Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Zac Efron
How Zac Efron built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.
Zac Efron is an American actor who began his professional career in the early 2000s. He gained widespread recognition and teen idol status for his starring role as Troy Bolton in the popular High School Musical film series (2006-2008). Efron further solidified his presence in the entertainment industry with roles in other successful films, including the musical Hairspray (2007) and the comedy 17 Again (2009). He continues to be a prominent figure in Hollywood.
2000: Performance at Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts
In 2000, Zac Efron performed at Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts.
2001: Continued Performances at Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts
In 2001, Zac Efron continued to perform at Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts.
2004: Recurring Role in Summerland and Miracle Run
In 2004, Zac Efron began appearing as a recurring character in Summerland and also appeared in the film Miracle Run, earning a Young Artist Award nomination.
2005: Promotion to Main Cast in Summerland
In 2005, Zac Efron was promoted to the main cast of the WB series Summerland for its second season.
January 2006: High School Musical Premiere
In January 2006, Zac Efron's career reached a turning point with the premiere of High School Musical on the Disney Channel, where he played Troy Bolton.
July 2007: Hairspray Release
In July 2007, Zac Efron appeared as Link Larkin in the musical comedy film Hairspray, which was a commercial and critical success.
August 2007: High School Musical 2 Airs
In August 2007, Zac Efron reprised his role as Troy Bolton in High School Musical 2, which aired on the Disney Channel.
September 2008: Me and Orson Welles Premiere at Toronto International Film Festival
In September 2008, Zac Efron's film Me and Orson Welles premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival.
2008: High School Musical 3: Senior Year Release
In 2008, Zac Efron reprised his role in High School Musical 3: Senior Year, which received a theatrical release.
2009: Release of 17 Again
In 2009, Zac Efron starred in the commercially successful comedy 17 Again.
2009: Wide Release of Me and Orson Welles
In late 2009, Me and Orson Welles, starring Zac Efron, received a wide release after premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2008.
2010: Charlie St. Cloud Release
In 2010, Zac Efron played the title role in Charlie St. Cloud.
2010: Formation of Ninjas Runnin' Wild
In 2010, Zac Efron started his own production company called Ninjas Runnin' Wild.
2011: New Year's Eve Release
In 2011, Zac Efron appeared in the ensemble cast of Garry Marshall's New Year's Eve.
January 2012: Liberal Arts Premiere
In January 2012, Zac Efron played a supporting role in Liberal Arts, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.
May 2012: The Paperboy Premiere
In May 2012, Zac Efron starred in The Paperboy, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival.
2012: Multiple Film Releases
In 2012, Zac Efron lent his voice to The Lorax and starred in The Lucky One, At Any Price.
2013: Parkland Premiere
In 2013, Zac Efron starred in the historical drama Parkland, which premiered at the Venice International Film Festival.
2014: That Awkward Moment Release
In 2014, Zac Efron starred in and executive produced the romantic comedy That Awkward Moment.
2014: Neighbors Release
In 2014, Zac Efron starred in the adult comedy Neighbors, which was a commercial success and helped him shed his "Disney pretty boy" image.
2015: We Are Your Friends Release
In 2015, Zac Efron starred in the moderately successful film We Are Your Friends, playing a struggling DJ.
January 2016: Dirty Grandpa Release
In January 2016, Zac Efron starred in the adult comedy Dirty Grandpa.
May 2016: Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising Release
In May 2016, Zac Efron starred in Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising, a commercial and critical success.
2017: Baywatch and Supporting Roles in Biographical Films
In 2017, Zac Efron starred in Baywatch and had supporting roles in The Disaster Artist and The Greatest Showman.
March 2019: YouTube Channel Creation
In March 2019, Zac Efron announced the creation of his YouTube channel, featuring series like "Off the Grid" and "Gym Time."
2019: Roles in The Beach Bum and Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile
In 2019, Zac Efron starred in The Beach Bum and played Ted Bundy in Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile.
2019: Ninjas Runnin' Wild Shifts Focus
In 2019, Zac Efron's brother Dylan stated that Ninjas Runnin' Wild had started to produce more digital content.
2020: Voice Role in Scoob!
In 2020, Zac Efron voiced Fred Jones in the animated film Scoob!
2021: Daytime Emmy Award for Down to Earth with Zac Efron
In 2021, Zac Efron won a Daytime Emmy Award for hosting Down to Earth with Zac Efron.
2021: Daytime Emmy Award
In 2021, Zac Efron won a Daytime Emmy Award for hosting the Netflix travel show Down to Earth with Zac Efron.
2022: Starring Roles in Gold, Firestarter, and The Greatest Beer Run Ever
In 2022, Zac Efron starred in the survival thriller Gold, the horror film Firestarter, and the comedy The Greatest Beer Run Ever.
2023: The Iron Claw Release
In 2023, Zac Efron played Kevin Von Erich in the film The Iron Claw.
2023: Starring in The Iron Claw
In 2023, Zac Efron starred as Kevin Von Erich in The Iron Claw.
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