The Disney Channel original series Wizards of Waverly Place was created by Todd J. Greenwald. The series first aired on October 12, 2007, and ended on January 6, 2012. The series centers on the fictional characters of the Russo family, which includes Alex (Selena Gomez), her older brother Justin (David Henrie), and their younger brother Max (Jake T. Austin). The three Russo siblings are wizards in training and live with their Italian-American father, Jerry (David DeLuise), a former wizard, and their Mexican-American mother, Theresa (Maria Canals-Barrera), who is a mortal. The siblings have to keep their magical powers secret while living in the mortal world. When they complete their wizard training, the three siblings have to compete in the wizard competition to decide who will become the next family wizard and keep their powers.

Overview

Main

Alex Russo

Alexandra Margarita Russo (Selena Gomez) is the only female of the three Russo siblings and the middle child. She is sly, rebellious, outgoing, and usually underachieves when it comes to school. She often gets into trouble because of her constant schemes (usually involving magic). Alex and Justin Russo are the only characters to appear in every episode of the series and the shows focus tends to be on her and her journey being/becoming a wizard

Justin Russo

Justin Vincenzo Pepé Russo (David Henrie) is Alex's and Max's older brother and the oldest of the three Russo siblings. He is very smart and is often considered a "nerd" because he is in numerous clubs and has learned over 5000 spells. He continues his wizard studies in a Monster Hunting course. For his knowledge of wizardry, he takes after his father, Jerry, who originally won the Wizard Family Competition against Kelbo and Megan.

Max Russo

Maximilian Alonzo Ernesto Russo (Jake T. Austin) is the youngest of the three Russo siblings. Although Max is an underachiever in the beginning, he advances more during the series. During season four, Alex and Justin accidentally turn Max into a little girl who is then given the name "Maxine" (Bailee Madison). Maxine remains as such for five episodes starting from "Three Maxes and a Little Lady" and ending with "Back to Max" when the spell is reversed.

Harper Finkle

Harper Finkle (Jennifer Stone) is Alex's best friend. She used to have a crush on her brother, Justin Russo, but eventually falls in love with Justin's best friend, Zeke Beakerman. Harper is a typical teenager: self-expressive but a little insecure at times. Unlike Alex, she is a hardworking student and a fairly positive person. During season 2, Harper finds out about the Russo family's wizard powers.

Theresa Russo

Theresa Russo (Maria Canals-Barrera) is the mother of Justin, Alex and Max Russo and co-owner of the Waverly Sub Station, with her husband Jerry. Theresa is the slightly more serious one of the couple and doesn't like magic being used in the house. Theresa is Mexican American (as a Latina, Canals Barrera has Spanish ancestry through her Cuban parents).

Jerry Russo

Jerry Russo (David DeLuise) is the father of Justin, Alex and Max Russo and co-owner of the Waverly Sub Station with his wife Theresa. He is also a former wizard who chose to give up his powers to marry his wife Theresa, a mortal, due to a rule forbidding wizards to marry mortals. Jerry is Italian American (DeLuise also has Italian ancestry).

Billie

Billie (Janice LeAnn Brown) is a wizard-in-training who comes to live with Justin and his family in the sequel series. She is a young and very powerful wizard.

Roman Russo

Roman Russo (Alkaio Thiele) is the oldest son of Justin and Giada Russo. He is Milo Russo's older brother. He is Alex and Max Russo's nephew.

Milo Russo

Milo Russo (Max Matenko) is the youngest son of Justin and Giada Russo. He is Roman Russo's younger brother. He is Alex and Max Russo's nephew.

Giada Russo

Giada Russo (Mimi Gianopulos) is Roman and Milo Russo's mother and Justin's human wife, who didn’t know about magic until episode 2. She seemes to really love Justin & same with him.

Winter

Winter (Taylor Cora) is Billie & Roman's best friend. And is supper kind and loyal. Is a good friend.

Recurring

The following is a list of recurring characters in the Disney Channel sitcom Wizards of Waverly Place.

Other recurring

Minor

Film

Characters only appear in Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie.

TV special

Characters only appear in The Wizards Return: Alex vs. Alex.

Guests