Peyton List is a talented American actress and former child model who has captured hearts worldwide through her memorable performances on Disney Channel and Netflix.
Born on April 6, 1998, this 27-year-old star has successfully transitioned from playing Emma Ross in Disney’s Jessie to portraying the fierce Tory Nichols in Cobra Kai.
With an estimated net worth of $7 million and a career spanning over two decades, Peyton has proven she’s far more than just another child star. Let’s dive deep into her inspiring journey from child model to Hollywood powerhouse.
Table of Contents
Peyton List Quick Info
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Peyton Roi List |
| Date of Birth | April 6, 1998 |
| Age | 27 years old (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Florida, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | English and Welsh descent |
| Profession | Actress, Model, Producer |
| Years Active | 2002 – Present |
| Height | 5 ft 6 in (168 cm) |
| Weight | 117 lbs (53 kg) |
| Hair Color | Blonde |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Zodiac Sign | Aries |
| Education | Oak Park High School (Graduated 2016) |
| Net Worth | $7 million (2026 estimate) |
| Famous Roles | Emma Ross (Jessie, Bunk’d), Tory Nichols (Cobra Kai), Maddie Nears (School Spirits) |
| Siblings | Spencer List (twin brother), Phoenix List (younger brother) |
| Relationship Status | Dating Jacob Bertrand (2022 – Present) |
| @peytonlist (20M+ followers) | |
| Notable Works | Jessie, Cobra Kai, School Spirits, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Bunk’d |
| Awards | Young Artist Award (2013) |
Who is Peyton List?
Here’s something that confuses many fans: there are actually two actresses named Peyton List working in Hollywood! This article focuses on Peyton Roi List, born in 1998, who starred in Disney Channel shows and currently appears in Cobra Kai.
The other Peyton List was born in 1986 and is known for roles in Mad Men, The Tomorrow People, and FlashForward. To avoid confusion, the younger Peyton sometimes uses “Peyton R. List” professionally. Interestingly, both actresses even appeared together in the same scene on the soap opera As the World Turns early in their careers!
This guide covers everything about Peyton List (born 1998) – the Disney star who evolved into a Netflix sensation.
Early Life and Family Background
Birth and Childhood
Peyton Roi List was born on April 6, 1998, in Florida, to parents John and Suzanne List. Growing up in a supportive family environment, Peyton showed an early interest in performing arts and modeling. Her parents recognized her natural talent and encouraged her creative pursuits from a young age.
What makes Peyton’s family story even more fascinating is that acting truly runs in the List family genes. All three List children pursued careers in entertainment, making them a true Hollywood acting dynasty.
Meet the List Siblings
Peyton shares a special bond with her brothers:
Spencer List (Twin Brother): Born on the same day as Peyton, Spencer is also an accomplished actor. The twins share an incredibly close relationship and often support each other’s projects. Spencer has appeared in shows like Bunk’d (yes, with his sister!), The Fosters, and Nightbooks. The twin connection between Peyton and Spencer is so strong that they often finish each other’s sentences in interviews.
Phoenix List (Younger Brother): The youngest of the three siblings, Phoenix has also dabbled in acting. The List family clearly has exceptional genes when it comes to performing talent!
Education and Early Training
Peyton attended school in New York City, where the family moved to support the children’s budding careers. She went to:
- The Carroll School (P.S. 58) for elementary education
- New Voices School for Academic and Creative Arts (M.S. 443) for middle school
- Oak Park High School in Oak Park, California, where she graduated in 2016
Beyond traditional academics, Peyton trained extensively in dance from a young age. She studied multiple dance styles including ballet, jazz, tap, and hip-hop until sixth grade. This dance training would later prove invaluable for her acting career, particularly for the physically demanding role of Tory Nichols in Cobra Kai.
How Old is Peyton List in 2026?
Peyton List is currently 27 years old as of 2026. Born on April 6, 1998, she celebrated her 27th birthday recently. As an Aries, Peyton exhibits many traits associated with this zodiac sign – she’s passionate, confident, determined, and isn’t afraid to take on challenging roles.
Many fans remember watching Peyton grow up on screen, from her early Disney Channel days when she was just a teenager to her current mature roles. She’s proven that age is just a number when it comes to talent and versatility.
Peyton List’s Career Journey: From Child Model to Hollywood Star
Early Career and Modeling Days (2002-2010)
Peyton List’s entertainment career began far earlier than most people realize. She started as a child model and appeared in over 400 advertisements across various formats. This is an impressive number that showcases just how in-demand she was even as a young child.
Some of her notable modeling achievements include:
- Featured on the cover of American Girl’s 2009 Back to School issue
- Modeled for Justice magazine in 2011
- Appeared in countless print ads, commercials, and catalogs
- Worked with major brands before transitioning to acting
Her modeling career provided the perfect foundation for acting. Peyton learned how to work with cameras, take direction, and present herself professionally – all skills that would serve her well in Hollywood.
First Acting Roles
Peyton’s acting journey began with small appearances:
2002: Made an uncredited appearance on the soap opera As the World Turns (where she appeared with the other Peyton List!)
2004: Appeared on All My Children as a character named Bess and had an uncredited cameo in Spider-Man 2
2008: Landed her first credited film role in 27 Dresses, playing young Jane Nichols. The romantic comedy was a commercial success, earning over $160 million worldwide and serving as Peyton’s official acting debut.
2010: Appeared in several films including Remember Me alongside Robert Pattinson (playing a bully to his character’s sister), The Sorcerer’s Apprentice with Nicolas Cage, the Lifetime movie Secrets in the Walls, and the horror film Bereavement.
Breakthrough: Diary of a Wimpy Kid (2011-2012)
Peyton’s first major breakthrough came when she was cast as Holly Hills in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid film series. Holly Hills is Greg Heffley’s crush in the popular book series, and Peyton perfectly captured the character’s charm and popularity.
She appeared in:
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules (2011)
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days (2012)
Both films were box office successes, and the cast ensemble won a Young Artist Award for their performances. This role put Peyton on the map as a talented young actress capable of handling major film franchises.
Disney Channel Era: Jessie (2011-2015)
While Diary of a Wimpy Kid brought recognition, it was Disney Channel that made Peyton List a household name among tweens and teens worldwide.
In 2011, Peyton was cast as Emma Ross on the Disney Channel sitcom Jessie, starring alongside Debby Ryan. Emma Ross is the eldest of four affluent children being raised by their nanny, Jessie (played by Ryan). As Emma, Peyton portrayed a fashion-obsessed, sometimes superficial but ultimately kind-hearted teenager navigating life in a penthouse in New York City.
Why Jessie Was Huge:
- Averaged millions of viewers per episode at its peak
- Ran for four successful seasons (2011-2015)
- Featured 98 episodes total
- Became one of Disney Channel’s most popular sitcoms of the 2010s
- Launched Peyton into stardom
Peyton’s portrayal of Emma Ross resonated with young audiences. She brought depth to a character that could have been one-dimensional, showing Emma’s growth, insecurities, and genuine care for her family. The show also allowed Peyton to showcase her comedic timing, which she had honed through years of performing.
During her Jessie run, Peyton also:
- Guest-starred on other Disney shows like Austin & Ally and I Didn’t Do It as Emma Ross
- Co-hosted Pass the Plate, a Disney Channel segment about healthy eating (2013-2014)
- Became an active member of the Disney Channel Circle of Stars
- Built a massive young fan base that followed her career closely
Continuing the Legacy: Bunk’d (2015-2018, 2021)
When Jessie ended in 2015, Disney wasn’t ready to let go of the beloved characters. The network announced a spinoff series called Bunk’d, and Peyton reprised her role as Emma Ross alongside co-stars Karan Brar and Skai Jackson.
Bunk’d followed the Ross kids as they attended Camp Kikiwaka, a summer camp in Maine. The show allowed Peyton to explore a different side of Emma – one who was away from the luxury of her New York penthouse and learning to appreciate nature and simplicity.
Peyton starred in Bunk’d from 2015 to 2018, appearing in three seasons. She made a special return appearance in 2021 before fully moving on to more mature roles. The show continued without her, but Peyton’s time on Bunk’d solidified her status as a Disney Channel icon.
Transition to Mature Roles (2016-2019)
As Peyton matured, she began seeking roles that would challenge her and help her transition away from the Disney Channel image. This period was crucial for her career development.
2016:
- Starred in the Disney Channel Original Movie The Swap with Jacob Bertrand (who would later become her boyfriend)
- Appeared in The Thinning, a YouTube Premium dystopian thriller with Logan Paul, showing her range in darker, more serious content
2017:
- Played a mean girl in The Outcasts, a teen comedy
2018:
- Reprised her role in The Thinning: New World Order
- Starred in the romantic drama Then Came You alongside Asa Butterfield and Maisie Williams
- Landed the lead role of Olivia Richmond in Hulu’s supernatural web series Light as a Feather
- Made her singing debut with the single “Liar Liar”
- Officially departed from Disney Channel and Bunk’d
2019:
- Voiced Barbara Gordon/Batgirl in the animated film Batman: Hush, showcasing her voice acting abilities
This transition period was challenging but necessary. Peyton was intentionally choosing projects that distanced her from her Disney image and proved she could handle complex, mature characters.
Game Changer: Cobra Kai (2019-2025)
The role that truly redefined Peyton List’s career came in 2019 when she joined the cast of Cobra Kai as Tory Nichols.
Cobra Kai, a sequel series to the Karate Kid films, premiered on YouTube Premium before moving to Netflix, where it became a global phenomenon. Peyton was cast as a recurring character in Season 2 and was so impressive that she was promoted to series regular for subsequent seasons.
Who is Tory Nichols?
Tory is a tough, street-smart fighter from a difficult background who becomes one of the main antagonists (and later, a more complex character) in the series. She’s the rival to Samantha LaRusso and becomes romantically involved with Miguel Diaz. Unlike the privileged Emma Ross, Tory struggles financially, works multiple jobs to support her sick mother and younger brother, and fights with a raw intensity born from real-world hardships.
Why This Role Matters:
Playing Tory Nichols required Peyton to:
- Learn extensive martial arts and perform demanding fight choreography
- Portray a character with genuine anger and trauma
- Balance being an antagonist while remaining sympathetic
- Show incredible physical transformation and athletic ability
- Prove she could carry dramatic, intense scenes
Peyton’s performance as Tory received widespread praise from fans and critics. She brought nuance to a character that could have been a simple villain, showing Tory’s vulnerabilities, fierce loyalty, and complicated motivations. The role demonstrated that Peyton had successfully shed her Disney image and emerged as a serious actress.
Cobra Kai ran for six seasons, concluding in 2025, and remains one of Netflix’s most successful series. Peyton appeared in over 40 episodes, making Tory one of the show’s central characters by the end.
Fun Fact: The physical training for Cobra Kai was intense. Peyton trained in karate, learned fight choreography, and performed many of her own stunts. She’s said in interviews that the role was the most physically demanding of her career but also the most rewarding.
Current Success: School Spirits (2023-Present)
In 2023, Peyton took on another lead role that showcased yet another facet of her talent. She was cast as the protagonist in Paramount+’s supernatural teen drama School Spirits.
In School Spirits, Peyton plays a ghost teenager trapped in her high school, trying to solve the mystery of her own death. The show blends mystery, supernatural elements, and teen drama, giving Peyton the opportunity to lead a series and carry an entire show on her shoulders.
The series premiered in March 2023 to positive reviews, with critics praising Peyton’s ability to balance the show’s mysterious, often dark tone with moments of humor and heart. She also serves as a producer on the show, marking her evolution from actress to creative decision-maker.
School Spirits has been renewed for additional seasons, proving that Peyton’s star power can drive a series to success.
Other Notable Projects
2020:
- Appeared in the musical film Valley Girl, a remake of the 1983 classic
- Co-starred in Adam Sandler’s Netflix comedy Hubie Halloween
- Played a leading role in the drama Paper Spiders opposite Lili Taylor
2021:
- Starred in Aileen Wuornos: American Boogeywoman, taking on the challenging role of playing a younger version of the infamous serial killer
2024:
- Appeared in Girl Haunts Boy and The Inheritance
Throughout her career, Peyton has demonstrated remarkable versatility, moving seamlessly between comedy, drama, action, horror, and supernatural genres.
Peyton List Net Worth: Building a $7 Million Fortune
How old is Peyton List, and how did she build such an impressive fortune at just 27? Peyton List’s net worth is estimated at $7 million as of 2026, an impressive achievement for someone her age.
Income Sources
1. Disney Channel Earnings Peyton’s work on Jessie and Bunk’d formed the foundation of her wealth. Disney Channel stars typically earn between $10,000 to $25,000 per episode, with leads and long-running shows earning on the higher end. With nearly 100 episodes of Jessie and several seasons of Bunk’d, Peyton earned substantial income during her teenage years.
2. Netflix and Cobra Kai Cobra Kai significantly boosted Peyton’s earnings. Netflix is known for paying actors well, particularly for hit series. As a series regular on one of Netflix’s most popular shows, Peyton likely earned six figures per season by the final seasons.
3. Paramount+ and School Spirits As the lead actress and producer on School Spirits, Peyton commands a higher salary and receives additional compensation for her producer credit.
4. Modeling and Endorsements Before acting became her primary focus, Peyton appeared in over 400 advertisements. She continues to partner with brands on social media, leveraging her 20+ million Instagram followers for sponsored content and partnerships.
5. Film Roles Peyton’s various film appearances, from Diary of a Wimpy Kid to Hubie Halloween, have contributed to her overall earnings.
6. Music Ventures While music isn’t her primary focus, Peyton has released music and could pursue this avenue further if desired.
Smart Financial Decisions
What’s impressive about Peyton’s net worth isn’t just the amount – it’s how she’s built it through diverse income streams and smart career choices. She didn’t rely solely on Disney Channel fame but actively pursued challenging roles that expanded her range and marketability.
Physical Appearance: Height, Weight, and Style
Fans often ask: How tall is Peyton List? What does she look like? Here’s a comprehensive look at Peyton’s physical appearance.
Body Stats
- Height: 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm / 1.68 m)
- Weight: 117 pounds (53 kg)
- Body Type: Athletic, toned
- Measurements: 34-24-35 inches (approximate)
- Hair Color: Naturally blonde (has occasionally dyed it darker)
- Eye Color: Striking blue
- Distinctive Features: Bright smile, expressive eyes, athletic build
Fitness and Health
Peyton maintains her physique through:
Martial Arts Training: For Cobra Kai, Peyton trained extensively in karate and continues to practice martial arts for fitness and discipline.
Dance Background: Her years of ballet, jazz, and hip-hop training gave her excellent body awareness and coordination.
Active Lifestyle: Peyton enjoys outdoor activities, hiking, and staying active rather than relying solely on gym workouts.
Balanced Diet: She focuses on nutritious eating, though she doesn’t follow restrictive diets. During her Disney days, she even promoted healthy eating through the Pass the Plate segment.
Fashion and Style Evolution
Peyton’s style has evolved dramatically from her Disney days:
Early Career (Disney Era): Trendy, age-appropriate fashion reflecting her Emma Ross character – lots of bright colors, feminine dresses, and preppy looks.
Transition Period: Edgier choices, experimenting with different styles as she moved away from the Disney image.
Current Style: Sophisticated, confident fashion choices. Peyton appears at red carpet events in elegant gowns, rocks casual street style, and isn’t afraid to take fashion risks. Her style now reflects a mature, confident woman who knows what works for her.
Peyton List Boyfriend and Relationship Timeline
Peyton List’s personal life, particularly her relationships, generates significant fan interest. Here’s what we know about her dating history and current relationship status.
Dating History
Cameron Monaghan (2017-2019) Peyton’s first public relationship was with actor Cameron Monaghan, known for his role as Ian Gallagher in Shameless. The couple met through mutual friends in the industry and dated for approximately two years. They kept their relationship relatively private but occasionally shared photos together on social media. The relationship ended amicably in 2019, and both have spoken respectfully about each other since.
Current Relationship: Jacob Bertrand
Jacob Bertrand (2022-Present) In March 2022, Peyton confirmed she was dating her Cobra Kai co-star Jacob Bertrand, who plays Eli “Hawk” Moskowitz on the show.
Their love story is particularly sweet because:
How They Met: Peyton and Jacob first met in 2015 on the set of the Disney Channel movie The Swap, where they played the lead roles. They became close friends, and their friendship continued for seven years before evolving into romance.
Keeping It Private: The couple kept their relationship private initially, not wanting to mix their personal and professional lives publicly. They were friends for so long that the transition to romance felt natural and right.
Going Public: They officially confirmed their relationship in March 2022, much to the delight of Cobra Kai fans who had noticed their chemistry both on and off-screen.
Relationship Dynamics: Both actors have spoken in interviews about how their long friendship formed a strong foundation for their romance. They understand each other’s careers, support each other’s projects, and maintain a healthy balance between their personal and professional lives.
Social Media: While they keep most details private, they occasionally share sweet moments together on Instagram, giving fans glimpses into their relationship.
Is Peyton List Married?
No, Peyton List is not married. She’s currently in a committed relationship with Jacob Bertrand, but neither has announced engagement plans. At 27, Peyton seems focused on her career and enjoying her relationship without rushing into marriage.
Social Media Presence and Influence
Peyton List has built an impressive social media following, making her one of the most followed actresses of her generation.
Instagram: @peytonlist
Peyton’s main platform is Instagram, where she has over 20 million followers as of 2026. Her Instagram feed includes:
- Behind-the-scenes photos from Cobra Kai and School Spirits
- Professional photoshoots and red carpet looks
- Casual, personal moments with friends and family
- Occasional posts with boyfriend Jacob Bertrand
- Throwback photos from her Disney days
- Advocacy for causes she cares about
Her engagement rate is impressive, with posts regularly receiving hundreds of thousands of likes and thousands of comments. This massive following makes her valuable for brand partnerships and endorsements.
Other Platforms
Twitter/X: Active with several hundred thousand followers, where she shares thoughts, promotes projects, and interacts with fans.
TikTok: Growing presence where she shares fun videos, trends, and content related to her shows.
YouTube: Has appeared in various interviews and vlogs, though she doesn’t maintain a personal channel.
Influence and Impact
Peyton uses her platform for:
- Promoting mental health awareness
- Supporting causes she believes in
- Connecting with fans who grew up watching her on Disney Channel
- Showcasing her work and upcoming projects
- Building her brand beyond acting
Awards and Recognition
Throughout her career, Peyton List has received recognition for her performances:
Awards Won
Young Artist Award (2013) Won as part of the ensemble cast for Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days in the category of Best Performance in a Feature Film – Young Ensemble Cast.
Notable Nominations
Kids’ Choice Awards
- Nominated multiple times for Favorite Female TV Star for her work on Disney Channel
- Recognition for Cobra Kai
Teen Choice Awards
- Nominations for her performances in various projects
While Peyton hasn’t won major industry awards (like Emmys), her impact is measured more accurately by her consistent work, growing fanbase, and successful career longevity. She’s transitioned from child star to respected actress – a feat many struggle to achieve.
Lesser-Known Facts About Peyton List
Want to impress your friends with Peyton List trivia? Here are some fascinating facts many fans don’t know:
- The Name Game: Peyton shares the exact same name with another actress (born 1986), and they even appeared in the same As the World Turns scene when Peyton was just 4 years old.
- Triple Threat Siblings: All three List siblings (Peyton, Spencer, and Phoenix) are actors, making it a true family business.
- 400+ Commercials: Before becoming famous, Peyton appeared in over 400 advertisements as a child model.
- Dance Training: She trained in ballet, jazz, tap, and hip-hop until sixth grade, skills that helped with her Cobra Kai fight choreography.
- Singing Talent: Peyton has musical abilities and released her debut single “Liar Liar” in 2018. She’s also performed with singer Ingrid Michaelson at concerts.
- Voiced Batgirl: In 2019, she voiced Barbara Gordon/Batgirl in Batman: Hush – and coincidentally, the other Peyton List voiced Poison Ivy in the same film!
- Disney Channel Royalty: During her Disney days, Peyton was part of the Disney Channel Circle of Stars and appeared in the channel’s collaborative projects.
- Producer Credit: On School Spirits, Peyton isn’t just the star – she’s also a producer, showing her evolution into behind-the-scenes creative work.
- Twin Connection: Peyton and Spencer List are so close that they often guest-starred on each other’s shows. Spencer appeared on Bunk’d with Peyton!
- Martial Arts Dedication: For Cobra Kai, Peyton underwent serious martial arts training and performs many of her own stunts, earning respect from the stunt team.
Frequently Asked Questions About Peyton List
How old is Peyton List?
Peyton List is 27 years old as of 2026. She was born on April 6, 1998.
What is Peyton List’s net worth?
Peyton List’s net worth is estimated at $7 million in 2026, earned through her acting career, modeling, and brand partnerships.
Is Peyton List married?
No, Peyton List is not married. She’s currently dating her Cobra Kai co-star Jacob Bertrand.
How tall is Peyton List?
Peyton List stands 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) tall.
Who is Peyton List’s boyfriend?
Peyton List is dating Jacob Bertrand, her co-star from Cobra Kai. They’ve been together since 2022 but were friends since 2015.
What shows is Peyton List known for?
Peyton is best known for Jessie (2011-2015), Bunk’d (2015-2018), Cobra Kai (2019-2025), and School Spirits (2023-present).
Does Peyton List have siblings?
Yes, Peyton has a twin brother named Spencer List and a younger brother named Phoenix List. Both are also actors.
What is Peyton List Instagram?
Peyton’s Instagram handle is @peytonlist, where she has over 20 million followers.
Did Peyton List do karate before Cobra Kai?
No, Peyton trained specifically for her role as Tory Nichols in Cobra Kai. She has a dance background but learned martial arts for the show.
Why did Peyton List leave Bunk’d?
Peyton left Bunk’d in 2018 to pursue more mature roles and expand her career beyond Disney Channel.
Peyton List’s Future: What’s Next?
As of 2026, Peyton List’s career continues to flourish. With School Spirits continuing on Paramount+ and post-Cobra Kai opportunities emerging, Peyton is positioned as a leading actress of her generation.
Upcoming Projects and Possibilities
Film Roles: Peyton has expressed interest in more diverse film projects, potentially including action films (given her martial arts skills), dramatic roles, and possibly even directing.
Producer Work: Having already worked as a producer on School Spirits, Peyton may expand her behind-the-scenes work.
Music: While not her primary focus, Peyton has musical talent and could release more music if the right opportunity arises.
Continued Growth: At just 27, Peyton has decades of career ahead of her. She’s already proven her ability to evolve and take on challenging roles.
Legacy and Impact
Peyton List represents a rare success story: a child star who successfully transitioned to adult roles without the typical pitfalls. She’s:
- Built a sustainable, diverse career
- Maintained strong relationships in the industry
- Grown a loyal fanbase that evolved with her
- Proven her range across multiple genres
- Taken creative control of her projects
From the sunny penthouse of Jessie to the intense dojo of Cobra Kai to the supernatural halls of School Spirits, Peyton List has shown remarkable versatility and dedication to her craft.
Conclusion
Peyton List biography is a testament to hard work, smart career choices, and genuine talent. Starting as a child model appearing in hundreds of commercials, she worked her way up to Disney Channel stardom and then bravely stepped out of that comfort zone to tackle more complex, challenging roles.
Today, at 27 years old with a net worth of $7 million, Peyton List isn’t resting on her laurels. She’s actively creating compelling content, choosing diverse roles, and building a legacy that goes beyond her Disney Channel roots. Whether fighting in Cobra Kai, solving mysteries in School Spirits, or pursuing new creative ventures, Peyton continues to surprise and impress audiences.
For fans who grew up watching Emma Ross navigate her privileged New York life, seeing Peyton transform into the fierce, complex Tory Nichols has been nothing short of inspiring. She’s proven that child stars can evolve, mature, and build lasting careers in Hollywood.
As we look to the future, one thing is certain: Peyton Roi List’s story is far from over. The best may still be yet to come from this talented actress, and we’ll be watching every step of the way.
