Zac Efron received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and thanked his former « 17 Again » co-star, the late Matthew Perry, for encouraging him to pursue a new phase in his career.
Zac Efron is opening up about his career role models.
While accepting his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Efron spoke about the impact the late Matthew Perry had on his career. Efron played the younger version of Perry’s character in the 2009 movie, « 17 Again. »
« I really also want to mention someone that’s not here today, and that’s Matthew Perry, who was so kind and generous with me when we were working on ’17 Again,’ » Efron said in his speech. « Collaborating with him and [director Burr Steers], it was so much fun, and it really did propel me and motivate me in so many ways. It really pushed me into the next chapter of my career. Thank you so much, Matthew. Thinking about you a lot today. »
Perry died on Oct. 28 at the age of 54. The movie follows Perry’s character at a low point in his life, as he is going through a divorce, feels disconnected from his kids and is bitter about everything he has given up for his family. After a chance encounter with his spirit guide, he is transformed back into his 17-year-old body, leading him to learn he wouldn’t change anything about his past.
« 17 Again » was Efron’s first big movie after the third « High School Musical » movie was released, and the franchise came to an end. He became a teen heartthrob, playing basketball star-turned-theater kid, Troy Bolton, in the three movies for Disney, starring alongside Vanessa Hudgens and Ashley Tisdale.
During his speech, he assured fans he holds as much love for the movies as they do, saying, « I’m eternally grateful » for the opportunities the series provided.
« I still think about it every day, » he added before joking he still sings « the songs in the shower. »
WATCH: Zac Efron pays tribute to Matthew Perry while accepting his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
His friend, actor Miles Teller, spoke at the ceremony, praising Efron for how he has dealt with being « catapulted » into fame after « High School Musical.
