Big Time Rush | What the Cast Is Up to Now

Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re checking in on the cast of “Big Time Rush” to see what’s new with them.

#10: Challen Cates

Cates played Big Time Rush’s de facto “momager,” Jennifer Knight. As the only parent who moved with the boy band to Los Angeles, she acted as the adult voice of reason amidst a cast of zany characters. Since “Big Time Rush,” Cates has pivoted in her career to follow in her fathers winemaking footsteps. She reportedly runs Challen Winery, which is family owned and operated, and based in Santa Barbara County, California. You can still spot Cates in the occasional film and television series, with recent credits including “The Rookie: Feds” and “13 Reasons Why.” But judging by Instagram, Cates seems quite content making wine with her family.

#9: Daran Norris

Even with Buddha Bob’s unkempt beard obscuring his face, diehard Nickelodeon fans could recognize Daran Norris by his voice alone. Aside from playing The Palm Woods’ groundskeeper, Norris has voiced several characters in “The Fairly OddParents” including Cosmo and Timmy’s dad. He also notably played Gordy in “Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide.” Since “Big Time Rush,” Norris has maintained his busy career with steady voice work on “Turbo Fast,” “The Loud House,” and much more. Additionally, he and his husband Ray Garcia reportedly run a performing arts school in Texas.

#8: Erin Sanders

Since playing the intense but admirable method actress Camille Roberts on “Big Time Rush,” Erin Sanders has kept busy with acting appearances of her own. Sanders appeared in several episodes of “Melissa and Joey,” and starred in the films “Guilty at 17” and “The Call.” In the anticipated “Zoey 102,” she reprised the role of Quinn Pensky, the character we had all gotten to know in Nickelodeon’s “Zoey 101.” When she’s not busy acting, Sanders teaches yoga and meditation virtually. Whether she’s taking us on a nostalgic journey through the past or starring in something brand new, the star never leaves us disappointed.

#7: Ciara Bravo

Kendall and Katie were perfectly matched as a sibling duo. Kendall might have been older, but Katie had all the brains and enough clever ideas to be the one the boys came to when they needed help. Ciara Bravo was the perfect choice to portray the adorable character, and the industry took note of her talent. Shortly after “Big Time Rush,” Bravo starred in “Red Band Society,” a popular teen medical dramedy on Fox. She also appeared in the Netflix film “To the Bone,” and has recently had roles in “A Teacher” and “Most Dangerous Game.” Fans can also keep up with her via social media.

#6: Stephen Kramer Glickman

Who could forget Gustavo, Big Time Rush’s fictional creator and music producer? Brash and eccentric, he quickly became a fan-favorite character. All these years later, it’s hard to erase all those memories of him — and who would want to? That’s thanks to Stephen Kramer Glickman, who so skillfully brought him to life. Since “Big Time Rush,” Glickman has had a handful of roles in film and television projects like “Stuck in the Middle” and “White Fang.” Glickman has also worked on other creative endeavors, including the short film “Enormous,” in collaboration with Mel Brooks and Spencer Grammer.

#5: Katelyn Tarver

Tarver played aspiring actress and musician Jo Taylor, the object of the boys’ affections and Kendall’s eventual girlfriend. It seems life was imitating art off screen to a certain degree, as she’s continued pursuing her singing career alongside her acting. She’s given fans no shortage of EPs and albums to enjoy, namely 2024’s “Quitter.” She’s apparently quite generous with her talents, too. Those familiar with Cheryl Cole’s “Crazy Stupid Love” may be surprised to learn Tarver was among those who penned the track. She also appeared on “Songland,” a competition show for songwriters, with a track called “Young,” and emerged victorious. Oh, and did we mention she had a recurring role on the HBO series “Ballers”? Needless to say, Tarver has been busy.

#4: Logan Henderson

Boy band members tend to fit into certain archetypes. Logan Mitchell was “the smart one” — the one who took himself and his homework far more seriously than the rest of the guys. Mitchell was portrayed by Logan Henderson, a Texas native who auditioned for “Big Time Rush” during his final year of high school. Henderson then took a few years off once the group went on break, before beginning his solo music career in 2017. He notably released the first of a two-part album, titled “Echoes of Departure and the Endless Street of Dreams - Pt. 1,” in 2018.

#3: Kendall Schmidt

Kendall Schmidt played the leader of Big Time Rush, the effective star of the show amidst the ensemble. Prior to being cast, Schmidt had created musical duo Heffron Drive with his friend Dustin Belt, a fellow Kansan. They went on hiatus while Schmidt was pursuing television and boy band stardom, but following the “Big Time Rush”’s end, Heffron Drive was relaunched. The pair have released two EPs and one studio album as of 2025. Schmidt also played a recurring role on Nickelodeon’s “School of Rock”. Plus, he’s seemingly happy to reunite with the band when opportunity arises.

#2: James Maslow

“Big Time Rush” fans have not been starved for content featuring James Maslow since the series ended. He showcased his talents on season 18 of “Dancing with the Stars,” finishing in fourth place. He also competed in “Celebrity Big Brother” and has had a steady stream of movie roles. Beyond acting, Maslow has continued his music career as a solo artist. He released an album, “How I Like It,” in 2017. More recently, he has been creating fitness-related content on his social media pages and uses his platform to promote upcoming projects alongside causes he believes in.

#1: Carlos PenaVega

Carlos PenaVega, then Carlos Pena, played Carlos García, the energetic, hockey-helmeted wild card of “Big Time Rush.” He added Vega to his last name when he married Alexa Vega of “Spy Kids” fame. The couple appeared on the same season of “Dancing with the Stars” in 2015. Fortunately, their relationship withstood the competition, and they subsequently starred together in “Enchanted Christmas,” “Love at Sea,” and the “Picture Perfect Mysteries” movies. They give followers a glimpse into their lives through their YouTube channel, La Vida PenaVega. The very definition of a family man, PenaVega has clearly built a very happy life for himself with his wife and kids.

What other projects would you like to see the cast in? Let us know in the comments!