Starring in Disney Channel’s original movie “High School Musical,” Zac Efron gained recognition among the many teen audiences for both his singing and his acting. And while undoubtedly many young and old fans enjoy seeing Zac perform in his early attempts at theater due to his father’s suggestion, his climb to fame really started with his role as Troy Bolton, captain of the basketball team in the Disney movie.
Some people believed that the public needs to see a shirtless Zac Efron in order for him to get a much needed break. After all, that worked for a lot of people seeking a jolt in their acting or singing careers. Actually, Efron saw himself in the future as a dramatic actor more, and not as a singer. Ironically, it was his singing and not just his acting that landed him the chance to become every teenage girl’s most favorite Disney movie icon. Appearing beside Vanessa Hudgens either as her love interest in the movie or in Vanessa’s music videos, the public now sees him as a celebrity. Zac admitted that he didn’t expect a lot from being cast into the Disney musical at the start. Thankfully, his fears were misplaced and greatly proven wrong.
Later roles in movies were acquired due mainly to his baritone vocal range. When he was young, his father was the person who encouraged him to pursue acting, taking lessons and joining theater. He also started singing lessons at a very young age, obviously helping him now in his quest to become an actor, which hinges on his ability to carry a tune. Some critics say that dating his co-star Vanessa Hudgens consistently and publicly tremendous helped in keeping his popularity and fame at a favorable level. The fan base of Disney’s musicals is composed primarily of teenagers, and seeing Zac together with Vanessa on-screen and off-screen provides comfort and consolation to many love-struck, parent-dependent teenagers who think that life’s problems can always be solved when parties in conflict join hands, sing together and prance around.
With all the fame, some people still got to see a shirtless Zac Efron, but not in the context they were hoping. Cedars-Sinai Medical Center handled Efron’s appendectomy last January 15, 2008. Fans were torn with either the grief of their beloved idol undergoing a medical procedure, or the joy that seeing him finally. Although the issue is now moot since numerous reports abound that the star is frequently seen enjoying the sun at the beach, wearing appropriate attire for such an activity.
Admittedly, Zac Efron has done really well for himself. In the Forbes Celebrity 100 list of 2008, Zac was on spot 92, estimating at about $5.8 million from June 2007 to June 2008. While most who taste the sweet flavor of success suddenly find themselves facing the inevitable occurrence of fading away, this is not the case for this young and promising actor. It would be a very long time before roles requiring the exposure of a shirtless Zac Efron is required, or even left as the only option to salvage an actor’s dying career. And though dramatic acting is where he sets his heart at, it was the singing that brought him to where he is now, and will continue to be part of his roles in the entertainment industry.
