Zac Efron American Idol

This Autumn, Zac Efron,, 20, reveals that it’s not teenage girls who are his craziest fans

Monday, 31 March 2008

So, how is it being the ‘It boy’?
[Laughs] I’m loving it. I’m having a blast. I’m in a good place and really excited to be where I am.

Are you recognised constantly?
[Laughs] It’s great. I feel so lucky – I’ve got such an awesome group of fans. They get so excited when they see the people they like.

Do you feel like you’re always being watched?
Maybe. It’s not the gaggle of girls, but the gaggle of parents. The parents are the ones who want the pictures! The girls are too shy.

Does it affect how you live life? Are there places you won’t go?
No, I can pretty much go anywhere – I just have to wear sunglasses [laughs]. But there’s no way that I’d avoid my fans. I like making them happy.

How did you and your girlfriend Vanessa Hudgens first meet?
We got paired together in the audition process for High School Musical and we hit it off from the beginning. It’s like somehow the casting directors knew something.

It must be difficult to be a heartthrob while you’re in a relationship.
I don’t want to be another 20-year-old actor talking about my relationship. I want to keep that private – sorry. All I can say is that Vanessa’s a great girl. And I’d hate to say more about it because by the time this interview comes out, it may or may not be relevant.

But you didn’t answer the heartthrob part of the question?
Man, I can’t answer that question [laughs], it’s loaded. It’s a great feeling. I’m very thankful and I realise that I got very lucky so, thank you, everyone out there [arms outstretched]! If anything, I feel like I’d be an OK role model. I don’t really do much wrong. I’ve never been into the whole Hollywood party scene.

And you’re not intending to?
Not really. I don’t find myself drawn to that scene. I think acting is a tradition that far pre-dates celebrity and, today, the two are just meshing. It’s not even that I’ve made a conscious decision not to party. I don’t think clubbing is a choice you make. You can have fun with friends without being part of that scene.

Many young actors have said the same and then ended up in rehab…
[Laughs]. I don’t hang at clubs and then go to Starbucks with Paris [Hilton] – I just go home. I don’t avoid that world – I’m not interested in that ‘actor’ lifestyle. I haven’t bought into it.

The first time there were photos of you and Vanessa in Hawaii, it was a big deal…
[Pauses] It’s kind of funny. For the first time, in Hawaii, I could understand why other people in the public eye get frustrated. There are certain things you just prefer to keep private, like a vacation. Other than that, it’s a small price to pay for the benefits we receive. For instance, I got to vacation in Hawaii and I consider that to be extremely lucky.
Who cares if a few photos came out? Everyone has times when they’re doing something they don’t want caught on film. It’s annoying, but now I’m ready for it – I have good peripheral vision!

When was the first time you realised High School Musical was going to be huge?
[Laughs] I remember meeting a group of four mums who used to have this bowling league and they told me that they don’t bowl any more, they just dance to High School Musical songs for exercise.

Were you the cool guy at school?
No, I wasn’t the skater dude or anything. I tried really hard in school. I got good grades. I was in advanced classes so, if anything, you’d probably call me a nerd.

Come on!
Seriously, I was the short kid in high school. I didn’t get much attention from the chicks. I was, like, 5ft 6in tall. But as soon as I left and started working, then I started to grow up a little bit.

Weren’t other kids impressed that you were acting?
Acting isn’t really a hobby that’s tangible to your friends or family, especially if you’re not from LA. It’s not something that they can understand when you say you’re going for an audition. I think they think you’re a little conceited.

Do you often get star-struck?
I hate to admit to being star-struck because I don’t usually get that way. I was a little bit intimidated when I first met Michelle Pfeiffer on the set of Hairspray, but she was so sweet that I soon got over it.

Are you close to your parents?
Absolutely. I talk to them every day. I’m not a bad kid – I don’t do typical Hollywood teen star things. If I gave the slightest hint of having a big head I’d be chopped down so quick by family and friends. I don’t stand a chance.

But you’re an actor. Surely you always check yourself out in the mirror?
When I pass one, I guess I do. But everyone looks in the mirror, right?!

Fraser Massey