Zac Efron For USA Today

Do You Think Zac Efron Can Make the Transition From Teen Star to Serious Actor?

April 10, 2009

As Zac Efron gears up for next week's release of 17 Again, he's been doing lots of interviews and talking about his career. He told USA Today, "I'm definitely not the best actor in the world at this point. But hopefully, with time and effort and smart decisions, that will change." Zac's already working on his image by dropping out of Footloose and talking about admiring Leonardo's career — do you think Zac can make the transition from teen star to serious actor?

Pop Poll Zac Efron

36 Comments

jaan_black 4 years 5 weeks

yeah, exactly....he has the potential but he's gotta dirty it up a little for a role...he needs something like "The Basketball Diaries" or something

blondie829 4 years 5 weeks

i agree with everyone who said he needs a dramatic role to be taken seriously...a military one is a good call17 again isn't going to cut it for respect in this industry

blondie829 4 years 5 weeks

i agree with everyone who said he needs a dramatic role to be taken seriously...a military one is a good call 17 again isn't going to cut it for respect in this industry

italianblonde 4 years 5 weeks

He definitely has talent, so I look forward to seeing him mature through films in the future!

little2obsesedwu 4 years 6 weeks

I think he will always be remembered as HSM, but if he tried and din;t do anymore teen movies, he could make it.

ManiMartinixo 4 years 6 weeks

I think he can do it! Sure he needs a hair cut but if you look back to roles before HSM like Miracle Run, the talent is there.

ManiMartinixo 4 years 6 weeks

I think he can do it! Sure he needs a hair cut but if you look back to roles before HSM like Miracle Run, the talent is there.

ElectroPopTart 4 years 6 weeks

He doesn't even ACT!

ElectroPopTart 4 years 6 weeks

He doesn't even ACT!

lizlee89 4 years 6 weeks

Zac Efron is an actor?hahahaha. it really annoys me when those teeny boppers try to branch out of their already successful career. don't get me wrong; I cannot stand Zac Efron. but it's not his fault that he's so annoying. I say take what you can get, cement yourself in the business and financially, and take risks on the side. oh, and hire an acting coach. seriously...

lizlee89 4 years 6 weeks

Zac Efron is an actor? hahahaha. it really annoys me when those teeny boppers try to branch out of their already successful career. don't get me wrong; I cannot stand Zac Efron. but it's not his fault that he's so annoying. I say take what you can get, cement yourself in the business and financially, and take risks on the side. oh, and hire an acting coach. seriously...

daise 4 years 6 weeks

Agree with your last comment pinkmystic - he needs a drastic makeover, at least for a short while for a role or something - as for the bangs, I think they suit him - he has quite a 'pretty face' though, kinda like chris pine-ish

pinkmystic 4 years 6 weeks

oh it'll be so cool if he did a war movie and he shaved his hair into a buzz cut. :) Maybe then people would take him seriously

pinkmystic 4 years 6 weeks

He can't be Leo. Leo has a different type of personality that goes along with the movie roles he chooses. You can't force yourself to be something your not.. at least, not yet. But he should definitely distance himself from high school roles, or he'll be stuck there.

SpeakLike aChild 4 years 6 weeks

Maybe. I guess it depends on which roles he chooses and if he can pull them off. I like that he's not famous for partying or going to rehab, but the "I didn't want to be famous" quote is a cliche. I get that fame must have its bad side, but it also gives actors the chance to choose the projects they like instead of just taking certain jobs to pay the bills.

SpeakLike aChild 4 years 6 weeks

Maybe. I guess it depends on which roles he chooses and if he can pull them off.I like that he's not famous for partying or going to rehab, but the "I didn't want to be famous" quote is a cliche.I get that fame must have its bad side, but it also gives actors the chance to choose the projects they like instead of just taking certain jobs to pay the bills.

marseilles rose 4 years 6 weeks

Well I like the type of movies he does already. I just can't picture him as an actor in like a drama or something I would'nt find it believable.

Beautiful Price 4 years 6 weeks

He's too obsessed with being a certain type of actor. It's like he obsesses about Leo's career. Leo was lucky. He took some roles here and there but due to his impeccable talent - he's made a name for himself.Zac has to love his craft and choose roles that are right for him. He can't just take every drama role out there and expect to win an Oscar. It seems like that's what he's aiming for.

Beautiful Price 4 years 6 weeks

He's too obsessed with being a certain type of actor. It's like he obsesses about Leo's career. Leo was lucky. He took some roles here and there but due to his impeccable talent - he's made a name for himself. Zac has to love his craft and choose roles that are right for him. He can't just take every drama role out there and expect to win an Oscar. It seems like that's what he's aiming for.

SKC Sparkle 4 years 6 weeks

I can't take him seriously until he changes his hair. You know there is something wrong if your hair is featured in a "man bangs" show...on TLC last summer...don't ask me why I watched it...

care0531 4 years 6 weeks

It's not like every teen actor dies off and never has a successful future in acting. Look at Drew Barrymore-she has been doing it her whole life. Anything is possible and I would be curious to see if he can pull it off.Time will tell.

care0531 4 years 6 weeks