Zachary David Alexander Efron was born October 18, 1987, in San Luis Obispo, California, to Starla Baskett, a secretary, and David Efron, an electrical engineer. His surname, “Efron,” is an Ashkenazi Jewish surname, taken from a Biblical place name. He has a brother, Dylan. Efron’s paternal grandfather, Harold Efron, was born in Brooklyn, New York, to a Russian Jewish family, while Efron’s maternal grandfather, Stanley Baskett, was a war veteran who served in the United States Army during the Korean War. Efron’s great-grandfather, Reuben Efron, was a Russian immigrant who moved to England with his family in the 1880s.
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 (2004), for which he earned a Young Artist Award nomination for his performance as one of two autistic twins.
Table of Contents:
1. Introduction
2. Early Life and Career
3. Breakthrough with High School Musical
4. Later Films
5. Personal Life
6. Net Worth
7. Awards and Nominations
8. Filmography
9. Discography
10. Zac Efron Quotes
- Introduction
Zachary David Alexander Efron is an American actor and singer. He began acting in the early 2000s with guest roles on several television series before making his film debut in the 2004 film Miracles Run. He rose to prominence for his leading role as Troy Bolton in the 2006 Disney Channel musical film High School Musical. The film was a commercial success and Efron’s performance was praised.
He subsequently starred in the films Hairspray (2007), 17 Again (2009), Me and Orson Welles (2009), Charlie St. Cloud (2010), New Year’s Eve (2011), Rock of Ages (2012), The Lucky One (2013), Neighbors (2014), Dirty Grandpa (2016), Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates (2016), The Greatest Showman (2017), Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile (2019), and The Kissing Booth 2 (2020).
Efron has also released two albums: Zac Efron (2007) and High School Musical 2: Non-Stop Dance Party (2007).
- Early Life and Career
Zachary David Alexander Efron was born on October 18, 1987, in San Luis Obispo, California, to Starla Baskett, a secretary, and David Efron, an electrical engineer. His surname, “Efron,” is an Ashkenazi Jewish surname, taken from a Biblical place name. He has a brother, Dylan.
Efron’s paternal grandfather, Harold Efron, was born in Brooklyn, New York, to a Russian Jewish family, while Efron’s maternal grandfather, Stanley Baskett, was a war veteran who served in the United States Army during the Korean War. Efron’s great-grandfather, Reuben Efron, was a Russian immigrant who moved to England with his family in the 1880s.
Efron was raised in Arroyo Grande, California. He 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 (2004), for which he earned a Young Artist Award nomination for his performance as one of two autistic twins.
- Breakthrough with High School Musical
In 2006, Efron starred in the Disney Channel original movie High School Musical as Troy Bolton, the popular student, and captain of the basketball team. The film, which was Disney Channel’s most-watched movie that year, made him a household name among pre-teen and teen audiences.
The film’s success led to Efron starring in the sequel, High School Musical 2 (2007), which was also a commercial success. He subsequently starred in the television film High School Musical 3: Senior Year (2008), which was a commercial success.
- Later Films
Efron’s next role was in the 2007 musical film Hairspray, in which he played Link Larkin, a teenage heartthrob who is the love interest of Tracy Turnblad (played by Nikki Blonsky). The film was a critical and commercial success, and Efron’s performance was praised.
In 2008, Efron starred in the comedy film 17 Again, playing 17-year-old Mike O’Donnell who is transformed into his younger self (played by Efron) after a freak accident. The film was a commercial success, grossing over $200 million worldwide.
Efron’s next role was in the 2009 musical comedy film, Me and Orson Welles, in which he played Richard Samuels, a teenager who is cast in Orson Welles’ Mercury Theatre production of Julius Caesar. The film was not a commercial success, but Efron’s performance was praised.
In 2010, Efron starred in the romantic comedy film Charlie St. Cloud, playing a young man who is grieving the death of his brother. The film was a commercial success, grossing over $100 million worldwide.
In 2011, Efron starred in the film New Year’s Eve, playing the role of Paul, a man who has to save the life of a woman (played by Lea Michele) who is about to jump off the Brooklyn Bridge. The film was a commercial success, grossing over $142 million worldwide.
Efron’s next role was in the 2012 musical comedy film Rock of Ages, in which he played Drew, a small-town boy who falls for a big-city girl (played by Julianne Hough). The film was a commercial success, grossing over $146 million worldwide.
In 2013, Efron starred in the comedy film The Lucky One, based on the novel of the same name by Nicholas Sparks. The film was a commercial success, grossing over $105 million worldwide.
In 2014, Efron starred in the comedy film Neighbors, playing the role of a young father who is combating the rowdy fraternity next door (led by Seth Rogen). The film was a commercial success, grossing over $270 million worldwide.
Efron’s next role was in the 2015 comedy film Dirty Grandpa, in which he played the role of an uptight guy who is tricked by his grandfather (played by Robert De Niro) into going on a spring break road trip. The film was a commercial success, grossing over $102 million worldwide.
In 2016, Efron starred in the comedy film Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates, playing one of the titular characters who are in need of dates for their sister’s wedding. The film was a commercial success, grossing over $77 million worldwide.
Efron’s next role was in the 2017 musical comedy film The Greatest Showman, in which he played P.T. Barnum, the founder of the Barnum & Bailey Circus. The film was a commercial success, grossing over $174 million worldwide.
In 2018, Efron starred in the comedy film Dog Days, playing the role of a man who falls in love with a woman (played by Nina Dobrev) he meets at a dog park. The film was a commercial success, grossing over $64 million worldwide.
Efron’s next role was in the 2019 comedy film Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile, in which he played Ted Bundy, a serial killer. The film was a commercial success, grossing over $32 million worldwide.
Most recently, Efron starred in the 2020 comedy film The Kissing Booth 2, reprising his role as Noah Flynn. The film was a commercial success, grossing over $85 million worldwide.
- Personal Life
Efron has been in a number of relationships throughout his life. He dated his High School Musical co-star, Vanessa Hudgens, from 2006 to 2010. He also dated his Neighbors co-star Halston Sage from 2014 to 2016.
Efron is currently in a relationship with Australian actress Rebecca Ferguson. The couple met while filming the 2020 film Gold.
- Net Worth
Zac Efron has a net worth of $24 million.
- Awards and Nominations
Efron has been nominated for a number of awards throughout his career, including three Teen Choice Awards, three People’s Choice Awards, and two MTV Movie Awards.
- Filmography
Efron has appeared in a number of films throughout his career, including the following:
- High School Musical (2006)
- Hairspray (2007)
- 17 Again (2009)
- Me and Orson Welles (2009)
- Charlie St. Cloud (2010)
- New Year’s Eve (2011)
- Rock of Ages (2012)
- The Lucky One (2013)
- Neighbors (2014)
- Dirty Grandpa (2016)
- Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates (2016)
- The Greatest Showman (2017)
- Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil, and Vile (2019)
- The Kissing Booth 2 (2020)
- Discography
Efron has released two albums:
- Zac Efron (2007)
- High School Musical 2: Non-Stop Dance Party (2007)
Zac Efron Quotes
“Every day is a new experience and I take it as it comes.” — Zac Efron
“There are moments when you love babies, and you’re like, “God, they are the reason why we exist.” Then they start crying, and you’re like “God! Jesus!”” — Zac Efron
“Don’t get me wrong – I’ve gone to a club. But I’d much rather be with my close friends at home or at a concert, or on a trip. I’ll go dancing with my grandma. She likes to cut a rug!” — Zac Efron
“I think the most important thing for me in a relationship is honesty.” — Zac Efron
“A fan sent me a letter and a $10 bill. It’s a short letter – all she said was, ‘Hey, since it’s harder for you to go out these days without getting photographed, here’s $10 for a pizza.’ I was like, ‘Aww, she sent me money for a pizza so I could eat at home!’” — Zac Efron
“The fans make the person a star.” — Zac Efron
“I don’t know if I believe in love at first sight, but of course, I believe in two people having chemistry right away. A girl should be really easy to talk to. When I lose track of time because we’ve been talking, I think that’s really fun.” — Zac Efron
“I wish I could say I see my little brother more. We used to fight all the time but now that I don’t see him very often I cherish the time I have with him.” — Zac Efron
“Sometimes you grow out of love.” — Zac Efron
“I’d love to take a year off and travel the world under the radar. I would love to do it really low-key. I wouldn’t need to stay in fancy hotels or anything; I just want to explore – but I don’t know how I’d do it. Would I shave my head to try and go incognito? Ha ha! I’m not telling.” — Zac Efron
“I can’t explain to you what it’s like to be a heartthrob. I don’t think I am a heartthrob.” — Zac Efron
“I try to be green as much as I can and it’s hard. I feel like I’m never doing enough. For me as an actor, there’s only so many things I can do, and this is a way, through a film, to teach and hopefully get the message out to young kids.” — Zac Efron
“A woman called me interesting once, and it kind of blew my mind. She said, ‘You’re one of the most interesting people I’ve ever met,’ and I was like, ‘Wow.’” — Zac Efron
“When I’m stylizing, it’s all about accessories.” — Zac Efron
“If you really want your hair to look good, just don’t wash it for a day. That’s my secret.” — Zac Efron
“Life should be fun not dumb.” — Zac Efron
“Personally, I was never the cool kid. I was always sort of a bookworm.” — Zac Efron
“I’m very competitive by nature. And I like to be the underdog – It’s the best way to win. To come from behind and win is a great feeling!” — Zac Efron
“High School Musical has been a blessing and a gift.” — Zac Efron
“I bought an electric scooter in sixth grade. Bankrupted me.” — Zac Efron
“I grew up being into sports and I wasn’t trained to move my body in the right way for dancing. I’m the last one to get any moves correct. In rehearsals, it’s always, ‘OK, one more take for Zac.’” — Zac Efron
“I’m not getting married until I’m forty. If ever.” — Zac Efron
“You always have to remember that bullies want to bring you down because you have something that they admire. Also, when you get made fun of-when people point out your weaknesses, it’s an opportunity for you to rise above.” — Zac Efron
“I’m definitely not getting married. In this business, you’re either getting married or they want you to be pregnant. I’m not getting married until I’m forty. If ever.” — Zac Efron
“Dating is kind of hard. Like dinner or something like that. Like a forced awkward situation is very strange. Especially for me, for some reason.” — Zac Efron
“I think if a girl is easy to talk to then that’s the first thing I look for. It’s great when you meet a girl and three hours later you’re like, ‘Oh my gosh, we’ve been talking for three hours, what happened to the time?’” — Zac Efron
“You can’t describe the feeling of being in love – when you meet someone who makes you a better person.” — Zac Efron
“If I splurge on anything, it’s cologne. I love smelling good.” — Zac Efron
“My mom is the No. 1 person who has taught me to be courteous towards women, to always be respectful and polite to them, and to always lead with your heart.” — Zac Efron
“I usually spend Valentine’s Day with my friends. But if I did have a girlfriend, I’d bring her flowers and candy.” — Zac Efron
“There’s no point in being scared of just trying.” — Zac Efron
“I’ve always been singing. Since day one. I started doing musical theater and you have to sing in musical theater and so that’s where I got most of my training. So singing on stage, you just inevitably, when you’re around other vocal artists, you get better at singing.” — Zac Efron
“It’s hard to film underwater. It really is tricky. You don’t have goggles, so you can’t see anything. You don’t know where you’re swimming too. Everything’s blurry.” — Zac Efron
“I believe in destiny. I believe destiny opens doors for you, but it’s up to you to walk through them.” — Zac Efron
“I’ve grown up a lot, I’m on my own, and I’ve learned some valuable life lessons.” — Zac Efron
“There’s a way that you can throw negativity out there that seems rebellious. But I’ve always taken pleasure in a different kind of rebellion, which is putting a positive spin on everything, trying to enjoy myself at all times.” — Zac Efron
“Every time you make a movie you have to confront your fears.” — Zac Efron
“Honesty is most important, and it’s difficult when you’re young and single and sort of figuring out your own life.” — Zac Efron
“A girl can tell I like her when I blush or start telling bad jokes.” — Zac Efron
“I connect with people on a daily basis.” — Zac Efron
“When you’re young everything feels like the end of the world, but it’s not; it’s just the beginning.” — Zac Efron
“I want to grow up, live my life, experience things, make movies about those experiences, and by the time the audience catches up, hopefully, they’ll have a movie there that helps them get through that next phase when they discover life isn’t always like High School Musical.” — Zac Efron
“You don’t really know how beautiful a girl is until you meet her, all her beauty is in her personality.” — Zac Efron
“My advice to teens is to try and do something that scares you every day because it’s the only way you can test how far you can really go.” — Zac Efron
“I can tell that fame is probably the most unadorable thing about acting. High School Musical is what got me here today and I’m very grateful – but the fame part isn’t so fun.” — Zac Efron
“I can’t handle the paparazzi. They’re everywhere. One of them was in a dumpster trying to take my photo the other day. It was crazy!” — Zac Efron
“If you’d have asked me when I was auditioning for High School Musical if I ever thought I was going to play a Marine…” — Zac Efron
“Spider-Man’s probably my favorite. You see, Batman is a billionaire and there’s nothing really cool about a billionaire saving the world. But Spider-Man is Peter Parker, a conflicted character who puts on a suit and saves the world. I love that.” — Zac Efron
“A dog, for me, it’s not just getting a dog. I couldn’t leave him at home. I’m looking for a life partner and I’m not ready. I’m not emotionally mature enough.” — Zac Efron
“I’ve been doing musical theater since I was a kid. And look for a CD from me in the future. I want to write all the songs!” — Zac Efron
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