Former Disney Channel stars Vanessa Hudgens and Zac Efron met and fell in love on the set of the 2006 musical television movie High School Musical. The two stars dated for four years — until early 2010 when they officially went their separate ways.
Today, we're taking a look at some new things we discovered about their relationship as well as where they currently stand. From bringing another fellow celeb on a date as a third wheel to fighting on the set of the Disney Channel movie franchise — keep on scrolling to find out some things you probably didn't know about the two!
10 Vanessa Admitted That She Struggled With Zac's Heartthrob Status
We're kicking it off with the fact that Vanessa Hudgens has admitted that Zac Efron's status as a Hollywood heartthrob has been quite difficult for her to deal with, especially because he had plenty of female fans. Here's what Vanessa revealed:
"I went through a phase when I was really mean because I was so fed up. Girls were running after him, and I was giving them death stares. Then I realized that’s not what that’s about. 'Spread the love, be a good person, they support you, be nice.'"
9 Drew Barrymore Was Once A Thridwheel On Their Date
An interesting fact that recently came out is that Hollywood star Drew Barrymore was actually once a third wheel on one of Vanessa and Zac's dates. Vanessa appeared on The Drew Barrymore Show recently, and there the two ladies talked immediately about the experience. Here's what Drew said:
"It’s so nice to see you. I was just thinking about, back in the day, we went to a Kings of Leon concert together—you, me and Zac Efron. And it was one of the funnest nights of my life."
8 The Two Did Fight On The Set Of 'High School Musical'
While it seemed as if Vanessa Hudgens and Zac Efron were the perfect Disney Channel couple — the truth was that the two had their problems. Vanessa even revealed that the two once had a big fight on set. Here's what the actress said:
"I remember one time we did have a fight, and it was while we were at rehearsals, and I remember Kenny Ortega coming around the corner with the most concerned look on his face like, 'Oh no, is our movie going to fall apart right now?' I pride myself on being a professional, so I was like, that aside, we are going to move forward and do what we need to do...and we sorted it all out."
7 Vanessa Revealed That She Is Grateful For Their Relationship
While the two did end up separating eventually, Vanessa Hudgens did admit that she was really grateful for the relationship and what it offered her. Here's what the former Disney Channel star said to E! in an interview:
"It started off really organically. I could not have been more grateful to have that relationship at the time. It was this massive phenomenon and [all] eyes were on me. And it's just a really weird foreign thing to go through, and by being in a relationship, it kind of kept me stabilized and grounded, and I had someone to lean on who was going through it as well."
6 The Two Had Incredible Chemistry From The Start
There is no doubt that what happened between Vanessa Hudgens and Zac Efron was very real and years later Zac revealed in an interview that he and Vanessa had incredible chemistry since day one — and here's what the star had to say about the initial casting:
"I was like, ‘They’re not trying us with other people.’ For some reason, we kept sticking around [for callbacks]. I don’t know what it was with Vanessa, but we kind of clicked from the very beginning."
5 But They Broke Up Because They Spent Too Much Time Apart
After Vanessa Hudgens and Zac Efron broke up, plenty speculated about what the reason for the breakup was. Both of them claimed that they have just drifted apart but in an interview with Shape magazine, Vanessa also mentioned that long-distance was a huge reason. Here's what the star said:
"Long-distance relationships are hard no matter what. When you don't have face-to-face time, it's just different. Having an iPhone helped, but it just wasn't the same."
4 The Two Are Not In Touch Anymore
It's been over 10 years since Vanessa Hudgens and Zac Efron broke up and unfortunately the two are not in touch anymore.
Here's what the actress said when asked if she and Zac still keep in touch during an Access Hollywood interview:
"That’s not… not a thing that happens. No, I completely lost contact with him."
3 And Zac Didn't Participate In The 'High School Musical' Cast Reunion Over Zoom
Last summer, during the coronavirus pandemic, the cast of High School Musical decided to do a zoom reunion — and Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale, Lucas Grabeel, Corbin Bleu, and Monique Coleman all participated. One cast member who didn't participate was Zac Efron who had, at the time, been busy in Australia. However, plenty of fans were quick to come to a conclusion that Zac perhaps didn't show up because he didn't want to interact with his ex, Vanessa Hudgens.
2 And Their Paths Haven't Crossed Since Their Breakup
Considering that both Vanessa Hudgens and Zac Efron actively work in the industry it's quite strange that their paths haven't really crossed in the past 10 years. Of course, it certainly seems as of the two stars are actively avoid any weird run-ins — and so far they have been very successful at that.
1 Lastly, They Still Feel Comfortable Meantioning Each Other In Interviews And On Social Media
And finally, wrapping the list up is the fact that even though the two aren't on speaking terms anymore, they are certainly comfortable mentioning each other in interviews and on social media. Above, is a meme that Vanessa shared on her Instagram which includes a scene between her and Zac Efron in High School Musical.