He’s best known as the actor and singer who shot to fame playing Troy Bolton in High School Musical, a role that truly put him on the map. Over the years, he continued building an impressive career, earning a Bravo Otto Award in 2010 as Best Male TV Star—a well-deserved recognition that highlighted his growing popularity. He went on to take on major lead roles in several high-profile films, including Hairspray, Baywatch, Neighbors, and the musical sensation The Greatest Showman. In 2019, he took on a darker, more intense role, portraying Ted Bundy in the biopic Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil, and Vile, which showcased his range as a serious dramatic actor.
Before all the spotlight and red carpets, life looked a bit different for him. Back in elementary school, he was often described as the class clown—always cracking jokes and keeping everyone laughing. But don’t let that fool you; he was also incredibly driven when it came to academics and would get genuinely upset if he earned anything less than an A on his exams. That mix of charm and discipline has clearly stayed with him throughout the years.
In his personal life, he shared a long-term relationship with actress and High School Musical co-star Vanessa Hudgens. The two dated for about five years before parting ways in December 2010. Later on, he was linked to Sami Miro, and their relationship lasted from 2014 until 2016. Then, in the summer of 2020, he was seen dating model Vanessa Valladares, keeping fans intrigued with every public appearance.
Family has always played an important role in his life. His father, David, worked as an engineer, while his mother, Starla, served as a secretary—both providing a grounded upbringing. He isn’t an only child either; he has a younger brother named Dylan and a younger sister named Olivia, making for a close-knit family dynamic behind the scenes.
Through ups and downs, both professionally and personally, he’s remained a prominent figure in Hollywood, continually evolving his craft and surprising audiences with each new role.
He lent his voice to the main character, Ted, in the 2012 animated movie The Lorax, bringing the role to life with charm and energy. Years later, in 2020, he continued expanding his career by launching a Netflix series titled Down to Earth with Zac Efron. The show followed his journey as he explored sustainable living and global cultures, showcasing Zac Efron’s curiosity and passion for environmental issues. With each project, Zac Efron has demonstrated versatility, stepping beyond acting into storytelling that inspires change. Through Down to Earth with Zac Efron, he connected with audiences in a whole new way, blending adventure with purpose—all while keeping Zac Efron at the heart of the narrative.