‘Good Luck Charlie’s’ Bridgit Mendler credits Disney for helping her become space CEO

Bridgit Mendler, the actress who charmed audiences as Teddy Duncan on Disney Channel’s Good Luck Charlie, has taken a remarkable leap from entertainment to entrepreneurship. At 33, she is now the CEO of Northwood Space, a company she co-founded with her husband, Griffin Cleverly, focused on building infrastructure to connect Earth and space more efficiently.

Mendler credits her early years at Disney for laying the foundation of her work ethic. “It was a great time in my life… super formative experience,” she told The Free Press. She began filming Good Luck Charlie at 17 and appeared in over 100 episodes, juggling long shooting days with a growing music career. “There were times when I would be filming a TV show 12 hours each day, then going to the studio after, and then doing concerts on the weekends. In terms of work ethic, it was a very formative time for me as well,” she added.

Her time on Disney also included appearances in Wizards of Waverly Place and the Disney Channel Original Movie Lemonade Mouth, while her music career took off with hits like Ready or Not and her debut album Hello My Name Is…. Even now, years after stepping away from music, Mendler’s songs continue to resonate with millions of listeners on streaming platforms.

After leaving entertainment, Mendler pursued higher education with the same determination that had marked her early career. She graduated from Harvard Law School in May 2024, earning acclaim as co-president of the Harvard Space Law Society, and also holds a master’s degree from MIT. She is currently pursuing a PhD at MIT, further cementing her transition into the tech and science world.

Northwood Space, the company she leads, was conceived during the COVID-19 pandemic while she spent time with her family. The startup focuses on innovative solutions for connecting Earth and space, a field Mendler approached with the discipline and drive cultivated during her Disney years.

Reflecting on her journey, Mendler remains grateful for her start in entertainment. “I just reflect on it super fondly. It was a real privilege,” she said, highlighting how lessons learned as a young actress helped shape her path to becoming a tech CEO.