Zac Effron: From Disney Channel to Hollywood Walk of Fame

It’s been a long road here, but we always bet on Zac Effron, and now here he is cemented in history with his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

At the ceremony Effron gushed, “It’s a dream come true” to have a star on Hollywood Boulevard. He went on to say “You have no idea how I’m feeling right now, it’s so surreal. I’ve been acting and singing and dancing for as long as I can remember, since I was a little boy, but never in my wildest dreams did I imagine I’d be standing here today in front of such dear friends, colleagues throughout the years and lifelong fans who have been with me since day one. I love you guys so much.” Zac also took a moment to thank his parents who were watching him from the crowd.

Efron is widely loved amongst fans for his role as Troy Bolton in Disney Channel’s hit film series “High School Musical” which ran from 2006 to 2008. He thanked director Kenny Ortega who helmed the series for giving him his start and brought the nostalgia by admitting “I still think about it everyday. I sing the songs in the shower. Go Wildcats!” He also gave a shout out to his passionate supporters, whom he described as his “first fans.”As a HSM fan myself, my heart was melting. ” Thanks for believing in me. You’re the reason I’m here today,” he said.

Effron is also known for his roles in films such as “The Lucky One”, “The Greatest Showman”, “Baywatch”, “Neighbors” and “Hairspray”. He as acted in everything from Musicals to drama to comedy to action. In more recent years he has acted in more intense projects such as “Gold”, “Extemely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile” and “The Greatest Beer Run”. Broadening his horizons into more serious projects. Effron also recently wrapped production on the romantic comedy “A Family Affair,” starring Nicole Kidman and Joey King. That movie will be released sometime in 2024.

He also acted alongside the late Matthew Perry in the 2009 film “17 Again”, during his speech he delivered a small tribute to Perry, ” thanking him for inspiring him and pushing him into the next phase of his career. “He was so kind and generous with me while we worked on ’17 Again’. Collaborating with him and [director] Burr Steers, it was so much fun and it really did propel me and motivate me in so many ways. It really pushed me into the next chapter of my career.” He concluded with “Thank you so much Matthew. Thinking about you a lot today.”

Efron’s next film “The Iron Claw” hits theaters December 22 2023 and promises to be one of his best yet. Jeremy Allen White, who also stars in the film, attended Monday’s ceremony as well and spoke about his co-star’s admirable traits. “He chases challenge, he chases change. He is also devastatingly handsome. He’s kind and hard working. But what I think I admire most about Zac is the way he supports his cast and crew. He champions us and wants us at our best at all times. To me he is selfless, and egoless. It’s as if Zac Efron doesn’t know he is in fact a movie star. So we’re all here today to remind him,” said White.

Courtesy of Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Zac’s longtime friend and fellow “That Awkward Moment” co star Miles Teller took the podium as well, “Zac didn’t just want to be famous, he didn’t care about being on the cover of all those magazines, he wanted to be an actor. And that is why we’re here today. Because Zac has delivered on that promise. He’s a true triple threat with the combination of immense talent, incredible work ethic, and an above average face,” Teller said.

As Teller pointed out, Effron had to shoulder immense Fame at just 18 years, but he did it with grace and he never let the fame get to him. “Hollywood is a really tough place and there’s a lot of stories where 20 years later they’re not standing up here in this capacity so that’s something I’ve always admired about you is your grit to be able to deal with that,” he said.

Watch Zac’s Walk of Fame Ceremony here.