From real-life drama to reinvention, here's what the 'High School Musical' cast is up to two decades later
The love story of Troy Bolton (Zac Efron) and Gabriella Montez (Vanessa Hudgens), along with Sharpay Evans' (Ashley Tisdale) diva antics, made the 'High School Musical' movies a cultural phenomenon. Released in 2006, the Disney franchise is celebrating 20 years of success, and fans are being hit by nostalgia. But where are the stars of 'High School Musical' now? Let's take a look.
Zac Efron (Troy Bolton)
Zac Efron rose to fame as Troy Bolton in 'High School Musical' after small TV roles on shows like 'CSI: Miami' and 'The Guardian'. Since then, he has starred in films such as 'Hairspray', 'The Greatest Showman', 'Baywatch', and 'Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile'. In addition to acting, Efron won a Daytime Emmy in 2021 for hosting the Netflix travel docuseries 'Down to Earth with Zac Efron', as per People. He is currently filming the upcoming movie 'Judgment Day' and is in post-production for another film, 'Famous'.
Vanessa Hudgens (Gabriella Montez)
Since her stint as Gabriella Montez in 'High School Musical', Vanessa Hudgens has pursued a diverse career, releasing two albums, 'V' in 2006 and 'Identified' in 2008, acting in film and TV, and performing on Broadway in the 2015 revival of 'Gigi'. The actress also starred in Netflix holiday hits like 'The Princess Switch' series, 'The Knight Before Christmas', and 'Tick, Tick… Boom', with Andrew Garfield. Hudgens has been married to MLB player Cole Tucker since 2023, and the couple welcomed their second child in November 2025. Currently, Hudgens is in post-production for the dramatic thriller 'Quiet Storm', and has various other projects in the pipeline, including 'The Black Kaiser' (pre-production) and the animated TV series, 'Army of the Dead: Lost Vegas'.
Ashley Tisdale (Sharpay Evans)
Ashley Tisdale's Sharpay was the attention-seeking diva in 'High School Musical'. Before the films, she acted on 'The Suite Life of Zack and Cody', continuing on the show until 2008 while voicing characters on animated series like 'Phineas and Ferb', 'Sabrina: Secrets of a Teenage Witch', and 'American Dad'. Tisdale's Sharpay role led to the spin-off 'Sharpay's Fabulous Adventure' in 2011. Tisdale has also released three albums, launched a beauty brand, and starred on 'Carol's Second Act'. She married musician Christopher French in 2014, and they have two children, Jupiter Iris and Emerson Clover. Recently, her essay for The Cut, titled 'Breaking Up With My Toxic Mom Group', has generated significant discussion and is reportedly being considered for a film adaptation.
Lucas Grabeel (Ryan Evans)
Lucas Grabeel, who played Sharpay's brother Ryan Evans in 'High School Musical', continued with his acting career after the movie. He starred in Freeform's 'Switched at Birth' and voiced characters on animated shows like 'Family Guy', 'Pinky Malinky', and 'Elena of Avalor'. Lucas Grabeel also appeared on Disney+'s 'High School Musical: The Musical: The Series', where, in a sneak-peek clip from the fourth and final season, Ryan's sexuality was confirmed as he was seen kissing another man. Grabeel also regularly participates in fan conventions and has taught classes at several colleges, sharing his experiences in the entertainment industry.
Corbin Bleu (Chad Danforth)
Corbin Bleu, who played the character of Troy's best friend Chad Danforth, went on to star in several Broadway productions, including 'In the Heights', 'Godspell', 'Holiday Inn', and the 2019 revival of 'Kiss Me, Kate'. He also showcased his dance skills on 'Dancing with the Stars' in 2013, finishing in second place. In 2022, Bleu returned to his roots with special appearances on seasons 3 and 4 of Disney+'s 'High School Musical: The Musical: The Series'. In April 2025, Bleu made his West End debut as Nick Carraway in 'The Great Gatsby'.
