Vanessa Hudgens is giving Disney fans a healthy dose of nostalgia.
The acclaimed actress and singer, 36, took a rare walk down memory lane when she opened up about her past relationship with her High School Musical co-star Zac Efron.
In the October 1 episode of Bart Johnson’s Get Your Head in the Game podcast, Hudgens revealed that she and Efron, 37, were paired “right away” at a group casting event after she auditioned for the Disney Channel classic.
She then shared more details from the final callback, saying, “There was one other girl there for Gabriella, one other guy there for Troy. We swapped, mixed and matched and yeah, that was it.”
“Coming from a musical theater background, that was and still is where my heart remains. So, I was very excited,” the Disney alum continued.
Hudgens was also thrilled to have been working with Efron, adding, “Of course I was a child and paired with this boy and I was like, ‘Oh my god, he’s so cute.’ The chemistry was so real.”
The actress—who is now married to retired MLB player Cole Tucker—revealed that her sweet glances at the 17 Again star during the hit movie’s iconic opening karaoke scene were “so real.”
Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens at the premiere of ‘High School Musical 2’ on August 14, 2007, in Anaheim, California.
Hudgens further explained that the pair’s off-screen chemistry helped their on-screen connection, noting that they were “young” and it was “all sweet and innocent.”
And their legendary characters— Gabriella Montez and Troy Bolton—weren’t the only ones who sparked a romance. Hudgens and Efron famously dated from 2005 to 2010, according to E! News.
Following the massive success of High School Musical in 2006, the pair went on to star together in 2007’s High School Musical 2 and 2008’s High School Musical 3: Senior Year.
The iconic film franchise also stars Ashley Tisdale, Corbin Bleu, Lucas Grabeel, and Monique Coleman.
Johnson, 54, also appeared in the movie series as Troy’s dad and basketball coach, Jack Bolton.
Is Vanessa Hudgens Pregnant?
Hudgens is currently expecting her second child with Tucker, 29.
The proud parents announced their second pregnancy in a joint Instagram post on July 12.
“Round two!!!!” they wrote alongside three sweet photos that showed off Hudgens’ baby bump.
The couple welcomed their first child in early July 2024.
This story was originally reported by Parade on Oct 2, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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