Zac Efron


Zachary David Alexander Efron is an American actor and singer. He began acting professionally in the early 2000s and rose to prominence in the late 2000s for his leading role as Troy Bolton in the High School Musical trilogy. During this time, he also starred in the musical film Hairspray and the comedy film 17 Again. Efron has since starred in the films New Year's Eve, The Lucky One, The Paperboy, Neighbors, Dirty Grandpa, Baywatch, The Greatest Showman, Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile, and Scoob!.

Early life

Efron was born in San Luis Obispo, California, and later moved to Arroyo Grande, California. His father, David Efron, is an electrical engineer at a power station, and his mother, Starla Baskett, is a secretary who worked at the same power plant. Efron has a brother, Dylan, and had, as he has described, a "normal childhood" in a middle-class family. His last name, "Efron", is a Jewish surname, taken from a Biblical place name. Zac has described himself as Jewish, though he was raised in an agnostic household and did not practice religion as a child.
Efron has said that he would "flip out" if he got a "B" and not an "A" in school, as well as that he was a class clown. His father encouraged him to begin acting when Zac was eleven years old. Efron subsequently appeared in theater productions at his high school, worked in the theater The Great American Melodrama and Vaudeville, and began taking singing lessons. He performed in shows such as ; Peter Pan, or The Boy Who Wouldn't Grow Up; Little Shop of Horrors; and The Music Man. He was recommended to an agent in Los Angeles by his drama teacher, Robyn Metchik. Efron was later signed to the Creative Artists Agency.
Efron graduated from Arroyo Grande High School in 2006 and was then accepted into the University of Southern California but did not enroll. He also attended Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts, a community college located in Santa Maria, California, where he performed during the years of 2000 and 2001.

Career

2002–2006: Early career

Efron began acting in the early 2000s with guest roles on several television series including Firefly, ER, and The Guardian. In 2004, he began appearing as a recurring character in the first season of the WB series Summerland. For the show's second season, which aired in 2005, he was promoted to the main cast. He also appeared in some films, including the Lifetime television film Miracle Run, for which he earned a Young Artist Award nomination for his performance as one of two autistic twins.

2006–2009: ''High School Musical'' and breakthrough

Efron's career reached a turning point with the teen musical television film High School Musical, which premiered on the Disney Channel in January 2006. The film, which has been described as a modern adaptation of Romeo and Juliet, saw Efron playing the male lead Troy Bolton, a high school basketball player who feels conflicted when he finds himself interested in participating in the school musical with Gabriella Montez, a girl from the scholastic decathlon team. The film, which also starred Ashley Tisdale, Lucas Grabeel, Corbin Bleu, and Monique Coleman in pivotal roles, became a major success and helped Efron gain recognition among teenage audiences. The film's soundtrack was certified quadruple platinum by the RIAA, making it one of the best-selling albums of the year in the United States. Efron's singing talents were disputed when it was revealed that his voice had been blended with Drew Seeley's on the soundtrack, but Efron clarified that the songs were written before he was cast and therefore did not suit his more baritone vocal range. In his subsequent musical films, Efron did his own singing.
Efron was next seen playing the role of Link Larkin in the musical comedy film Hairspray, based on the 2002 Broadway musical of the same name. The film became a major commercial and critical success upon its release in July 2007. Later that year, he was seen reprising his role of Troy Bolton in High School Musical 2, which aired on the Disney Channel in August 2007.
Efron reprised his role of Troy Bolton in , the first film in the High School Musical franchise to receive a theatrical release. The film became a major blockbuster at the box office, and received mixed to positive reviews from critics. He followed this with the commercially successful comedy 17 Again about a 37-year-old man who is transformed into his 17-year-old self after a chance accident.

2009–2014: Other work

Efron's next release was Richard Linklater's period drama Me and Orson Welles, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2008 and received a wide release in late 2009. The film earned mostly positive reviews from critics. He next played the title role in the supernatural romantic drama Charlie St. Cloud, which became a moderate success at the box office despite receiving mostly negative reviews from critics.
Efron next appeared as a part of the large ensemble cast in Garry Marshall's New Year's Eve, which depicted a series of holiday vignettes of different groups of characters. The film received almost unanimously negative reviews from critics, but became a major success at the box office. He also played a supporting role in the critically successful Liberal Arts, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2012 and received a limited release later that year. He also starred alongside Nicole Kidman, Matthew McConaughey, David Oyelowo, and John Cusack in The Paperboy, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2012 and received a wider release later that year. The film received mixed to negative reviews from critics.
After lending his voice to the commercially successful computer-animated film The Lorax, he appeared as the male lead in the romantic drama The Lucky One, based on the novel of the same name by Nicholas Sparks. The film became a major box office success despite negative reviews from critics. He also starred in the drama At Any Price, which premiered at the 2012 Venice International Film Festival, and the historical drama Parkland, which premiered at the 2013 Venice International Film Festival. Both of the films received mixed reviews from critics.
Efron's first release of 2014 was the romantic comedy That Awkward Moment, on which he was also an executive producer. The film, which starred Efron alongside Miles Teller and Michael B. Jordan as three bachelors in New York City, became a moderate commercial success despite receiving mostly negative reviews from critics.

2014–present: Commercial success

Later in 2014, Efron was seen in the adult comedy Neighbors, co-starring Seth Rogen. The film revolved around a young couple, played by Rogen and Rose Byrne, who struggle to raise their baby daughter while living next to the house of a wild fraternity led by its president, played by Efron. The film became a major commercial success and earned mostly positive reviews from critics, who also added that Efron had successfully shed his "Disney kid" pretty boy image.
Efron's only release in 2015 was the moderately successful We Are Your Friends, in which he played a struggling DJ. In January 2016, he starred alongside Robert De Niro in the adult comedy Dirty Grandpa, about a straitlaced young man who begrudgingly indulges his grandfather's unhinged personality by taking him on a vacation to Florida. The film received mostly negative reviews from critics for its crude humor, but became a commercial success upon its release. He subsequently co-starred with Seth Rogen, Rose Byrne, and Chloë Grace Moretz in the comedy sequel , which became a commercial and critical success upon its release in May 2016. The film followed the same couple who team up with their former rival to take down a hard-partying sorority led by a freshman. His third 2016 comedy, released in July, was Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates, in which he co-starred with Adam DeVine, as well as Anna Kendrick and Aubrey Plaza.
In 2017, Efron starred in Baywatch, an action comedy film version of the television series of the same name, released in May. The film features Dwayne Johnson and Efron with an ensemble cast, including Alexandra Daddario, Kelly Rohrbach, Jon Bass, Ilfenesh Hadera, and Priyanka Chopra. Also in 2017, Efron had a supporting role in two biographical films released in December, The Disaster Artist, a comedy-drama directed by and starring James Franco, and, as Phillip, in the musical The Greatest Showman, opposite Hugh Jackman. Both were nominated for the Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy.
In 2019, Efron played a drug-addled libertine in the Harmony Korine film The Beach Bum, opposite star Matthew McConaughey. He also starred as serial killer Ted Bundy in Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile, opposite Lily Collins as Bundy's girlfriend. The film premiered at Sundance in early 2019 and was released by Netflix on May 3. Efron next voiced Fred Jones in Warner Bros.' 2020 Scooby-Doo animated film, Scoob!.

Upcoming projects

Efron will star with his brother in a survival reality series called Kill the Efrons, where the pair will be sent to remote parts of the world. The mobile-only series will premiere in 2020, on Quibi.

Personal life

Efron was on the Forbes Celebrity 100 list in 2008 at number 92, with estimated earnings of $5.8 million from June 2007 to June 2008. In April 2009, his personal wealth equaled about $10 million. In May 2015, Efron's net worth was $18million.
People magazine reported in 2007 that Efron and Vanessa Hudgens began dating in 2005 during the filming of High School Musical, although Us magazine reported, after the two broke up in December 2010, that they "met in 2005 while making the first High School Musical flick, and became a romantic item about two years later." Efron began a romantic relationship with model and entrepreneur Sami Miró in September 2014. The couple split in April 2016.
Efron sought treatment in early 2013 after struggling with alcoholism and substance abuse. He has been sober since June 2013. In November 2013, Efron had to have his jaw wired shut after breaking it in a fall at home. In March 2014, Efron engaged in a fight with a homeless man in Skid Row. Law enforcement officials did not make any arrests because they viewed it as mutual combat.
In 2010, Efron started his own production company under Warner Bros., Ninjas Runnin' Wild. The company played a part in the production of his films Dirty Grandpa, That Awkward Moment, and Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile. In 2019, Efron's brother Dylan, who also plays a role in the company, stated that Ninjas Runnin' Wild has started to produce more digital content in addition to their traditional film work.
Efron announced the creation of his YouTube channel in March 2019. The video sharing platform hosts two weekly series. "Off the Grid" follows Efron and his brother Dylan as they participate in outdoor activities and trips without electronic devices—with the exception of a video camera in order to document their experiences. "Gym Time" spotlights fitness and nutrition, with Efron informing his viewers that he plans to "train with celebrities, athletes, and interesting people". YouTube received backlash for promoting Efron's new channel in a post made from their official Twitter account. Fans accused the platform of promoting a mainstream celebrity's account, which they feared would overshadow lesser known creators and would make it more difficult for them to "break through."
Efron turned to transcendental meditation to help decompress after struggling to separate himself from his role as serial killer Ted Bundy in his movie. "I really love TM, transcendental meditation. I did TM on the way home. Not while driving, but when you're shooting a movie, one thing we can afford is a ride home, so on the way home I just do some TM and try to phase out of it."
In December 2019, Efron contracted a serious and potentially life-threatening illness, a "form of typhoid or similar bacterial infection", while filming his adventure series Killing Zac Efron in Papua New Guinea. He was flown to St Andrews War Memorial Hospital in Australia and was treated before flying back home on Christmas Eve. He recovered without serious issue.

Filmography

Film

Denotes films that have not yet been released.

YearTitleRoleNotes
2003Melinda's WorldStuart Wasser
2005The Derby StallionPatrick McCardle
2007HairsprayLink Larkin
2008'Troy Bolton
2008Me and Orson WellesRichard Samuels
200917 AgainMike O'Donnell
2010Charlie St. CloudCharlie St. Cloud
2011New Year's EvePaul
2012At Any PriceDean Whipple
2012Liberal ArtsNat
2012The LoraxTed
2012The Lucky OneLogan Thibault
2012The PaperboyJack Jansen
2013ParklandDr. Charles James "Jim" Carrico
2014NeighborsTeddy Sanders
2014That Awkward MomentJasonAlso executive producer
2015We Are Your FriendsCole Carter
2016Dirty GrandpaJason Kelly
2016Mike and Dave Need Wedding DatesDave Stangle
2016'Teddy Sanders
2017BaywatchMatt Brody
2017The Disaster ArtistDan Janjigian / Chris-R
2017The Greatest ShowmanPhillip Carlyle
2019The Beach BumFlicker
2019Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and VileTed BundyAlso executive producer
2020Scoob!Fred Jones

Television

Music videos

Discography

Singles

Other charted songs

Awards and nominations

AwardYear of ceremonyCategoryNominee/workResult
ASTRA Awards2008Favourite International Personality or ActorHigh School Musical 2
Critics' Choice Movie Awards2008Best Acting EnsembleHairspray
Critics' Choice Movie Awards2008Best ComedyHairspray
Critics' Choice Movie Awards2008Best Family FilmHairspray
Critics' Choice Movie Awards2008Best Song
for "Come So Far "		Hairspray
CinemaCon2016Comedy Star of the Year
Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates
Gold Derby Awards2007Best Ensemble CastHairspray
Golden Raspberry Awards2012Worst Screen EnsembleNew Year's Eve
Golden Raspberry Awards2018Worst ActorBaywatch
Hollywood Film Awards2007Ensemble Acting of the Year – Musical/ComedyHairspray
MTV Movie Awards2008Best Breakthrough PerformanceHairspray
MTV Movie Awards2009Best Male Performance'
MTV Movie Awards2009Best Kiss
'
MTV Movie Awards2010Best Male Performance17 Again
MTV Movie Awards2011Best Male PerformanceCharlie St. Cloud
MTV Movie Awards2014Best Shirtless PerformanceThat Awkward Moment
MTV Movie Awards2015Best On-Screen Duo
Neighbors
MTV Movie Awards2015Best Shirtless PerformanceNeighbors
MTV Movie Awards2015Best Fight
Neighbors
MTV Movie Awards2015Best Musical Moment
Neighbors
MTV Movie Awards2017Best Kiss
Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates
Nickelodeon Australian Kids' Choice Awards2007Fave Movie StarHairspray
Nickelodeon Australian Kids' Choice Awards2009Fave Movie Star17 Again
Nickelodeon Australian Kids' Choice Awards2010Cutest Couple
Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards2010Favorite Movie Actor17 Again
Nickelodeon UK Kids' Choice Awards2007Best TV ActorHigh School Musical
Online Film and Television Awards2008Best Original Song
for "Come So Far "		Hairspray
Online Film and Television Awards2008Best Adapted Song
for "You Can't Stop the Beat"		Hairspray
Palm Springs International Film Festival2008Best Ensemble CastHairspray
People's Choice Awards2008Favorite Song from a Soundtrack
for "You Can't Stop the Beat"		Hairspray
People's Choice Awards2009Favorite Star Under 35
People's Choice Awards2011Favorite Movie Star Under 25
People's Choice Awards2013Favorite Dramatic Movie ActorThe Lucky One
People's Choice Awards2015Favorite Comedic Movie ActorNeighbors
People's Choice Awards2017Favorite Comedic Movie Actor'
Saturn Awards2019Best Actor in Streaming PresentationExtremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile
Screen Actors Guild Awards2008Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion PictureHairspray
ShoWest Convention2009Breakthrough Performer of the Year'
Teen Choice Awards2006Choice Breakout TV StarHigh School Musical
Teen Choice Awards2006Choice TV Chemistry
High School Musical
Teen Choice Awards2007Choice Male Hottie
Teen Choice Awards2008Choice Male Hottie
Teen Choice Awards2008Choice Red Carpet Fashion Icon – Male
Teen Choice Awards2009Choice Comedy Movie Actor17 Again
Teen Choice Awards2009Choice Music/Dance Movie Actor'
Teen Choice Awards2009Choice Movie Rockstar Moment17 Again
Teen Choice Awards2009Choice Movie Liplock
'
Teen Choice Awards2009Choice Male Hottie
Teen Choice Awards2009Choice Red Carpet Fashion Icon – Male
Teen Choice Awards2010Choice Summer Movie ActorCharlie St. Cloud
Teen Choice Awards2010Choice Male Hottie
Teen Choice Awards2010Choice Red Carpet Fashion Icon – Male
Teen Choice Awards2010Choice Smile
Teen Choice Awards2011Choice Red Carpet Fashion Icon – Male
Teen Choice Awards2012Choice Drama Movie ActorThe Lucky One
Teen Choice Awards2012Choice Romance Movie ActorThe Lucky One
Teen Choice Awards2012Choice Movie VoiceThe Lorax
Teen Choice Awards2012Choice Movie Liplock
The Lucky One
Teen Choice Awards2014Choice Male Hottie
Teen Choice Awards2016Choice Comedy Movie Actor'
Teen Choice Awards2016Choice Movie Hissy Fit'
Teen Choice Awards2017Choice Comedy Movie ActorBaywatch
Teen Choice Awards2017Choice MovieShip
Baywatch
Teen Choice Awards2018Choice Drama Movie ActorThe Greatest Showman
Teen Choice Awards2018Choice MovieShip
The Greatest Showman
Teen Choice Awards2018Choice Collaboration
The Greatest Showman
Teen Choice Awards2018Choice Liplock
The Greatest Showman
Teen Choice Awards2018Choice Male Hottie
Young Artist Awards2005Best Performance in a TV Movie, Miniseries or Special – Supporting Young ActorMiracle Run
Young Artist Awards2007Best Performance in a TV Movie, Miniseries or Special – Leading Young ActorHigh School Musical
Young Hollywood Awards2014Best Cast Chemistry – FilmNeighbors
Young Hollywood Awards2014Best Threesome
Neighbors
Young Hollywood Awards2014Best Threesome
That Awkward Moment