Zachary David Alexander Efron (born October 18, 1987) is an American actor and producer. He gained fame at the age of 18 for his role as Troy Bolton in the Disney Channel trilogy High School Musical (2006-2008). Efron has since established himself as a versatile actor in both film and television.
Early Life
Zac Efron was born in San Luis Obispo, California, and grew up in Arroyo Grande, California. His father, David Efron, is an electrical engineer at a nuclear power plant, and his mother, Starla Baskett, is a secretary who worked at the same power plant. Efron has a younger brother named Dylan. He developed an interest in acting during his high school years and participated in various theater productions.
Career
Efron’s breakthrough role came with the Disney Channel Original Movie High School Musical (2006), where he played the lead role of Troy Bolton. The film’s success led to two sequels, High School Musical 2 (2007) and High School Musical 3: Senior Year (2008), solidifying his status as a teen idol.
Following his success with High School Musical, Efron starred in the musical film Hairspray (2007) as Link Larkin. He continued to diversify his roles with films such as 17 Again (2009), Charlie St. Cloud (2010), and The Lucky One (2012). Efron also lent his voice to the animated film The Lorax (2012).
In 2017, Efron starred in the musical drama The Greatest Showman, where he played Phillip Carlyle alongside Hugh Jackman. He further showcased his acting range with roles in films such as Neighbors (2014), Baywatch (2017), and Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile (2019), where he portrayed serial killer Ted Bundy.
Efron is also the founder of the production company Ninjas Runnin Wild Productions, which has produced several films and television projects.
Personal Life
Efron has been open about his struggles with substance abuse and has sought treatment to maintain his sobriety. He is known for his dedication to fitness and healthy living. Efron is active on social media, where he shares updates about his career and personal life with his fans.
Filmography
- Melinda’s World (2003) as Stuart Wasser
- The Derby Stallion (2005) as Patrick McCardle
- High School Musical series (2006-2008) as Troy Bolton
- Hairspray (2007) as Link Larkin
- 17 Again (2009) as Mike O’Donnell
- Charlie St. Cloud (2010) as Charlie St. Cloud
- The Lucky One (2012) as Logan Thibault
- The Lorax (2012) as Ted (voice)
- Neighbors (2014) as Teddy Sanders
- The Greatest Showman (2017) as Phillip Carlyle
- Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile (2019) as Ted Bundy
Awards and Nominations
Efron has received several awards and nominations throughout his career, including the MTV Movie Award for Best Breakthrough Performance for High School Musical and the Teen Choice Award for Choice Movie Actor in a Comedy for Neighbors.
