Released over a decade ago, the romantic drama The Last Song remains a defining coming-of-age film. Based on the Nicholas Sparks novel, the movie captured hearts through the turbulent relationship between rebellious teenager Ronnie Miller and her estranged father, while also launching one of Hollywood's most-discussed real-life romances between its lead stars. Fans frequently search for updates on the ensemble to see how their careers and lives have evolved since the film hit theaters.
Following the lives of the actors who brought Tybee Island to life reveals a mix of massive global music success, major franchise blockbusters, and quiet career shifts. Here is a look at what the cast of The Last Song has been up to since the credits rolled.
Miley Cyrus as Ronnie Miller
Miley Cyrus stepped into the role of Ronnie Miller right as her Disney Channel era with Hannah Montana was winding down. While she occasionally took on subsequent film projects like LOL and So Undercover, music quickly became her definitive focus.
Cyrus evolved into a global pop icon, chart-topping artist, and Grammy winner. Her musical output ranges from the psychedelic exploration of Miley Cyrus & Her Dead Petz to the disco-infused rock of Plastic Hearts and the massive global success of her album Endless Summer Vacation, anchored by the smash hit single "Flowers."
Liam Hemsworth as Will Blakelee
Australian actor Liam Hemsworth played Will Blakelee, the handsome local volleyball player who wins Ronnie's heart. Securing the role proved to be a career-defining moment, coming at the very end of a three-month U.S. visa after another actor dropped out of the project.
Hemsworth parlayed that breakout role into major international film franchises. He landed the coveted role of Gale Hawthorne in The Hunger Games film series, starring alongside Jennifer Lawrence. He has since appeared in high-profile action and drama projects, including The Expendables 2 and Netflix's fantasy series The Witcher.
Greg Kinnear as Steve Miller
Academy Award nominee Greg Kinnear delivered the emotional core of the film as Steve Miller, Ronnie’s estranged, music-loving father. Kinnear brought decades of cinematic experience to the set, having already starred in acclaimed films like As Good as It Gets, Little Miss Sunshine, and You've Got Mail.
After The Last Song, Kinnear maintained a steady, respected presence across both film and television. He has taken on memorable roles in acclaimed television shows like House of Cards, The Stand, and Shining Vale, proving his lasting versatility as a dramatic and comedic character actor.
Bobby Coleman as Jonah Miller
Bobby Coleman played Jonah Miller, Ronnie's sweet and curious younger brother who bonds with their father over building a stained-glass church window. At the time of filming, Coleman was just 12 years old and had already built a busy child acting resume with credits in movies like Martian Child and Role Models.
After a deliberate break from Hollywood to focus on a normal adolescence and education, Coleman returned to acting as an adult. He made a notable guest appearance on the procedural drama The Rookie, signaling a quiet return to television work.
Carly Chaikin as Blaze
Carly Chaikin played Blaze, the rebellious and troubled local girl who initially clashes with Ronnie before an unexpected bond forms. The role served as a major stepping stone for Chaikin, showcasing her talent for playing complex, edgy characters.
Several years after the film's release, Chaikin landed the defining television role of her career as Darlene Alderson in the critically acclaimed USA Network cyber-thriller series Mr. Robot, starring opposite Rami Malek across all four seasons.
Kelly Preston and Other Supporting Cast Members
The film's wider ensemble featured several notable actors whose careers and lives have seen significant milestones since 2010:
- Kelly Preston (Kim Miller): Preston played Ronnie's protective mother. A beloved veteran of films like Jerry Maguire and For Love of the Game, Preston tragically passed away in 2020 after a private battle with breast cancer.
- Nick Searcy (Tom Blakelee): Playing Will’s demanding father, Searcy has built an exceptionally prolific television career. He starred as Chief Deputy U.S. Marshal Art Mullen on the FX hit series Justified and appeared in films like Three Billboards Outside of Ebbing, Missouri and Netflix's The Perfect Couple.
- Nick Lashaway (Marcus): Lashaway played Blaze's troubled boyfriend Marcus. Tragically, the actor passed away in May 2016 at the age of 28 following a severe car crash.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth get married in real life?
Yes. After meeting on the set of The Last Song in 2009 and experiencing an on-and-off relationship over a decade, the couple married in an intimate ceremony in December 2018. They announced their separation the following year.
Where was The Last Song filmed?
While the story takes place in a coastal Georgia town, the movie was filmed on location in Tybee Island, Georgia, and Savannah, Georgia. The iconic church window and beach scenes were shot directly along the historic Georgia coast.
Was Liam Hemsworth the first choice to play Will Blakelee?
No. Another actor, Rafi Gavron, was originally cast in the role. When that casting did not work out, Hemsworth was brought in at the last minute for a final chemistry read with Miley Cyrus, securing his first major American acting job.
Where can I stream The Last Song?
Streaming availability changes frequently depending on regional licensing agreements and platform rotations. The film is typically available to rent or purchase digitally through major video-on-demand platforms like Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, and Google Play, or to stream on Disney+.
