Zac Efron, the star of High School Musical and The Iron Claw, received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Monday, December 11, 2023. The 36-year-old actor was joined by his family, friends, and co-stars at the ceremony, where he delivered a heartfelt speech that paid tribute to his late mentor and friend, Matthew Perry.
Efron, who worked with Perry in the 2009 comedy 17 Again, said that the Friends actor had a huge impact on his career and life. “Collaborating with him and [director Burr Steers] — it was so much fun and really did propel me and motivate me in so many ways,” he said. “It really pushed me into the next chapter of my career, and for that, thank you so much, Matthew. Thinking about you a lot today.”
Matthew Perry Wanted Zac Efron to Play Him in Biopic
Perry passed away at the age of 54 in October, after a long battle with addiction and health issues. He had reportedly expressed his wish to have Efron play him in a biopic about his life, according to Athenna Crosby, who was the last woman seen with him. “He said that he wanted to make a movie about his life,” Crosby told Entertainment Tonight, on November 1. “And he had worked with Zac Efron in the past on a movie, and he said that he wanted Zac Efron to play him as a younger version [of himself] and that he was gonna ask him soon to do that.”
Efron’s speech was met with cheers and applause from the crowd, who also heard from his The Iron Claw co-star Jeremy Allen White, director Sean Durkin, and his friend Miles Teller. Teller praised Efron as the first true superstar of their generation, and recalled their friendship since they starred together in the 2014 film That Awkward Moment.
Efron thanked his fans and his family, whom he called his “first fans,” for their support and love throughout his journey. He also reflected on his successful career, which started with his breakout role in the 2006 film High School Musical. He has since appeared in numerous films and TV shows, such as Hairspray, The Greatest Showman, Baywatch, and Down to Earth.
Efron is the 2,767th entertainment industry figure to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, according to an official press release. He joins other celebrities such as Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts, Meryl Streep, and Oprah Winfrey, who have been honored with the prestigious recognition.
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