‘He’s Beyond Recognition’: Users Say Zac Efron Spoilt His Beauty, But Actor Explained Why His Face Changed

Zac Efron | Source: Getty Images
  • Zac Efron, who fell in love with acting at a very young age, has had a physical transformation over the years that has been fascinating to witness.
  • In the past, the actor has struggled with various ailments.
  • When they thought Zac had surgery, netizens criticized his looks, but he explained what happened before.

Zac Efron set tongues wagging again after he appeared to look different in a new movie. Many social media users thought the star had plastic surgery behind the scenes. But the truth behind his new look is much more serious. Here’s a quick look at his background and childhood.

The actor, born on October 18, 1987, grew up in Arroyo Grande, California, and got into acting at 11 when his parents noticed he could sing. His acting and singing lessons led to his role in a “Gypsy” production that got him hooked on the craft.

Zachary David Alexander Efron, known as Zac Efron, was born to Starla Baskett and David Efron, in San Luis Obispo, California. His mother worked as a secretary while her husband was an electrical engineer.

Zac soon landed on-stage roles in “Auntie Mame,” “The Music Man,” “Little Shop of Horrors,” and “Peter Pan.” The next step was getting guest parts on television series. Some people might recall seeing him in 1994’s “ER,” 2001’s “The Guardian,” 2002’s “CSI: Miami” and “Firefly,” and 2003’s “NCIS.”

Zac Efron at "The Revenge Of The Mummy - The Ride" opening at Universal Studios on June 24, 2004 | Source: Getty Images

Zac Efron at “The Revenge Of The Mummy – The Ride” opening at Universal Studios on June 24, 2004 | Source: Getty Images

He’s also appeared in 2003’s “The Big Wide World of Carl Laemke.” Here is a breakdown of his looks over the years. When he got older, fans noticed that something was different about him. Let’s see the progression up until the big change.

Zac Efron in 2004

In 2004, Zac was in his late teens and was seen out and about at various Hollywood events. Some of his works that came out in 2004 included “Triple Play” and “Miracle Run.” Here are some of the events he attended that year.

In June, he looked cute with a simple hairstyle and normal jaw while at the opening of “The Revenge Of The Mummy – The Ride” at Universal Studios.

Zac Efron at the "Thunderbirds" premiere in Los Angeles on July 24, 2004 | Source: Getty Images

Zac Efron at the “Thunderbirds” premiere in Los Angeles on July 24, 2004 | Source: Getty Images

On July 14, he was out again looking pretty much the same. This time, the gap-toothed actor stepped out to The WB Network’s 2004 All-Star Summer Party.

Zac Efron at the WB Network's All Star Summer Party on July 14, 2004 | Source: Getty Images

Zac Efron at the WB Network’s All Star Summer Party on July 14, 2004 | Source: Getty Images

Later that month, Zac showed that he had a love for music when he attended Ashlee Simpson’s record release party for her debut album “Autobiography.”

Zac Efron at Ashlee Simpson's record release party for her debut Album "Autobiography" on July 23, 2004 | Source: Getty Images

Zac Efron at Ashlee Simpson’s record release party for her debut Album “Autobiography” on July 23, 2004 | Source: Getty Images

He sported his youthful looks the day after attending Simpsom’s event at the”Thunderbirds” premiere that was held in Los Angeles. The star looked healthy and happy as he posed for the cameras.

Zac Efron at "Thunderbirds" Premiere in Los Angeles on July 24, 2004 | Source: Getty Images

Zac Efron at “Thunderbirds” Premiere in Los Angeles on July 24, 2004 | Source: Getty Images

At the end of the year, the actor was seen flaunting his boyish looks at the 6th Annual Family Television Awards on December 1, 2004. The celebrity’s looks didn’t seem to change much in 2005, but it was evident that the teenager was getting older.

Zac Efron at the at the 6th Annual Family Television Awards on December 1, 2004 | Source: Getty Images

Zac Efron at the at the 6th Annual Family Television Awards on December 1, 2004 | Source: Getty Images

Zac Efron in 2005

On December 16, 2005, Zac posed for a picture while attending a breakfast with the cast and director of “High School Musical.” The meeting was held at Beverly Hills Four Seasons Hotel in California.

Zac Efron at a breakfast with the cast and director of "High School Musical" on December 16, 2005, in Beverly Hills, California | Source: Getty Images

Zac Efron at a breakfast with the cast and director of “High School Musical” on December 16, 2005, in Beverly Hills, California | Source: Getty Images

The following year, the young actor was spotted at various events, and in one of them, he looked older and more serious.

Zac Efron in 2006

On February 9, 2006, Zac posed as part of the Stars of the Disney Channel during an appearance at Splashlight Studios in New York City. Unlike most of his older pictures, this time the actor wasn’t smiling and his jaw still looked the same.

Zac Efron as part of the Stars of the Disney Channel on February 9, 2006, in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Zac Efron as part of the Stars of the Disney Channel on February 9, 2006, in New York City | Source: Getty Images

He was all smiles again while getting a microphone placed on his shirt for a performance with Kevin Covais and the cast of “High School Musical” on “The Today Show” on March 30, 2006. The performance occurred at the NBC Studios at Rockefeller Plaza in New York City.

Zac Efron at a performance with Kevin Covais and the "High School Musical" cast on "The Today Show" on March 30, 2006, in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Zac Efron at a performance with Kevin Covais and the “High School Musical” cast on “The Today Show” on March 30, 2006, in New York City | Source: Getty Images

In June 2006, Zac graduated from Arroyo Grande High School. He became well-known when he starred in 2006’s “High School Musical,” winning a Teen Choice Award for Breakout Star. Two months later, he looked different while attending the 58th Annual Creative Arts Emmy Awards at the Shrine Auditorium.

Zac Efron at the 58th Annual Creative Arts Emmy Awards in Los Angeles, California, on August 19, 2006 | Source: Getty Images

Zac Efron at the 58th Annual Creative Arts Emmy Awards in Los Angeles, California, on August 19, 2006 | Source: Getty Images

He appeared in a tie and shirt plus a darker-looking hair color. The following year, he wore more formal attire while attending different events.

Zac Efron in 2007

In 2007, the actor reprised his role as Troy Bolton in “High School Musical 2.” He also appeared in “Hairspray.” On March 15, 2007, Zac wore a suit and tie to the “Hairspray” presentation.

Zac Efron at the "Hairspray" presentation on March 15, 2007 | Source: Getty Images

Zac Efron at the “Hairspray” presentation on March 15, 2007 | Source: Getty Images

At the end of the month, he rocked a waistcoat, tie, and shirt at the 20th Annual Kid’s Choice Awards. The event was held at the UCLA Pauley Pavilion in Westwood, California.

Zac Efron at the 20th Annual Kid's Choice Awards on March 31, 2007, in Westwood, California | Source: Getty Images

Zac Efron at the 20th Annual Kid’s Choice Awards on March 31, 2007, in Westwood, California | Source: Getty Images

On April 22, 2007, he was very happy as he posed while holding his award at Movieline’s Hollywood Life 9th Annual Young Hollywood Awards. He was awarded as the winner of the One to Watch.

Zac Efron holds his One to Watch award at Movieline's Hollywood Life 9th Annual Young Hollywood Awards on April 22, 2007 | Source: Getty Images

Zac Efron holds his One to Watch award at Movieline’s Hollywood Life 9th Annual Young Hollywood Awards on April 22, 2007 | Source: Getty Images

In 2008, he reprised his role again for “High School Musical 3: Senior Year.” The following year he showed off a new haircut towards the end of the year.

Zac Efron in 2009

On January 28, 2009, Zac was photographed while attending the Japan premiere of “High School Musical 3: Senior Year.” The event was held at the Shinagawa Stellar Ball in Tokyo.

Zac Efron at the "High School Musical 3: Senior Year" Japan premiere on January 28, 2009, in Tokyo | Source: Getty Images

Zac Efron at the “High School Musical 3: Senior Year” Japan premiere on January 28, 2009, in Tokyo | Source: Getty Images

On November 23, Zac looked different as he showed off his changed appearance. He’d cut his hair shorter for his attendance at the screening of “Me And Orson Welles.” The event was hosted by the Cinema Society, Screenvision, and Brooks Brothers.