Zac Efron by

Early Career

201567794 — 2023-10-13 11:27:01 UTC

Zac Efron started his acting career aged 11, where he did a run of stage shows such as Peter Pan and Little Shop of Horrors

On-Screen Start

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His first on-screen appearance was within Sci-fi show 'Firefly' in 2002. He had similar small guest roles within other series such as The Guardian and CSI: Miami.

Disney and First Movies

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Efron's rise to fame was skyrocketed by his lead role as Troy Bolton in Disney Channel's Original Movie, High School Musical (2006). The film follows a group of teens figuring out where they fit into their school's 'status quo'. Bolton is the 'Wildcats' basketball team's superstar, but is struggling to accept that he has a passion for performing arts. Gabriella - played by Vanessa Hudgens - helps him come out of his comfort zone and embrace his talents on court and on stage.

High School Musical 2

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In 2007, the sequel was released and broke cable TV records during the premiere, with 17 million viewers tuning in.

Hairspray (2007)

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Efron played another teenage heartthrob in a screen-adaptation of 'Hairspray' the musical. His role as Link Larkin was similar to that of Troy Bolton and whilst his character is no more serious than Bolton, it is clear Efron wanted to steer into acting roles that would be more challenging and professional. Hairspray has a core political theme of the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s and segregation issues.

High School Musical 3 (2008)

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High School Musical 3 was the biggest of the three movies, even getting its own cinema roll-out. This was Efron's last time playing Bolton, and the end of his era as a Disney actor.

17 Again (2009)

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Once again, Efron's early roles do not stray far from his stereotypical teenage heartthrob looks, where he plays a young version of Matthew Perry's character who gets thrown back in time to age 17. It reflects his 'real' star image as he acts in an immature adolescent way, which is similar to that of his behind the scenes clips from High School Musical.

Straying From Disney

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In his first role that bids his future as a more serious actor rather than his common pretty-boy roles, he plays an aspiring actor in in 'Me and Orson Welles' (2009), a screen adaptation of a book in the same name by Robert Kaplow.

Zac went on to continue to portray love interests in multiple films such as Charlie St. Cloud (2010), New Year's Eve (2011) and The Lucky One (2012).

Music Video Cameo (2007)

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Zac stars as the love interest in his girlfriend and HSM co-star Vanessa Hudgens' music video for 'Say OK.' They had been dating since they met on the HSM set in 2005. The decision to have him in the video may have been her own choice, but it is likely that the Disney executives had some input to help promote the clean-cut image of their relationship and provide buzz for a potential third movie.

Zac's Teenage Persona

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Multiple behind-the-scenes clips from High School Musical filming portray Efron as a 'prankster'. For example, in the above clip, he and his cast mates discuss his love for water balloons and water fights. This creates a 'laddish' and relatable identity for boys his age. This makes him seem 'normal' despite his ever growing fame by the time the third film was released.

Celebrity and The Media (Redmond, S., 2014)

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Zac conforms to the idea proposed by Redmond (2014), as he faced issues with alcohol and drug abuse.

'One of the key narrative arcs of the celebrity figure is the rise-and-fall trajectory. No sooner does the celebrity reach the heights and highs of success than they fall prey to drugs, booze, instability, and a career nosedive.' P. 17

Celebrity Type

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Zac's celebrity identity can most be likened to the 'achieved celebrity' (Rojek, 2001, p.18). These are people who have achieved celebrity status through their own accomplishments and excelling in their field.

The Paperboy (2012)

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This film is seen as a pivotal moment in his career in trying to move away from his clean cut image. The crime thriller with Matthew McConaughey and Nicole Kidman included dark and mature themes.

Film Festival Circuit

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Efron shifted to lower-budget, indie film festival roles in At Any Price (2012) and Parkland (2013). Both were semi-successful on the festival circuit but still failed to secure Efron as a more serious actor in thriller and drama genres.

Substance Abuses

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Following the back-to-back run of films he had just done and stress of media intrusion in his personal life, Zac turned to binge-drinking and excessive drug use, at around the same time he was filming That Awkward Moment (2014) and Neighbors (2014). Ironically, both films feature him playing characters that drink heavily and threw wild 'frat' parties. Reports from the time claim he was failing to show up to work due to reckless partying.

He went to rehab for his abuses in 2013, and joined Alcoholics Anonymous.

Return to 'Laddish' Roles

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As his more serious acting roles never took off, Efron retreated to roles where his looks were the focus. He landed many party based roles where he could show off his muscles in the years 2014-2016. The content of these roles appealed to a more mature audience rather than Disney kids.

Baywatch (2017)

201567794 — 2023-10-23 14:45:08 UTC

Efron continued showing off his physique in the 2017 film adaptation of the 80s classic, Baywatch.

However, he has alluded to having reached this form by disordered eating and unattainable workout habits, which he claims was "just stupid" and "just not real" in his Hot Ones interview.

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Whilst making an appearance on the Ellen Degeneres show, Zac is shown his new waxwork figure that will be on display at Madame Tussaud's, Hollywood. He compares himself to the figure, and says 'For guys, that's unrealistic I'm telling you [...] I don't want people to think that is the best way to be [...] I don't want to glamorise this' which is met by large applause from the audience.

The Greatest Showman (2017)

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Returning to his musical roots with an all-star cast including Hugh Jackman and Zendaya, Efron once again finds himself playing an attractive love interest.

This film is very reminiscent of the Disney days, as he stars alongside Zendaya who also found her start on the network. Here, he reminds audiences of his multiple talents - a triple threat in the arts.

Sobriety

201567794 — 2023-10-25 14:41:10 UTC

In an interview with Elle magazine titled 'The Zen of Zac', he is asked about how he was coping with sobriety, to which he responds: 'What I found is structure. That led me to a balance of opposites: You get out of life what you put in. There was a moment when my morning routine was, like, Get up and Google yourself. [...] A lot of my hobbies had gone out the window. I couldn't skateboard or surf for fear of being followed.'

Neighbors (2014)

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This film with Seth Rogan was an instant hit, topping the box office in opening week and grossing over $270 million USD.

Neighbors: Sorority Rising (2016)

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The film was so successful it went on to gain a sequel. In the above clip, an interviewer from the TODAY show visited Efron and Rogan on set. At the end of the clip, her co-anchor admits she had an embarrassing blunder whilst talking to Efron, which they then proceed to show as she forgets her lines. She justifies it by saying: 'I'm sorry, but Zac Efron is so hot! His arms were just busting out of his t-shirt'. Another host comments on his personality: 'he was so patient and he understood.' This reflects his charm and professionalism.

Neighbors 3: Zombies Rising

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When promoting the second film, an advert was brought out in the advert break of 'The Walking Dead', in which Seth and Zac are faced with a decision of whether to kill a zombie or not. The clip ends with the pair sat on directors chairs, with Efron suggesting 'we call it Neighbors 3: Zombies Rising', making light of a potential third movie.

This never materialised as the second instalment didn't gross even half the amount of the original film.

Lorax Promotion

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The attractive pair were soon to be romantically linked, despite filming their voice-overs in different states. The above clip shows them calling out chat-show host Ellen Degeneres for making them feel uncomfortable due to perpetrating the romance rumours. They do so by re-writing lyrics to 'Pumped Up Kicks', instead singing about how Ellen is really weird.

The Lorax (2012)

201567794 — 2023-11-03 19:57:07 UTC

Efron tried something new by voice acting in the 2012 animation 'The Lorax' directed by Chris Renaud. He played Ted, who was the love interest of Taylor Swift's character, Audrey.

It received mostly negative reviews from film critics despite a star-studded cast; with Bradshaw (2012) stating "it is a fantastically boring, soulless animation"

Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile (2019)

201567794 — 2023-11-03 20:41:46 UTC

Efron completes yet another U-turn in his career shortly after returning to his musical roots, this time leaning into another serious true crime role - playing one of America's most notorious serial killers, Ted Bundy, in a film titled by a description given to the killer in court.

Hard Bodies: Hollywood Masculinity in the Reagan Era (Jeffords, S., 1994)

201567794 — 2023-11-03 21:13:53 UTC

Whilst Jeffords' work mostly concerns the likes of Rambo, her ideas can still be applied to male star bodies, specifically white ones, of today. Efron conforms to unrealistic and idealistic body types, which Jeffords argues male audiences are supposed to be unfamiliar with such body types, and want to change themselves to look like on-screen stars. Zac contradicts himself at this time, by promoting the body physically but speaking out about the falseness of it.

Fans on: why did Efron's career not take off to super stardom?

201567794 — 2023-11-03 21:15:45 UTC

Fans in the Reddit forum r/flicks here discuss how in his early career, with the original author suggesting he showed promise of being 'the next big thing' as he often 'showcased his various talents'

The first reply in the thread states: 'I think he’s become too comfortable in his niche of bro comedies and musicals, because anytime he’s done something else. [...] I could see him as a television personality or TV actor more than I could as a serious awards contender actor.'

Efron's Interest in Nature

201567794 — 2023-11-04 12:59:43 UTC

In 2019, we get the first glimpse of Zac's personal interest in adventuring and travelling, through his YouTube series "Off The Grid" which he created with his brother. The pair are shown to go on crazy dirt-buggy rides, fishing trips, skiing and surfing in the 4-part series. This represents him as a fun-loving, adventurous personality and unveils something about him that fans may not have known he was interested in.

Down To Earth (2020)

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Efron took his love for wildlife and nature further in a 2020 series produced and distributed by Netflix titled 'Down to Earth'. He takes this series further in terms of activism, by promoting health, wellness and sustainable living practices to aid global conservation. This represents him as a caring individual who keeps up to date with concerns such as global warming, which is another fans may not have known without this series being produced.

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Down To Earth earned Zac a Daytime Emmy for his hosting skills. It was also nominated for the best 'Travel, Adventure and Nature Program' but lost out.

Animals

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Efron regularly shows his love for animals on his social media platforms, with many posts featuring dogs, horses or koalas from his many adventures. He has also used his platform of 14.6m on X to advocate against animal testing.

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Zac is also a brand ambassador for 'Kodiak Cakes', which is a company that sells wholegrain and protein packed baking goods, with some proceeds going toward wildlife projects. They also released a 'Keep it Wild' apparel range, where 100% of sales go toward wild bear conservation.

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The Greatest Showman's soundtrack won a Grammy for 'Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media winner'

Political Activism

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He has similarly used his platforms to advocate for political and social causes. Here, he tweets his support for gun reform.

Strike Support

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Similarly, he shows support for the recent Hollywood strikes, which were influenced by the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees to ensure big media corporations treat actors, writers and everyone behind the scenes with respect and fair pay.

Firestarter (2022)

201567794 — 2023-11-04 14:26:53 UTC

Back to acting, Efron stars in a screen-adaptation of the Stephen King novel of the same name. It was first released as a film in 1984 with Drew Barrymore and was widely regarded as one of the worst King adaptations. Critics also don't like the 2022 version, not due to Efron's performance but because of lacklustre writing.

The Iron Claw (2023)

201567794 — 2023-11-08 13:36:41 UTC

Promotional clips of his upcoming film 'The Iron Claw', premiering December 2023, have caused speculation that it was not just a jaw-shattering injury, and the star is having plastic surgery, which he has always categorically denied.

Zac's 'New Face'

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Efron started facing scrutiny on his appearance from 2020 when fans noticed a change in his appearance. He seemed to have had botox in his jaw, giving him a wider-set face. He revealed this happened due to jaw surgery following an injury, which caused facial swelling.

Fans on: Zac playing a father figure

201567794 — 2023-11-08 14:00:01 UTC

In Firestarter (2022), Efron plays a dad and the reaction from fans was mostly the same: asking where did the time go from his teenage musical self to now.

Fans on: 'Zanessa' Rekindling, years later

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When Vanessa Hudgens split from long-term boyfriend of 9 years Austin Butler, fans jumped onto social media to try and rekindle the romance for the High School Musical pair.

One fan commented: "so what you’re saying is both Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens are currently single?? some see this as devastating but HSM stans can only see an opportunity"

Zac and Vanessa caught in an 'adult store' (2008)

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Efron and Hudgens were caught out by a fan in 2008, shopping in a store for adult items together. This was largely controversial to their Disney image - yet the pair seemed to not want to come across as rude, so still had photos with the fan. His facial expression shows clear embarrassment and probably some level of stress as they most likely got in trouble with their management as faces of Disney Channel.

'Zanessa' breakup (2010)

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Fans were heartbroken when the Disney duo called it quits after their 5 year relationship. Years later, Hudgens claimed she was grateful for the relationship and it ended completely amicably.

Stars (Dyer, R., 1998)

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Dyer claims 'stardom can be seen as a version of the American Dream' (p.35). This can be applied as true in this case, as Efron portrays himself to live a luxury life through his love of travel and adventure, which will be uncommon to 'normal' people.

Fans on: Efron's body dismorphia and eating disorder

201567794 — 2023-11-08 14:31:01 UTC

People began mocking Efron's appearance due to the change in his jaw, hair and body changing. Fans were outraged to see these comments online, especially after he had made multiple claims against the image.

One fan commented: “Please be aware of the fact that Zac Efron has struggled with an eating disorder and body dysmorphia. Wanting to have fun on the internet isn’t an excuse to drag someone through the floor over a private aspect of his life that has affected him so deeply.”

'Heartthrob' in real life, too

201567794 — 2023-11-08 14:41:25 UTC

On a cover for Rolling Stone (2007), Zac was reinforced as a romantic, cheeky, 'heartthrob' in his real life instead of just in his role of Troy Bolton. The unnatural lifting of his shirt gives audiences a flash of his muscular build, but he still appears as friendly and approachable through his bright smile.

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In this article, Efron is praised for reaching just '5% body fat after 12 weeks of training.' At the time, it seemed positive as he just wanted to prepare for the role, but there are multiple moments where the actor has condemned the way he reached the figure.

The Hollywood Reporter (2014)

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Following his battle with addictions, Zac features in The Hollywood Reporter, with the cover reading: 'A-list and in A.A.'

In the interview, he states: "When you have success young, and you accept the good things, you have to accept all of it. You have to accept the moments of glory but also a great responsibility. And that responsibility, to some degree, involves being a role model. At the same time, I’m a human being, and I’ve made a lot of mistakes. I’ve learned from each one."

This shows his vulnerability and allows us to see his is not reckless, he understands his mistakes and is willing to move on and get better.

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This 'American Dream' theory can also be linked to his issues with addiction, as he became successful from a young age yet still faced the reality of loneliness, pressure and stress.