Back when Zac Efron starred in Disney’s TV movie “High School Musical” trilogy in 2006, it was not the first time he came to Hollywood. He already had over 11 films and television shows to his credit. At 18, he impressed everyone with his portrayal of the popular jock of East High, Troy Bolton. Now he is 36 and has his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. 

Star of the Best Disney Channel Original Movie

The High School Musical trilogy is by far the biggest TV film from the Disney gamut in terms of commercial success. Zac Efron starred alongside Vanessa Hudgens and Ashley Tisdale, who also became famous overnight. The soundtrack topped the billboards for weeks and spoofs and parodies of the film came out soon enough. After all, imitation is the best compliment!

Zac was smack in the middle of the spotlight. Still, his career saw many twists and turns. In the new sports flick “The Iron Claw,” he beefed up to look the part of a professional wrestler and no longer carries his boyish charm. After 2 decades in show business, he finally got the industry respect he truly deserves. What happened in between that led to this drastic change in appearance and mindset?

American Heartthrob’s Formative Years

2007 had him appear in another musical “Hairspray,” typecasting him into the musical/comedy genre. Following that, he starred opposite Matthew Perry in “17 Again,” another comedy flick. At 21, Rolling Stone called the “New American heartthrob.” However, his fame came at a price and he suffered professionally.

“High School Musical was during my formative years and I look back with love and joy,” he said. And Zac Efron sincerely confesses that he is grateful for that early success, according to Hollywood Reporter. But in his own words, “High School Musical haunted him.” Even in the recent shoot of “The Iron Claw,” co-starring Lily James and Jeremy Allen White, the crew sang the Disney film’s songs. 

Wobbly Filmography and Personal Issues

By the age of 26, Zac Efrron played very similar roles —romantic lead, indie darling, ensemble star, and frat boy. Although he acted in many critically panned films like “Charlie St Cloud,” “ The Paperboy, “ and “Parkland,” Zac Efron made the wrong choices. “It’s a fine line between being famous for who you are personally and for your films. And I’ve been on the wrong side,” he said in 2009.

His depression, alcoholism, insomnia, and substance abuse issues sent him packing to rehab in 2013. “I was drinking way too much,” he said, “Everything is thrown at you.” However, friends and industry A-listers like Nicole Kidman and his “Baywatch” co-star Dwayne Johnson had only nice things to say. They called Efron “nice and genuine” and rooted for him to succeed.

Stars Are Shining Brightly for Zac Efron

Last year was a turning point for him as the acclaimed film “The Iron Claw” was released in December. It is based on the story of pro-wrestler Kevin Von Erich, played by Zac. There was a lot of buzz about Efron’s award-worthy performance for the same. Last month, he was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Looks like Zac Efron’s time has finally arrived.