The record-breaking success of Disney’s High School Musical in 2006 quickly made co-star Vanessa Hudgens a household name in North America. Born on December 14, 1988, Hudgens was groomed for stardom from a very young age, appearing in her first musical when she was just eight years old. After successfully auditioning for a commercial, her family packed up and she moved out of her home in Salinas, CA to Los Angeles so the young aspiring star could pursue her acting career. As with many child prodigies, Hudgens opted to homeschool, leaving Orange County High School for the Arts after finishing seventh grade.
Hudgens’ acting career includes television, commercials, and movies. His big screen film debut was his role as the character Noel in Thirteen. In 2004, he played Tintin in the movie Thunderbirds. Hudgens had small roles on TV shows like Quintuplets, Still Standing, and The Brothers Garcia. In 2005, he landed a role in a swimsuit commercial for clothing retail giant Old Navy.
Her biggest role, however, was as Gabriella in High School Musical in 2006, for which she, along with co-star Zac Efron, received the Teen Choice “Best Chemistry” award. The Disney TV movie propelled Hudgens to stardom and opened new doors for the actress. She played the teenage daughter in a Blockbuster commercial and was signed to become the face of Neutrogena in 2007. She also became an endorser of Ecko clothing and shoes and was offered a multiple commercial job with Old Navy.
The popularity of the film also led to Hudgens’ debut album, ‘V’. Released in September 2006, six months after the movie first aired on TV, the album’s greatest hits include ‘Come Back To Me’, ‘Say OK’, ‘Let Go’ and ‘Let’s Dance’. Since the release of High School Musical 2 in August 2007, Hudgens has been offered various roles, including Prom Night, but he decided to turn them down in order to focus on his own music career. In all, High School Musical produced a chart-topping soundtrack, a world concert tour, a Walt Disney World show and a book series, propelling Hudgens to #7 among stars under 21. top-earning years according to Forbes magazine, which listed his earnings. at about $2 million.
The rapid rise to fame also caused a photo scandal for Hudgens. After nude photos of the actress appeared online in September 2007, her publicist told the media that the photos were taken privately, and Hudgens said she was “embarrassed by the situation” and regretted taking the actions. Photos. Disney, for its part, has confirmed that it wants to continue working with the actress.
Whether on screen or in the air, you can be sure this girl will be around for a long time.
