The “High School Musical” franchise has truly been a career-launcher for some of today’s biggest stars. Although it may feel like only yesterday that the first film hit theaters, the franchise turned 20 years old on January 20th, 2026. As the film series rings in this milestone, we’re taking a walk down memory lane to see how far original cast members Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens, and Ashley French have come since 2006.
Zac Efron has become a Versatile Actor Since ‘High School Musical’
GettyZac Efron was still a teenager when “High School Musical” premiered, and his career has since blossomed. The actor has taken on a wide variety of roles over the years, including his memorable turn as Ted Bundy in “Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile.” He has shown off his impressive acting range across multiple genres and shows no signs of slowing down.
In 2024, Efron starred opposite Nicole Kidman in “A Family Affair.” He also put his comedic chops on display that year in “Ricky Stanicky” alongside John Cena. As of 2026, Efron’s IMDB page shows three new projects in the works, so the actor is clearly keeping busy.
Vanessa Hudgens is Successful & Stunning 20 Years Later
GettyVanessa Hudgens has continued to find success since her “High School Musical” days. The multi-talented actress found roles in movies, television shows, and even commercials over the last two decades. One of her most recent roles was in the 2024 movie “Bad Boys: Ride or Die,” which saw her join another beloved franchise.
Outside the world of Hollywood, Hudgens also released two studio albums. Her debut, “V,” hit shelves in 2006, effectively launching her music career at the same time “High School Musical” was delighting fans for the first time. She followed up with “Identified” in 2008. Although fans haven’t heard new music from her in quite some time, her IMDB page shows that she has three new acting projects currently in production.
‘High School Musical’ was just the Start for Ashley French
GettyAshley French (née Tisdale) was already a Disney star when “High School Musical” premiered. She appeared in countless commercials before the film franchise and even took on voice acting roles as a youngster. Of course, many fans remember her as Maddie Fitzpatrick from “The Suite Life of Zach & Cody.” Nevertheless, the film gave her a major career boost, launching her to new levels of popularity. She has continued to act ever since, appearing in small film and television roles.
Like Hudgens, French also found success as a recording artist. Her most recent album, “Symptoms,” came out in 2019 and featured nine new songs. However, one of her most memorable hits came from her debut album, “Headstrong.” Like “High School Musical,” the hit single “He Said She Said” is still a fan favorite nearly 20 years after its initial release.
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