How Zac Efron went from singing on Disney Channel to becoming a Hollywood A-lister

Savanna Swain-WilsonOct 18, 2020, 21:53 IST

Zac Efron has been acting since he was a child.Shutterstock/Lev Radin/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images

Zac Efron is known for his role in Disney's "High School Musical," but the actor's resume is filled with a diverse mix of musicals, comedies, and dramas.
The Hollywood A-lister started acting in theater productions near his hometown when he was a child.
Over the years, Efron has starred in dozens of notable films including "Neighbors," "Baywatch," and "Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil, and Vile."

Zac Efron may still be widely known for his break-out Disney role, but the star has since become one of the biggest names in Hollywood.

The 33-year-old made his debut in 2006 as the singing basketball captain in the Disney Channel original movie "High School Musical." In the years since, Efron has gone on to become one of the most bankable actors in the business, with credits that range from a stuck-up frat bro to a sinister serial killer.

Keep reading to learn how Efron became one of the most recognizable stars in the business.

Zachary David Alexander Efron was born on October 18, 1987, in San Luis Obispo, California, and raised in the nearby city of Arroyo Grande.

Zac Efron has been performing since he was a child. Shutterstock

In 1999, Efron performed in a stage production of "Gypsy" at the Pacific Conservatory of The Performing Arts.

Zac Efron said this experience motivated him to continue participating in theater. Shutterstock

During the early 2000s, Efron appeared on several TV series and in movies.

Zac Efron appeared on shows like "Firefly" and "ER." AP Photo/Chris Pizzello

In 2006, Efron landed his big break when he was cast as teen basketball captain Troy Bolton in the Disney Channel original movie "High School Musical."

Zac Efron as Troy Bolton in "High School Musical." Disney Channel

In 2007, he reprised his role as Troy in "High School Musical 2" and starred in "Hairspray."

Zac Efron also sings in "Hairspray." New Line Cinema

Following his Disney success, Efron starred in the 2009 comedy "17 Again."

"17 Again" is a film about high school. MMVIII New Line Productions, Inc/IMDb

Between 2010 and 2012, Efron kept busy by acting in a mix of dramas like "Charlie St. Cloud" and "The Paperboy." He also did voice work for the first time.

"Charlie St. Cloud" is one of Zac Efron's more serious films. Universal Pictures

In 2013, Efron stepped away from the spotlight to check into a rehab facility for an addiction to drugs and alcohol.

Zac Efron has said getting sober changed his life. Shutterstock

Efron made a comeback with the 2014 buddy comedy "That Awkward Moment."

"That Awkward Moment" is a comedy film. Focus Features

Later that year, he portrayed the cocky fraternity president Teddy Sanders in the comedy "Neighbors."

This is one of Zac Efron's first times playing a "bro" character. Universal Pictures

After "Neighbors," Efron continued to pivot his career by acting in several other comedies, some of which fared better than others.

"Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates" had a lot of familiar faces. YouTube/20th Century Fox

By 2017, Efron continued to star in big-screen blockbusters, but some like "Baywatch" were critical failures.

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and Zac Efron starred in "Baywatch." Paramount Pictures

Later in 2017, Efron made a majestic return to the world of musicals with his portrayal of playwright Phillip Carlyle in "The Greatest Showman."

Zac Efron and Hugh Jackman in "The Greatest Showman." Fox

In 2019, Efron executive produced and starred in Netflix's "Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil, and Vile," a divisive film about the notorious serial killer Ted Bundy.

This is one of Zac Efron's darkest roles to date. Brian Douglas/Netflix

Today, Efron regularly posts videos on his YouTube channel. He's also worked on some big projects with streaming services.

Today, Zac Efron has a YouTube channel dedicated to fitness. Lev Radin/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images

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