Disney Channel Star Reveals Why He Almost Rejected One Of The Network's Most Iconic Shows

One of the Disney Channel’s most beloved characters of his time almost turned down his iconic role.

The Suite Life of Zack & Cody became one of Disney Channel’s most popular sitcoms and featured an incredible lineup of actors who were perfectly cast. However, one of its most iconic characters nearly ended up being played by someone else. Phill Lewis, who portrayed the strict and slightly uptight hotel manager Mr. Moseby, recently revealed that he almost rejected the opportunity to take on the role because Disney’s original offer didn’t meet his expectations.

During an interview on the Wildmen podcast, hosted by his former costar Dylan Sprouse, who portrayed Zack, and Brendan Columbus, Lewis discussed how he landed his role on the Disney Channel comedy. The actor revealed that although he ultimately spent six years portraying Marion Moseby in the original series and its spinoff, The Suite Life on Deck, negotiations over his salary in the original contract almost prevented him from joining the franchise.

Lewis explained that he first got involved with Disney when he was cast in the 2004 TV movie Stuck in the Suburbs, starring Danielle Panabaker and Brenda Song, who played London Tipton in The Suite Life of Zack and Cody. He said that before he finalized the agreement for that film, his representatives contacted him about another opportunity with the industry giant.

Lewis stated that Disney executives were impressed with his acting skills and wanted him to audition for The Suite Life of Zack and Cody. After receiving the script, the actor was told that he was being considered for the role of Mr. Moseby. His first audition went well enough that he was invited back for a chemistry test with actors who were being considered for the role of Zack and Cody’s mother, Kim Rhodes, a singer raising her twin sons while living and performing at the Tipton Hotel. The character was portrayed by Carey Martin.

Disney offered Lewis the role and the audition process. However, the actor and his representatives weren’t happy with the compensation and decided to turn down the offer. Lewis explained that he already had a ton of acting experience and believed he deserved more than what they were willing to give him at the time.

However, Disney was thankfully willing to compromise. According to Lewis, the network returned with more offers, hoping to secure him for the part. Eventually, both parties came to an agreement, and Lewis officially accepted the role of Mr. Moseby, joining the cast of The Suite Life of Zack and Cody.

The Suite Life Of Zack & Cody