At just over a year-and-a-half old, the Disney Channel Original Series, “Hannah Montana” has taken the world by storm, sending teens, tweens and even adults into a frenzy. Clothing, CDs, video games, and scads of other types of paraphernalia fly off store shelves and viewers flock to their TVs.

So why the popularity? In true Disney form, Hannah Montana addresses the daily issues kids face–with a twist. The heroine of the story is a teenage leading a double life. By day, she’s Miley Stewart, an ordinary high school student.By night, she’s Hannah Montana, teen pop star extraordinaire. Only her family and a few select others know her secret. The rest of the world hasn’t a clue.

Hannah is played by Miley Cyrus, daughter to “Achy-Breaky Heart” artist Billy Ray Cyrus. Billy Ray plays Hannah’s dad on the show as well, where he also lives a double life in order to protect Hannah/Miley’s identity. On the show, Hannah has a brother, but sadly, her mother has passed. In real life, Miley’s mother is very much alive and several siblings round out the family.

Miley’s given name is Destiny Hope Cyrus, because her parents believed she’d do great things. The name “Miley” actually morphed from the nickname “Smiley”, as Ms. Cyrus always was – and still is – one for a happy grin.

The Official Disney Channel Hannah Montana Site

Miley’s Official Personal Website