High School Musical Cast: Where Are They Now?
The High School Musical trilogy was a launching pad for many of its actors, propelling them into various careers. The Disney Channel Original Movie debuted in 2006, concluding in 2008 with an international theatrical release. The franchise marked a new era for Disney Channel, with High School Musical 2 still holding the record as the most-watched Disney Channel Original Movie premiere, attracting 17.2 million viewers.
The legacy of High School Musical extended beyond the films, inspiring a Disney+ spinoff series, High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, which concluded after four seasons. The impact of the franchise has been lasting, especially for its talented cast. While some actors have stayed in the entertainment industry, others have pursued different paths. Among the most successful stars are Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens, and Ashley Tisdale, but other cast members have also found their own ways to thrive.
Zac Efron as Troy Bolton
From Musicals to Blockbusters
Zac Efron, who portrayed Troy Bolton, successfully transitioned into a thriving acting career post-High School Musical. He starred in popular comedies like 17 Again, Neighbors, and Baywatch, choosing to distance himself from musicals for nearly a decade. However, in 2017, he returned to the genre in The Greatest Showman. He also showcased his dramatic range by portraying serial killer Ted Bundy in Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile.
Beyond acting, Efron created a YouTube series, Off The Grid, with his brother Dylan and launched Down to Earth with Zac Efron, a documentary series exploring global sustainability. His latest projects include The Iron Claw, a critically acclaimed wrestling biopic, and Netflix’s romantic comedy A Family Affair.
Ashley Tisdale as Sharpay Evans
From Acting to Entrepreneurship
Ashley Tisdale, best known as Sharpay Evans, continued acting and singing after High School Musical, reprising her role in Sharpay’s Fabulous Adventure in 2011. She also starred in Hellcats and voiced Candace Flynn in Phineas and Ferb, a role she will reprise in the upcoming reboot.
Tisdale ventured into business, launching Frenshe, a wellness blog and skincare brand. She later expanded it into Being Frenshe, a beauty and self-care line available at Target. Additionally, she explored interior design and executive produced the sitcom Young & Hungry.
| Ashley Tisdale’s Most Notable Projects Since High School Musical | Release Date |
|---|---|
| Phineas And Ferb | August 17, 2007-June 12, 2015 |
| Guilty Pleasure (Studio Album) | June 11, 2009 |
| Sharpay’s Fabulous Adventure | April 19, 2011 |
| Scary Movie 5 | April 12, 2013 |
| Symptoms (Studio Album) | May 3, 2019 |
| Merry Happy Whatever | November 28, 2019 |
| Carol’s Second Act | September 26, 2019 |
| Frenshe (Blog and Brand) | 2020 |
| Being Frenshe (Product Brand) | July 17, 2022 |
| Phineas And Ferb (Reboot) | 2024 (TBA) |
Monique Coleman as Taylor McKessie
Actress, Activist, and Athlete
Monique Coleman, who portrayed Taylor McKessie, remained in Hollywood, appearing in shows like Bones and Family Reunion. She also created Gimme Mo, a talk show addressing youth issues, which earned a Daytime Emmy nomination. Recently, she took up figure skating and continues her advocacy work.
| Monique Coleman’s Most Notable Projects Since High School Musical | Release Date |
|---|---|
| Gimme Mo | October 3, 2018 |
| I Am Somebody’s Child: The Regina Louise Story | April 20, 2019 |
| Steppin’ Back To Love | February 8, 2020 |
| A Christmas Dance Reunion | December 3, 2021 |
| Figure Skating (Sport) | 2023 |
| High School Musical: The Musical: The Series | August 9, 2023 |
Lucas Grabeel as Ryan Evans
A Career in Voice Acting
Lucas Grabeel, who played Sharpay’s twin, Ryan Evans, found success in voice acting. He has voiced characters in Family Guy, Robot Chicken, and DreamWorks Dragons. He also had a long-running role as Toby Kennish on Switched at Birth and made a cameo in High School Musical: The Musical: The Series. Currently, he voices Kyle in My Adventures with Superman.
Corbin Bleu as Chad Danforth
From Hollywood to Broadway
Corbin Bleu, who played Chad Danforth, pursued a mix of film, television, and theater. He guest-starred in numerous TV shows, including The Good Wife, Blue Bloods, and Chicago Med. However, his passion for theater led him to Broadway, where he starred in musicals like In The Heights, Godspell, Kiss Me, Kate, and Gutenberg! The Musical!. Bleu has been married to actress Sasha Clements since 2016.
Olesya Rulin as Kelsi Nielsen
Actress and Environmental Activist
Olesya Rulin, who played Kelsi Nielsen, guest-starred in shows like NCIS and The Rookie but focused on environmental activism. She promotes sustainability through social media and collaborates with brands like Silk Laundry. She is married to Joseph Noel Pauline, with whom she has a daughter.
Alyson Reed as Ms. Darbus
Continued Acting Career
Alyson Reed, who played drama teacher Ms. Darbus, continued guest-starring in TV shows like Mad Men and Grey’s Anatomy. She most recently reprised her role as Ms. Darbus in High School Musical: The Musical: The Series.
Chris Warren Jr. as Zeke Baylor
Steady Acting Career
Chris Warren Jr., who played Zeke Baylor, continued acting, starring in Sistas, The Fosters, and Grand Hotel. Recently, he appeared in Grey’s Anatomy season 19. He is married to Layla Kayleigh and has two children.
Ryne Sanborn As Jason Cross
Ryne Sanborn as Jason Cross
A New Life Beyond Hollywood
Ryne Sanborn, who played Jason Cross, retired from acting after High School Musical 3. He pursued a degree in architecture at the University of Utah and played hockey for the Salt Lake Outliers. His current whereabouts are largely unknown.
KayCee Stroh as Martha Cox
Dancer and Businesswoman
KayCee Stroh, who portrayed Martha Cox, embraced dance as a career, becoming a choreographer and dance instructor. She also owns a furniture company. Stroh is married to Ben Higginson, and they have two children together.
The High School Musical cast has taken various paths since their Disney Channel days, from Hollywood blockbusters to Broadway, social media, and business ventures. Their legacy continues to thrive, proving that High School Musical was more than just a movie—it was the start of something new for its stars.
