Roles and Years

This catalog of work illustrates a career built on a combination of early opportunities in major studio films and a strategic transition into creative leadership roles in the streaming era. The variety of formats—short films, television guest spots, voice acting, and feature leads—paints a picture of a versatile professional whose career continues to expand into new areas of the entertainment landscape.