Happy birthday, Zac Efron! To celebrate the actor/singer's special day today, let's take a look at the success he amassed through the years, his current fortune in Hollywood, as well as the mystery behind his singing voice on the first "High School Musical" film.
Born Zachary David Alexander Efron on October 18, 1987, in San Luis Obispo, California, the actor is celebrating his 37th birthday today!
Growing up, the actor would often refer to his early years as a "normal childhood" as he was brought up in a middle-class family. It seemed like Efron was a hardworking student back in the day as he previously noted that he would "flip out" if he got a B and not the highest score in class. Despite being a studious student, he was also a class clown.
Zac Efron Career, Net Worth 2023
He honed his talent in acting and singing by working in The Great American Melodrama and Vaudeville. He wanted to amp up his vocal skills so he took singing lessons. He later starred in several theater productions of "Peter Pan, or The Boy Who Wouldn't Grow Up," "Little Shop of Horrors," and many more.
Fortunately, his talent was commended by his drama teacher who recommended him to an agent in Los Angeles, California. He later struck a deal with the Creative Artists Agency.
Prior to his most notable role in the "High School Musical" franchise, he starred in some television series like "The Guardian" and "Firefly."
READ ALSO: 'HSMTMTS' Revealed What Happened to Troy and Gabriella In HSM After Graduation
He later took the role of Troy Bolton in the Disney Channel film "High School Musical" which premiered in 2006.
Since then, he also starred in other musical films such as "Hairspray" and "The Greatest Showman."
According to Wealthy Gorilla, Zac Efron's net worth as of 2023 is estimated to be around "25 million.
Why Didn't Zac Efron Sing in 'High School Musical 1'?
Although "High School Musical'' was a part of almost everyone's childhood, not everyone knew that Zac Efron didn't use his own singing voice in the first film as Drew Seely's voice was the one used whenever there were singing parts.
He shared his thoughts about the decision in an interview with the Orlando Sentinel in 2017, saying it was awkward for him.
"It put me in an awkward position... It's not something I expected to be addressed. Then High School Musical blew up. I'm very fortunate that Drew has gotten proper credit and also that I've gotten the opportunity to come back and try it again with my own voice," he said. (via j-14)
Efron was then able to use his voice in the second and third installments of the musical film.
Zac Efron NEW Movie 2023
In other updates, the singer is set to star in the new movie titled "The Iron Claw" under A24 along with Jeremy Allen White.
According to People Magazine, the movie will revolve around the story of the famed wrestling family dynasty of the Von Erichs.
Efron will take the role of Kevin Von Erich, while White will be Kerry Von Erich. The movie was written and directed by Martha Marcy May Marlene.
"The Iron Claw" will be shown in theaters starting on December 22, 2023.
