Is Zac Efron gay? The former Disney star is straight but is not uncomfortable with the question. He was embraced by gay fans after his roles in "High School Musical" and "Hairspray."
Zac Efron's popularity with the LGBTQ+ community goes beyond his classic good looks, dance moves, and voice. His support of gay rights and calm reaction to being called gay have endured him to fans who appreciate his allyship.
He was in a relationship with Vanessa Hudgens during his breakout performance of "HSM" and allegedly dated a few other female co-stars. One of his exes has praised him in interviews over the last few years.
Efron attends "The Greatest Beer Run Ever" premiere during the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival at Roy Thompson Hall, on September 13, 2022, in Toronto, Ontario. | Source: Getty Images
Zac Efron Received Strong Support from the Gay Community
The character of Troy Bolton, a jock who needs to convince his family and friends that singing can be part of his life, resonated with many fans, especially the LGBTQ+ community. He was very excited to sit down with The Advocate, his first interview with a niche gay publication in September 2012:
"This is actually a very special interview for me. I'm extremely aware of the support I've gotten from you guys over the years, and it's amazing that it's taken this long to sit down and actually discuss it, but please know that it hasn't gone unappreciated."
The interviewer praised Efron's response to gossipmonger Perez Hilton's online speculation about his sexuality. He said that if the worst Hilton can say about him is that he's gay, he can handle it.
Vanessa Hudgens and Zac Efron attend the premiere of "Get Him To The Greek" at The Greek Theatre on May 25, 2010, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
"I don't like to live in fear about things like rumors and backlash, to begin with - that's the way I was raised - but I just can't see what's so wrong about being gay," he said, thanking the journalist.
Efron did not have any "preconceived notions" when he had his first interaction with gay people when he started doing theater at 12. His first stage production was the musical "Gypsy."
For the preteen, "being gay was just another way that you can be." His first role models were the college kids at the local theater, many of whom were queer.
Vanessa Hudgens (L) and Zac Efron (R) attend the Los Angeles Lakers vs Utah Jazz at the Staples Center, on April 19, 2009, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Zac's Dating History Consists of Only Women
His amazing chemistry with Vanessa Hudgens during the audition process helped him book the part. "I think we created a bond from the start," she said on a podcast in April 2019, chatting about meeting him when she was 15. The casting director paired the future couple in a callback involving a chemistry test during the audition process.
The pair embarked on their five-year relationship "right at the beginning" of making the film." Hudgens is grateful to have had Efron, who she said "stabilized and grounded" her as the film, which spawned two sequels, blew up.
E! Oline reported on their split in December 2010. One source confirmed it was not a "dramatic" breakup. "They were together for so long. It just ran its course," a second anonymous tipper said.
Zac Efron and Alexandra Daddario pose during a photo call for Baywatch on May 17, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. | Source: Getty Images
The actor has been linked to his "Baywatch" and "Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil, and Vile" co-stars, Alexandra Daddario and Lily Collins, respectively, and reportedly dated Danish swimmer Sarah Bro.
The fitness icon wished he had more to say about his love life.
In April 2014, a photo of him sitting courtside at a basketball game with his "Neighbors" co-star Halston Sage went viral. She was dating Chord Overstreet at the time, but they announced their split a few days after the photos were published.
Lily Collins and Zac Efron attend Netflix's "Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile" premiere at BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center. on May 02, 2019. in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
A tabloid source claimed that the colleagues got close during the filming of the 2014 comedy and bonded further "ever since he went to rehab." The same person said that Efron is "really good to her." Neither confirmed the alleged relationship.
Soon after the Sage rumors, he began dating the model Sami Miró. On September 5, 2015, Efron wished her a happy first anniversary and wrote "I love you" on social media.
In a fashion week interview, the model said they hang out to celebrate their year together. The pair dated openly but kept the relationship low-key.
Zac Efron Confident He Will Find the One, despite Being Single
The fitness icon wished he had more to say about his love life during a candid Men's Health cover story published in September 2022.
"I've really been taking time to focus on, you know, self-fulfillment and trying to find my groove," the then 34-year-old singleton said, adding:
"I know that probably when I meet the right person, it will be when I least expect it."
Zac Efron's Instagram Focuses on His Career and Family
At the time of publishing, Efron is still single. His Valentine in 2023 was his little sister Olivia Efron. He posted a photo, in which he is not wearing a top, of him reading to the toddler on the day.
The rest of his social media follow the same trend, photos with his family, a sprinkle of news about his new projects, and snaps with his colleagues and famous friends.
He posted a shirtless photo from a yacht on April 30, 2023, to express his gratitude for the support he's received for "Down to Earth with Zac Efron."
The Netflix documentary show he hosts with his friend Darin Olien (Eliza Coupe's ex-husband) received four Emmy nominations. Efron ended the post with an "HSM" lyric:
"We're all in this together!"
Zac Efron uploaded a gallery of "The Greatest Beer Run" in October 2022, writing that it was "the adventure of a lifetime" to film the movie. During the shoot, he got to run "through the streets of Thailand with Russell Crowe" and drink a brew poured by Bill Murry.
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