Teen heartthrob Zac Efron is certainly taking his sudden celebrity in stride. Tanned and casually clad in jeans and a plaid shirt, Efron politely greets me at the Beverly Hills Hilton, ready to begin what’s going to be a very long day of press on Disney’s sure-to-be-successful High School Musical 2. Humbled by his popularity, he remains grounded, focused and true to his passions. Here’s what Efron had to share with us.
In “HSM2” you will be doing all the singing, what did you have to do to train for that? [The singing voice of Troy Bolton was voiced by Drew Seeley in the first movie.]
I’ve been singing my whole life, so naturally I was disappointed my voice didn’t make it in the first movie. That was the first thing I set out to do. I wanted to fully embrace this character of Troy and to do that I had to sing the part. I wanted to get the opportunity. I fought for it, and luckily they caved and let me sing.
Do you have a favorite song?
I don’t know if there is one, that I sang, that is my favorite. The whole soundtrack is good. Check it out. I don’t think mine are better than the rest.
What’s the best thing about being Troy Bolton?
I love playing Troy because as a character he’s liked just for being a nice guy. That’s usually not the case in high school. The cool kids — they do things to try and be cool. It’s not about images for Troy, he’s just naturally sort of cool and embraced for being a nice guy. It’s rare, and hopefully kids will learn to cherish those values instead of the other ones you see floating around high schools.
Do you find singing, acting or dancing harder?
I think dancing will always be the hardest. I’ve been singing since I’ve been little. Dancing is something you constantly train and hone because you can lose the skills. I have fun doing it and I can pick it up.
Can you go anywhere these days without people recognizing you?
Yeah. The only demographics that would recognize me are parents and kids — usually under 18 — so if I’m walking around town, you know, it’s usually fine. I don’t run into that many kids unaccompanied.
What’s it feel like when you do get a group of kids screaming your name?
It’s fine. It’s surreal; you can never get used to it. It could be gone tomorrow. It’s a novelty for me right now that I’m enjoying. They seem excited when they meet me, so I hope I don’t disappoint anybody.
You surprisingly seem like you don’t have much of an ego and are somewhat still grounded.
Thank you.
Is there someone or something that can be attributed to that?
Really, honestly, it’s my parents. More the way I was raised than anything else. The way I was brought up, my parents were so far removed from the entertainment industry. They really made me work hard in academics. In school, I was always sort of an overachiever. In a school environment I’d actually really get to know my teachers. I found that to be a great advantage. I’ve always worked with adults a lot, so I guess in that sense I kind of grew up quickly. Everywhere I go I’ve always got my parents, friends and family to bring me right back down to earth. As soon as I go home, I’m doing all my own chores. My brother rides shotgun and I’m stuck in the backseat.
OK, what gives on that — you don’t get shotgun?
Exactly. That’s what I say every time I go.
Is he older or younger?
He’s a little younger.
How would your brother describe you?
[laughs] He’d probably call me a big dork. He’s always making fun of me. We have a very brotherly relationship. There’s unconditional love, but I can’t for the life of me figure out why.
He doesn’t give you extra star treatment?
ABSOLUTELY NOT. No way.
What scares you about being in this business?
I don’t think anything is naturally scary about being here. It’s fun and it’s a whirlwind. The thing that can be slightly intimidating lately for me is the paparazzi. I’d love the public to see my work, what I want to put out there. I don’t necessarily want them to see me buying hot Cheetos at 7/11 and that kind of thing. And it’s not frightening or intimidating. It’s just strange. I feel like you have to dress up every time you leave the house.
When you’re not working, what do you enjoy doing?
Everything. Actually, it comes a lot with the work, but I love to travel and to go places. That’s just a hobby that’s just beginning with all these press tours. I’m just getting introduced — people are holding my hand in other countries. I’d love to just go out and travel and see what Europe is like. Maybe backpack there. I just want to see the world.
Anything you would like to further your studies in?
I’ve always loved doing creative things. I can usually pick things up relatively quickly. I love trying new sports, from skateboarding to hackey sack to ping pong and tennis. I’m always open to new things.
What makes you laugh?
Anything. People. Awkward pauses. I love awkward situations I think [they] are hilarious.