Dannyka Manangan

Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale, other ‘High School Musical’ cast members celebrate 20th anniversary

Article (news)

Nikka Avegail Sabio

Push Team

<p>The cast of the iconic teen movie franchise <em>High School Musical</em> took fans down memory lane as they marked the film’s 20th anniversary.</p><div> </div><p>On their respective social media pages, original cast members Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale, Corbin Bleu, Monique Coleman, and Lucas Grabeel shared heartfelt messages and nostalgic moments from their time filming the beloved Disney Channel movie series.</p><div> </div><p>Ashley, who portrayed fan favorite Sharpay Evans, reflected on the franchise’s lasting impact.</p><div> </div><p>“20 years ago we had no idea what this would turn into. I’m so grateful for what this movie has given me, and for the fans who made it what it is,” Ashley said.</p><div> </div><div><strong></strong></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-0" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DTvQhmXlB25/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=540&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A0%2C%22os%22%3A1914166.0999999978%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="857" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-0" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><strong></strong></div><div><br/></div><div><strong> </strong></div><p>She added, “To be part of something this iconic, that still has new fans discovering it today, is truly wild. It keeps growing in ways I never imagined. I love you, Sharpay. And let me just say… we’re still looking fabulous! 💖”</p><div> </div><p>The actress and entrepreneur also shared a nostalgic video of herself wearing Sharpay’s iconic outfits, including her “Bop to the Top” ensemble from the first film and her signature all-pink ensembles.</p><div> </div><p>&quot;You can take the girl out of East High ... but you can&#x27;t take the Sharpay out of the girl,&quot; Ashley wrote over a video of herself strutting down a hallway while donning Sharpay’s wardrobe she kept from the film series.</p><div> </div><div><strong></strong></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-1" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DTvbiekD6xl/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=540&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A1%2C%22os%22%3A1914184.8999999985%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="881" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-1" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><strong></strong></div><div><br/></div><div><strong> </strong></div><p>In the caption she also wrote, &quot;20 years and two babies later I&#x27;m still squeezing into these.&quot;</p><div><br/></div><p>Ashley also brought her eldest daughter, Jupiter—who happens to be a fan of Sharpay—to the Walt Disney Studios lot for the anniversary celebration. </p><div> </div><div><strong></strong><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1769062123982IMG_5385.jpg" style="width:600px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><strong></strong></div><div><strong> </strong></div><p>Sharing a sweet moment on Instagram Stories, Ashley joked, “Not Jupiter upstaging me,” as they rode Sharpay’s iconic pink golf cart from the second film. Jupiter wore a pink dress with silver stars in signature Sharpay style.</p><div> </div><div><strong></strong></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1769062149081IMG_5384.jpg" style="width:600px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/> <strong></strong></div><div><strong> </strong></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/celebrities/2025/5/15/ashley-tisdale-s-daughter-is-now-a-high-school-musical-fan-i-m-sharpay-s-baby-1823"><strong>READ: Ashley Tisdale&#x27;s daughter is now a High School Musical fan: &#x27;I’m Sharpay’s baby&#x27;</strong></a></div><div> </div><p>During the celebration, Ashley reunited with fellow cast members Monique Coleman and Lucas Grabeel. In a video shared by Disney, Monique (Taylor McKessie) and Lucas (Ryan Evans) addressed fans and reminisced about their time as “Wildcats” and the series’ lasting influence.</p><div> </div><div><strong></strong><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1769062175862IMG_5383.jpg" style="width:600px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/> <strong></strong></div><div><strong> </strong></div><p>“This is incredible. For 20 years! Can you believe it?” Lucas expressed.</p><div> </div><div><strong></strong></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-2" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DTwTLVWDteG/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=540&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A2%2C%22os%22%3A1914200.5999999978%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="881" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-2" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><strong></strong></div><div><br/></div><div> </div><p>“It is immediate, iconic, nostalgic. The minute it comes on, it pours in right in the moment and we are really in this thing together and that is all because of each and everyone of you and the support you have given us throughout the years. We’re so grateful,” Monique said during the event.</p><div> </div><div><strong></strong></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-3" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DTwTpVnAFe8/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=540&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A3%2C%22os%22%3A1915870.8999999985%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="881" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-3" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><div> </div><p>In a separate interview, the two stars expressed their amazement at the continued support from fans even after two decades: “I cannot believe that 20 years later, the fans are still here with us.”</p><div> </div><div><strong></strong></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-4" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DTwTuPrDcjA/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=540&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A4%2C%22os%22%3A1916061.6999999993%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="881" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-4" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><strong></strong></div><div><br/></div><div><strong> </strong></div><p>Meanwhile, Vanessa Hudgens, who played Gabriella Montez, posted behind-the-scenes throwback photos from the film and wrote: “I cannot believe HSM turns 20 today. Thank you to everyone who’s been there since day 1. We’ll always be in this together ❤️❤️❤️.”</p><div> </div><div><strong></strong></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-5" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DTvv-m7kiKh/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=540&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A5%2C%22os%22%3A1916085%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="690" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-5" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><strong></strong></div><div><br/></div><div><strong> </strong></div><p>Cordin Bleu, who played Chad Danforth also posted: “Sending love out today to the cast, crew, and all of the fans of HSM. From jocks to theatre kids to the next generation, I’m so grateful to be part of a project that opened the doors to the world of musical theatre for so many. And to still be going strong after 20 years is extraordinary. WHAT TEAM?!”</p><div> </div><div><strong></strong></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-6" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DTwRGetDy5W/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=540&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A6%2C%22os%22%3A1917259.8999999985%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="746" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-6" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><strong></strong></div><div><br/></div><div> </div><p>Zac Efron, who played Troy Bolton, described his time on <em>High School Musical </em>as “a great experience” in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE magazine.</p><div> </div><p>&quot;We were having fun, learning as we went, and honestly just enjoying every moment together. I never could’ve imagined it would still mean so much to people 20 years later, or that a whole new generation would connect with it, and I’m grateful for that,&quot; Zac said.</p><div> </div><div><strong></strong></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-7" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DTvhJX3CRXX/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=540&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A7%2C%22os%22%3A1917456.1999999993%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="881" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-7" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><strong></strong></div><div><br/></div><div> </div><p>Director and choreographer Kenny Ortega also reflected on the film’s success, saying they “had no idea of the global kind of phenomenon that it became” and the film offers something “universal and timeless that speaks to a generation of young people through music and dance and storytelling.”</p><div> </div><div><strong></strong></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-8" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DTwP9RRj2hD/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=540&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A8%2C%22os%22%3A1917493.799999997%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="879" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-8" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><strong></strong></div><div><br/></div><div><strong> </strong></div><p>He also posted on his social media page: “Happy 20th anniversary Wildcats! This could be the start of something new lives on because of all of you. With endless love and deep appreciation. #HSMforever”</p><div> </div><p><em>High School Musical </em>premiered on Disney Channel on January 20, 2006. The film follows basketball star Troy Bolton (Efron) and academically gifted new student Gabriella Montez (Hudgens), who meet at a karaoke night, discover a shared passion for singing, and eventually audition for their school musical at East High.</p><div> </div><div><strong></strong></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-9" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DToC56WkQEH/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=540&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A9%2C%22os%22%3A1918108.299999997%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="881" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-9" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><strong></strong></div><div><br/></div><div> </div><p>The movie became the most commercially successful Disney Channel Original Movie at the time, drawing 7.7 million viewers during its premiere broadcast. Its soundtrack topped the music charts. The franchise went on to spawn two sequels, a successful concert tour, extensive merchandise, and a television series.</p><div> </div><div> </div>

<p>The High School Musical cast reunited and reflected on the franchise’s lasting legacy as they celebrated its 20th anniversary.</p>

The High School Musical cast reunited and reflected on the franchise’s lasting legacy as they celebrated its 20th anniversary.