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Zachary David Alexander Efron (born October 18, 1987) is an American actor.

Efron is best known for his appearances in the Disney Channel Original Movie High School Musical and Summerland. He will also be starring in the film version of the Broadway musical Hairspray. Speaking to Newsweek in June 2006, director Adam Shankman described Efron as "arguably the biggest teen star in America right now."

Biography

Early life

Efron was born in San Luis Obispo, California to David Efron, an electrical engineer, and Starla Baskett, a former secretary. He is of Jewish descent, although he does not practice the Jewish religion. Efron has a brother, Dylan, and owns two Australian Shepherds named Dreamer and Puppy, as well as a Siamese cat named Simon. In many magazines, Efron claims he would freak if he got a 'B' and not an 'A' in school. But, he also claims he has been a class clown. His interest in singing was discovered and encouraged at the age of eleven, and he was subsequently cast in the musical Gypsy for 90 performances, and went on to have roles in stage productions of Peter Pan, Little Shop of Horrors, The Music Man, and Mame.

Personal life

Efron has been recently discussed by tabloids, for not wanting to give an autograph to a female fan then he stated that she was harassing him and that she was trying to take him home with her. Now Efron has confirmed to be with bodyguards to protect him self from fans.

• Many critics have claimed Zac Efron to be fake and a stuck up guy and a bad singer Because of Efron's singing voice was that of composer Andrew Seeley who didn't receive any credit in the High School Musical Soundtrack. Seeley was also considered for the role. Seeley sang the entirety of "Get'cha Head in the Game", as well as contributing to its composition. He also sang the Reprise of "What I've been looking for". Zac Efron only truly sings the first 4 sentences of "Start of Something New", the first sentence of "Breaking Free", and during the scene on the balcony. The reason for this is because Zac Efron's natural voice is too low for that of a tenor, and incapable of hitting high notes and the producers preferred Seeley's voice to match the role. Zac's natural voice is that of a baritone. But Zac did sing “I Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You" which wasn't shown on the movie, but is on the soundtrack.

Career

In 2002, Efron began to have guest roles on television series, including Firefly, ER, and The Guardian.

Efron is known for portraying "Cameron Bale", whose father beat him, on the now-cancelled WB series Summerland. Originally introduced as a reoccuring character, Efron became a regular cast member on the show in the second season in 2004 starring opposite the likes of Kay Panabaker, Lori Loughlin and Jesse McCartney. Since appearing in Summerland, he has also had guest roles on the shows CSI: Miami, NCIS: Naval Criminal Investigative Service, The Suite Life of Zack and Cody and The Replacements.

In 2003, Efron starred in the Lifetime original TV movie Miracle Run. He played Steven Morgan, one of two autistic twins. Overcoming incredible odds, with his mother's support, he achieved the unimaginable, winning a cross country competition. For his performance, he was nominated for a Young Artist Award for Best Performance in a TV Movie, Miniseries or Special - Supporting Young Actor.<ref name="imdbawards">{{cite web | title=IMDB | work=IMDB Awards for Zac Efron | url=h

1. "Zac Efron Trivia". TV.com. 2006. Retrieved 2006-08-15. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameters: |accessyear=, |month=, |accessmonthday=, and |coauthors= (help)
2. "Zac Efron Joins Cast of 'Hairspray'". CBS Studios. 2006-06-26. Retrieved 2006-08-15. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
3. "MSNBC". Hollywood: Hello to Hairspray. Retrieved June 25. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
4. http://www.juf.org/tweens/new_cel.asp?id=123