Words by Zac Efron burst onto the scene as a singing basketball star in Disney’s “High School Musical.” Since then he has worked steadily to prove himself as an actor, moving from teen musicals to comedies, thrillers and acclaimed dramas.
Early life
Zachary David Alexander Efron was born on Oct. 18, 1987, in San Luis Obispo, California, and grew up in Arroyo Grande. His father encouraged him to try acting, and he performed in local theater productions, including “Gypsy” and “Peter Pan,” as a child.
He appeared in television series such as “Firefly,” “ER” and “CSI: Miami” before landing a regular role on the WB drama “Summerland.”
High School Musical
Efron became an overnight sensation as Troy Bolton in Disney Channel’s “High School Musical” (2006), a basketball star who discovers a love of singing. The TV film was a phenomenon, and its sequel drew more than 17 million viewers. “High School Musical 3: Senior Year” (2008) was released in theaters and became a box office hit.
Hairspray
Efron also starred as Link Larkin in the film adaptation of the musical “Hairspray” (2007), opposite Nikki Blonsky, John Travolta and Michelle Pfeiffer. The film’s ensemble won praise, and Efron showed his song-and-dance skills to a wider audience.
Branching out
Efron starred in “17 Again” (2009), “Charlie St. Cloud” and “The Lucky One,” and drew notice for dramatic work in Richard Linklater’s “Me and Orson Welles” (2008).
He found success in comedy in “Neighbors” (2014) and its sequel, opposite Seth Rogen, as well as “Dirty Grandpa” and “Baywatch” (2017). He sang again in “The Greatest Showman” (2017), opposite Hugh Jackman and Zendaya.
Dramatic roles
Efron played serial killer Ted Bundy in “Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile” (2019), earning critical praise for a chilling performance. He starred in “The Greatest Beer Run Ever” (2022), Nicole Kidman’s “A Family Affair” and the thriller “Gold.”
In “The Iron Claw” (2023), he played wrestler Kevin Von Erich, whose family endured a series of tragedies. His physical transformation and emotional performance were widely called the best work of his career.
Down to Earth
Efron hosted the Netflix travel series “Down to Earth With Zac Efron” (2020-2022), exploring sustainable living and healthy food around the world. It won a Daytime Emmy.
Health and fitness
Efron’s dramatic physique for “Baywatch” drew attention, but he later said the extreme diet and training regimen left him depressed and exhausted, and he has encouraged a healthier approach to fitness.
Personal life
Efron keeps much of his private life out of the spotlight and has spent long periods living in Australia. He has spoken about his sobriety and the importance of mental health.
Return to musicals
Efron has often said he remains grateful for “High School Musical,” and he has appeared in reunions and tributes for the franchise. The films helped define a generation of Disney Channel fans and remain popular on streaming.
Working with directors
Efron has increasingly sought out respected filmmakers. “The Iron Claw” director Sean Durkin praised his commitment, noting that Efron trained for months to perform wrestling sequences himself. He has also worked with Lee Daniels on “The Paperboy” (2012), a gritty Southern drama that marked an early break from his clean-cut image, and with Harmony Korine on “The Beach Bum.”
Friendship with co-stars
Efron remains friendly with several “High School Musical” castmates, including Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale and Corbin Bleu.
Legacy
Efron has steadily broken free of his teen idol image, choosing roles that challenge audiences’ expectations. His performance in “The Iron Claw” showed how far he has come from Troy Bolton, while his travel series revealed a curious, thoughtful side.
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