Vanessa Anne Hudgens is a well-known American actress and singer who achieved widespread recognition for her role as Gabriella Montez in the popular High School Musical film series (2006-2008). Her breakthrough performance in the first film propelled her to stardom and led to a recording contract with Hollywood Records. Under this label, she released two studio albums, "V" (2006) and "Identified" (2008), further solidifying her presence in the entertainment industry.
December 14, 1988: Vanessa Hudgens is Born
Vanessa Anne Hudgens was born on December 14, 1988 in Salinas, California.
1998: Begins Performing in Musical Theater
Vanessa Hudgens began performing in musical theater as a singer in 1998.
2002: First Acting Roles in Television
Vanessa Hudgens had her first acting role in an episode of the sitcom "Still Standing" and also guest starred in an episode of "Robbery Homicide Division", both in 2002.
2003: Film Debut in "Thirteen"
Vanessa Hudgens made her feature film debut in the drama film "Thirteen" in 2003.
2004: Appears in "Thunderbirds"
Vanessa Hudgens had a role in the science fiction-adventure film "Thunderbirds" in 2004.
October 2005: Signing Contract with Brian Schall
In October 2005, Vanessa Hudgens, then 16 years old, signed a contract with Brian Schall related to her songwriting and recording career.
2005: Beginning Relationship with Zac Efron
Vanessa Hudgens began dating her "High School Musical" co-star Zac Efron in 2005.
January 2006: Stars in "High School Musical"
Vanessa Hudgens starred as Gabriella Montez in the Disney Channel Original Movie "High School Musical" in January 2006.
September 26, 2006: Releases Debut Album "V"
Vanessa Hudgens released her debut studio album "V" on September 26, 2006.
2006: Breakthrough Role in "High School Musical" and Debut Album
Vanessa Hudgens rose to fame portraying Gabriella Montez in Disney's "High School Musical" in 2006, leading to a recording contract and the release of her debut studio album "V".
2006: Estimated Earnings of $2 Million
Vanessa Hudgens' earnings were estimated to be $2 million in 2006.
February 2007: "V" Certified Gold
Vanessa Hudgens' debut album "V" was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America in February 2007.
May 25, 2007: Premiere of "What Time Is It"
The world premiere of "What Time Is It", the opening number from "High School Musical 2", aired on Radio Disney on May 25, 2007.
July 13, 2007: Premiere of "You Are the Music in Me"
"You Are the Music in Me" from "High School Musical 2" premiered on July 13, 2007.
September 6, 2007: Leaked Photos and Public Apology
On September 6, 2007, allegedly stolen photos of Vanessa Hudgens, some explicit, were leaked online. Her publicist stated the photos were private and expressed regret over their release. Hudgens apologized for the situation and taking the photos.
October 2007: Speculation and Disney's Response to Leaked Photos
In October 2007, following the leaked photos in September, OK! magazine suggested Vanessa Hudgens might be dropped from "High School Musical 3". Disney denied this, stating Hudgens had apologized for a lapse in judgment and hoped she learned a valuable lesson.
2007: Marc Eckō Spokesperson
Vanessa Hudgens became a spokesperson for Marc Eckō products in 2007 but ended the contract after two years.
2007: Inclusion in Forbes Richest List and Young Hollywood's Top Earning-Stars
In early 2007, Vanessa Hudgens was included on the Forbes Richest list and recognized as one of Young Hollywood's Top Earning-Stars.
2007: Lawsuit Filed by Brian Schall
Brian Schall sued Vanessa Hudgens in 2007 for an alleged "breach of contract". Schall claimed he had advanced costs and expenses for Hudgens' music career and was owed $150,000.
January 2008: Declining Further Comment on Leaked Photos
In January 2008, Vanessa Hudgens released a statement indicating she would not comment further on the leaked photos from September 2007.
July 1, 2008: Releases Second Album "Identified"
Vanessa Hudgens released her second studio album, "Identified", on July 1, 2008.
October 9, 2008: Disaffirming Contract Signed as a Minor
On October 9, 2008, Vanessa Hudgens disaffirmed a contract she signed with Brian Schall in October 2005, arguing she was 16 years old at the time and therefore too young to legally enter into the agreement.
October 2008: "High School Musical 3" Released in Theaters
"High School Musical 3: Senior Year", the first film from the franchise to be released theatrically, opened in October 2008.
December 12, 2008: Ranked on Forbes "High Earners Under 30" List
On December 12, 2008, Forbes ranked Vanessa Hudgens No. 20 on their "High Earners Under 30" list, with estimated earnings of $3 million for the year.
2008: Releases Second Album "Identified" and Stars in "High School Musical 3"
Vanessa Hudgens released her second studio album, "Identified", and continued her success in the "High School Musical" franchise with "High School Musical 3: Senior Year" in 2008.
2008: Release of "Downtown Owl" Novel
The film "Downtown Owl", starring Vanessa Hudgens, is an adaptation of Chuck Klosterman's novel of the same name which was released in 2008.
2008: Neutrogena Promotion and Sears Campaign
In 2008, Vanessa Hudgens was the featured celebrity for Sears' back-to-school campaign and also promoted Neutrogena products.
May 2009: Settling Lawsuit with Johnny Vieira
Vanessa Hudgens settled a lawsuit filed by Johnny Vieira in 2007, in early May 2009. Vieira had claimed he was owed a portion of her earnings in exchange for his management services.
August 14, 2009: "Bandslam" Released in Theaters
The musical comedy "Bandslam", starring Vanessa Hudgens, was released theatrically on August 14, 2009.
August 2009: Leaked Topless Photos
In August 2009, more photos of Vanessa Hudgens, this time topless, were leaked online. While her representatives didn't comment, her lawyers requested the removal of the photos.
August 2009: "V" Sales Reach 570,000 Copies
Vanessa Hudgens' debut album "V" reached 570,000 copies sold in the US by August 2009.
2009: Featured in FHM's 100 Sexiest Women List
In 2009, Vanessa Hudgens was ranked No. 42 on FHM's 100 Sexiest Women list, after being ranked No. 62 in 2008.
2009: Stars in "Bandslam"
Vanessa Hudgens appeared in the musical comedy "Bandslam" in 2009.
2010: Hudgens stars in musical Rent
In 2010, Vanessa Hudgens returned to theater productions by starring as Mimi in the musical Rent at the Hollywood Bowl from August 6–8, 2010. Despite receiving negative comments, director Neil Patrick Harris praised her commitment and talent.
2010: Breakup with Zac Efron
Vanessa Hudgens and Zac Efron's highly publicized relationship ended in 2010.
March 4, 2011: Beastly releases
On March 4, 2011, Vanessa Hudgens starred as Linda Taylor in the film Beastly. While the film received mostly negative reviews, it was ranked No. 45 in The Times' predicted '50 Biggest Movies of 2010'.
March 2011: Sucker Punch releases
In March 2011, Vanessa Hudgens starred as Blondie in the action film Sucker Punch, which grossed $19 million in its first weekend and $89 million worldwide by the end of its run. The film received recognition for its visual effects and stunt work.
March 15, 2011: Additional Nude Photos Leaked
According to Us Weekly, additional nude photos of Vanessa Hudgens appeared online on March 15, 2011.
2011: Signing with Creative Artists Agency
Vanessa Hudgens signed with Creative Artists Agency in 2011 after previously being represented by William Morris Agency.
2011: Appears in "Beastly" and "Sucker Punch"
Vanessa Hudgens appeared in two films: "Beastly" and "Sucker Punch", both in 2011.
2011: Beginning Relationship with Austin Butler
Vanessa Hudgens started dating actor Austin Butler in 2011.
2012: Journey 2: The Mysterious Island releases
In 2012, Vanessa Hudgens starred in the science fantasy action-adventure film Journey 2: The Mysterious Island, which earned $325 million worldwide. Despite mixed reviews, it outperformed its predecessor.
2012: Stars in "Journey 2: The Mysterious Island" and "Spring Breakers"
Vanessa Hudgens appeared in two films: "Journey 2: The Mysterious Island" and "Spring Breakers", both in 2012.
March 2013: Spring Breakers releases
In March 2013, Vanessa Hudgens starred in the film Spring Breakers, which received generally positive reviews. The film featured mature themes, and Hudgens later expressed discomfort with a sex scene.
2014: Gimme Shelter releases
In 2014, Vanessa Hudgens starred in the drama film Gimme Shelter, portraying a pregnant teenage runaway. The film was written and directed by Ron Krauss.
2015: Gigi on Broadway
In 2015, Vanessa Hudgens starred in the title role of the musical Gigi. The production opened at the Kennedy Center before transferring to Broadway, running from April 8 to June 21.
2015: Broadway Debut in "Gigi"
Vanessa Hudgens made her Broadway debut in the title role of the musical revival of "Gigi" in 2015.
January 31, 2016: Grease Live! performance
On January 31, 2016, Vanessa Hudgens starred as Rizzo in Fox's live broadcast of Grease Live! She dedicated her performance to her father, who had passed away from cancer the day before.
February 2016: Vanessa Hudgens' Father Passes Away
Vanessa Hudgens' father, Gregory Hudgens, passed away from cancer in February 2016.
May 2016: Restitution for Forest Service Property Damage
In May 2016, Vanessa Hudgens paid $1,000 in restitution to the U.S. Forest Service for damaging property by carving her initials into a rock and posting it on her Instagram.
2016: Stars in "Grease Live!"
Vanessa Hudgens played Rizzo in Fox's live musical production of "Grease Live!" in 2016.
2017: Stars in NBC Series "Powerless"
Vanessa Hudgens played the role of Emily Locke in the NBC series "Powerless" in 2017.
September 2018: Collaboration with Phantoms
In September 2018, Vanessa Hudgens collaborated with electronic dance music duo Phantoms on the single 'Lay With Me'.
November 2018: The Princess Switch releases
In November 2018, Vanessa Hudgens starred in the Netflix film The Princess Switch, playing dual roles of a European duchess and a Chicago pastry chef.
December 2018: Second Act releases
In December 2018, Vanessa Hudgens co-starred with Jennifer Lopez in the comedy film Second Act, directed by Peter Segal.
2018: Stars in "Second Act" and "The Princess Switch"
Vanessa Hudgens appeared in the film "Second Act" and the Netflix Christmas movie "The Princess Switch" in 2018.
January 2019: Rent: Live performance
In January 2019, Vanessa Hudgens starred as Maureen Johnson in Fox's live musical presentation Rent: Live.
November 2019: The Knight Before Christmas releases
In November 2019, Vanessa Hudgens starred in and produced the Netflix film The Knight Before Christmas.
2019: Performs in "Rent: Live"
Vanessa Hudgens played Maureen Johnson in Fox's live musical production of "Rent: Live" in 2019.
2019: End of Relationship with Austin Butler
Vanessa Hudgens' relationship with Austin Butler ended in 2019.
2019: Stars in "The Knight Before Christmas"
Vanessa Hudgens starred in and co-produced the Netflix Christmas movie "The Knight Before Christmas" in 2019.
March 2020: Controversial Instagram Video About COVID-19
In March 2020, Vanessa Hudgens posted a video on Instagram stating people dying from the COVID-19 pandemic was "inevitable", sparking criticism and accusations of minimizing the disease's impact. She later apologized for her remarks.
2020: Multiple film and hosting roles
In 2020, Vanessa Hudgens starred in Bad Boys for Life, which grossed over $426 million worldwide. She also starred in and produced The Princess Switch: Switched Again, and hosted the MTV Movie & TV Awards: Greatest of All Time.
2020: Appears in "Bad Boys for Life" and "The Princess Switch" Sequel
Vanessa Hudgens starred in "Bad Boys for Life" and also in the sequel to "The Princess Switch" in 2020.
October 2021: Living in "Little DeMille" House
As of October 2021, Vanessa Hudgens resided in the "Little DeMille" house, previously owned by actor Gary Oldman and originally built by director Cecil B. DeMille for his mistress.
November 2021: Multiple film roles and voice acting
In November 2021, Vanessa Hudgens starred in the Netflix films Tick, Tick... Boom! and The Princess Switch 3: Romancing the Star, reprising her three roles from the second installment. She also voiced the lead character in the animated film My Little Pony: A New Generation.
2021: Beginning Relationship with Cole Tucker
Vanessa Hudgens began dating Major League Baseball shortstop Cole Tucker in 2021.
2021: Stars in "Tick, Tick...Boom!" and "The Princess Switch 3"
Vanessa Hudgens appeared in the film "Tick, Tick...Boom!" and the third installment of "The Princess Switch" in 2021.
2021: Army of the Dead Prequel
In 2021, Vanessa Hudgens worked on the prequel to the zombie heist film, "Army of the Dead", called "Army of the Dead: Lost Vegas". She voiced the character Willow in the film directed by Zack Snyder.
May 2022: Co-hosting Met Gala Red Carpet Livestream
In May 2022, Vanessa Hudgens co-hosted the Met Gala red carpet livestream for Vogue with actress and television personality La La Anthony, and the magazine's editor-at-large Hamish Bowles.
June 2022: Co-hosting MTV Movie & TV Awards
In June 2022, Vanessa Hudgens co-hosted the 30th MTV Movie & TV Awards with Tayshia Adams, where she hosted the first half of the ceremony dedicated to film and scripted television.
February 2023: Engagement to Cole Tucker
Vanessa Hudgens got engaged to Cole Tucker in February 2023.
March 2023: Global Tourism Ambassador for the Philippines
Vanessa Hudgens was appointed as a global tourism ambassador by the Philippine government in March 2023.
December 2, 2023: Marriage to Cole Tucker
Vanessa Hudgens and Cole Tucker married on December 2, 2023, in Tulum, Mexico.
March 2024: Announcing Pregnancy
In March 2024, Vanessa Hudgens revealed she is expecting her first child with her husband, Cole Tucker.