Something shifted in the universe when Disney gave us the High School Musical (HSM) trilogy. The original movie, released in 2006, was a cultural phenomenon, producing some of the most iconic songs we still belt in the shower, like “Breaking Free,” “Fabulous,” and “We’re All in This Together.” In celebration of its 20th anniversary, here’s a look at where the OG Wildcats are now.

1. Zac Efron

Let’s face it: you, like every other trentahin, once dreamed of marrying East High’s singing basketball hotshot Troy Bolton (and, by extension, Zac Efron). He may have hung up the #14 jersey long ago, but Zac remains a permanent fixture on Hollywood’s A-list. In fact, fans have two major projects to look forward to: the thriller Famous and the highly anticipated Judgment Day. Word on the street is that Zac is still single, so it seems like you can still shoot your shot.

2. Vanessa Hudgens

Vanessa may have stepped away from the recording studio, but she hasn’t left our screens. Fans still caught her in numerous films, series, and live musical productions, such as Grease: Live!, Rent: Live, and The Princess Switch film series. Her personal life is just as vibrant. In 2023, she tied the knot with former professional baseball player Cole Tucker, and they are now the proud parents of two beautiful kids.

3. Ashley Tisdale

Long before the term ‘nepo baby’ entered the cultural lexicon, Sharpay Evans was the blueprint—and Ashley Tisdale embodied her down to the last rhinestone. Her star power hasn’t faded as she went on to lead series like Hellcats and Carol’s Second Act, starred in the spin-off Sharpay’s Fabulous Adventure, and voiced the iconic Candace Flynn in Phineas and Ferb. Off-screen, Ashley married singer Christopher French in 2014, and the couple has since welcomed two beautiful daughters.

4. Lucas Grabeel

You can’t mention Sharpay without her partner-in-crime: her equally talented brother, Ryan. Lucas Grabeel brought the character to life with scene-stealing flair and an impressive collection of hats. Since his East High days, Lucas has become a powerhouse in voice acting, lending his voice to dozens of animated hits like Dragons, Sheriff Callie’s Wild West, and Pinky Malinky.

5. Corbin Bleu

Chad Danforth is one of High School Musical’s most dynamic characters, and Corbin Bleu delivered every beat with perfection. He brought his infectious smile, undeniable charisma, and soulful voice to the role. Did we mention he’s a cutie, too? A titan of the stage since 2010, Bleu recently made his West End debut in the European premiere of The Great Gatsby as Nick Carraway in April 2025. Corbin is married to Canadian actress Sasha Clements

6. Monique Coleman

Monique Coleman embodied Taylor McKessie with heart and a signature wit. She is the best friend we still wish we had in our corner. Whether she’s advocating for global youth, lighting up the screen, or hitting the ice as a figure skater, Monique still has the same ‘sass for days’ we fell in love with at East High.

7. Olesya Rulin

Kelsi Nielsen was often dismissed as East High’s resident wallflower, but for the fans, she’s the musical genius who made the magic happen. Olesya made Kelsi the remarkable character she was, and she’s since traded the piano bench for a beautiful life as an actress and a mom, alongside her husband, Joseph Noel Pauline.

8. Ryne Sanborn

Ryne Sanborn’s Jason Cross is proof that you don’t need the most lines to be a beloved character. Ryne eventually traded the stage for the ice rink as a hockey player and later built a quiet life in Utah. Though he’s no longer in the spotlight, Ryne is forever a Wildcat in our hearts.