Zac Efron, star of the 2006 smash hit “High School Musical”, transitions from tween heartthrob to a talented actor with notable ability. ABC News “Nightline” interview reveals he is much more than a pretty face as his starring role in the new film “Charlie St. Cloud” points to a long-lasting career. Here are some excerpts from Neal Karlinsky’s and Steven Baker’s article of his “Nightline” interview.
Zac Efron explains his initial reaction to the “Charlie St. Cloud” script:
“When I read the script, I recognized that this was a brand new challenge,” Efron told ABC’s Neal Karlinsky. ‘Could I do it, I don’t know?’ And that was exciting at the time. How do you go there, how do you reach those emotional scenes?”
About his realization of being a theater geek:
“When I got on stage, I found that not only could a lot of people not do those things but they were dead afraid of it,” he said. “You know, I didn’t have that fear, so I remember one day I was walking around school and some guy that I used to play basketball with goes, ‘Oh there goes the theatre dork,’ and I was like, ‘yeah that’s right. Here I am, I’m the theatre dork.”
Efron explains he has not forgotten where he came from or what is important:
“That was just always important to me, I’ve always been able to get along with everyone,” he said. “I’ve never been in a fist fight, I’ve never really crossed anyone cause I’ve never really felt crossed.”
Zac reveals his feelings about his family:
“I have to keep them close, they are the ones that keep you grounded, everyone else you never know if anyone is being wholly honest with you, you know, your family is all you have they tell it to you straight.”
On being a household name:
“Every once in a while you walk into people’s houses and that’s on their kitchen counter and there’s always this awkward moment where they realize you’ve seen it and… I always flip it over. It’s what it is. I try not to get bogged down by it.”
How he identifies with Leonardo DiCaprio:
“Right now, I am all about Leo,” he said. “I know he knows all of what I’m going through, the best time and the worst times and the crazy experiences, and the scary ones,” he said. “And he’s been there and he continues to thrive and get better and not do anything too mainstream. He continues to pick the material and work with interesting people and is just now starting to make some of the best movies of his career and that’s inspiring… It’s inspiring.”
“I love the guy he’s awesome.”
On dating actress Vanessa Hudgens from “High School Musical”:
“I’m lucky to have her,” he said. “We’ve got a great thing going right now, having a lot of fun. Not going to speak too far down the road ’cause I don’t know what’s going to happen but right now I’m very happy. Very happy.”
ABC News’ Kimberly Brown contributed to this report.
Neal Karlinsky’s interview with Zac Efron aired Monday night on ABC News “Nightline.” “Nightline” is anchored by Cynthia McFadden, Terry Moran, and Martin Bashir. James Goldston is the executive producer. “Nightline” airs at 11:35 p.m. (ET/PT) weeknights on the ABC Television Network.
Excerpts of interview used with permission of ABC News. Copyright © 2010 ABC News Internet Ventures
More on Charlie St. Cloud and Zac Efron:
Before the start of the advance screening of Universal Pictures’ Charlie St. Cloud in Melbourne, FL Thursday night, Zac Efron had a very special surprise message for those that attended. Zac made a video to play before the advance screening letting everyone know that non-profit To Write Love on Her Arms and his new movie had a lot in common.
Zac stated in his video, “To Write Love on Her Arms is something truly special and there is a lot in common with the mission and this movie. Charlie St. Cloud is a story about overcoming loss and grief, about the power of love to help you discover a life worth living. I know that is a message you care about too.”
TWLOHA created an evening that shared hope, help and community. “We want our supporters to feel celebrated and special,” said TWLOHA founder and Melbourne Beach native Jamie Tworkowski. “We want to give them a taste of what a film premiere is like, and we love that we’re able to make this happen in Melbourne.”
Charlie St. Cloud deals with letting go and starting over, themes related to TWLOHA’s mission of presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury and suicide. As it does at its annual HEAVY AND LIGHT event in Orlando, TWLOHA plans to give every attendee information that points to local counseling and treatment resources. In addition, there will be speakers, TWLOHA merchandise available and a chance to meet the TWLOHA Team.
For more information on To Write Love on Her Arms, please go to: www.twloha.com.
About Charlie St. Cloud: Based on an acclaimed novel, Charlie St. Cloud is a drama starring Zac Efron as a small-town hero who survives an accident that lets him see the world in a unique way. In this emotionally charged story, he begins a romantic journey in which he embraces the past while discovering the purpose of his life and the transformative power of love. www.charliestcloud.com
