It’s been exactly two decades since we first heard “Get’cha Head in the Game,” and while the gold sequins of the 2000s have been tucked away, the impact of the Disney Channel Original Movie that changed everything remains as loud as a championship buzzer.
On this 20th anniversary, we’re looking back at the “Start of Something New” and tracing the incredible journeys of the six stars who turned a simple high school musical into a global phenomenon. Whether they are winning prestigious awards, leading sustainable living revolutions, or navigating the joys of parenthood, one thing is certain: they really are all in this together.
Zac Efron (Troy Bolton)
Source: Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Netflix
The former basketball golden boy has successfully shed his teen-idol skin to become one of Hollywood’s most versatile leading men. After receiving critical acclaim for his transformative role in The Iron Claw, Zac has recently pivoted his focus toward global sustainability. In 2026, he is primarily based in Australia, where he is currently overseeing the construction of his innovative healthy home near Byron Bay—a self-sufficient property built entirely from sustainable hemp.
Vanessa Hudgens (Gabriella Montez)
Source: Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for Vanity Fair
Our favorite genius is currently embracing her most important role yet: mom of two. Since marrying professional baseball player Cole Tucker in 2023, Vanessa has balanced her status as a Netflix holiday queen (The Princess Switch) with a private family life. She recently welcomed her second child in late 2025 and has been sharing newborn life updates with her millions of followers while maintaining her status as a fashion and wellness icon.
Ashley French (Sharpay Evans)
Source: Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for Bush’s Beans
The actress formerly known as Ashley Tisdale officially changed her professional name to Ashley French in late 2025 to align with her married life and reflect an identity beyond her acting roles. While she still voices the iconic Candace Flynn in the Phineas and Ferb revival, Ashley is now a titan in the lifestyle space and a mother of two daughters, Jupiter and Emerson.
Corbin Bleu (Chad Danforth)
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Corbin never stopped moving, trading the basketball court for the prestigious stages of Broadway and London’s West End. In 2025, he made a splashy West End debut as Nick Carraway in The Great Gatsby. Between theater runs, Corbin remains a frequent face on Disney+, having returned to the HSM franchise for a meta-appearance in High School Musical: The Musical: The Series.
Lucas Grabeel (Ryan Evans)
Source: Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney+
Lucas continues to be a powerhouse in the world of voice acting, lending his talents to hits like Family Guy and My Adventures with Superman. He also made headlines recently when he returned to East High for the final season of the HSM series, where his character, Ryan, was finally and officially confirmed to be part of the LGBTQ+ community—a full-circle moment for fans who had rooted for the character for twenty years.
Monique Coleman (Taylor McKessie)
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The real-life Taylor McKessie has taken her brainiac energy to the global stage. Monique has transitioned into a formidable advocate and “Food Hero” for the United Nations. In 2026, she continues to work closely with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), using her platform to champion youth empowerment and gender equity across the world.
