Zac Efron

Emmanuel Itier: Do you remember your very first audition?

Zac Efron: I do. It was pretty funny. I was from the stage. I was probably 13 or 14. I was so used to projecting to the back of the room and I went in for Peter Pan, and it was a really sweet, tender moment with Peter and Wendy. I was like (bellows) “Oh Wendy… ” She was backing up to the camera and freaking out and didn’t know what to do. I was spewing this loud monologue from Peter Pan, and at the end, she stopped the tape and said, “You’ve never done this before, have you?” I never forgot it.

EI: How did you react when John Travolta walked in dressed as a large woman?

ZE: When John came into the room and everyone was there–the whole cast, the producers–in his costume and make up…on every person’s face–it was just knowing that we could really pull it off. We just turned around and started going for this film.

EI: After High School Musical, and now Hairspray, do you think you could follow John Travolta’s path?

ZE: I could only dream. I would hope so. That would be very cool. I need to find a white three-piece suit.

EI: You have a crazy fan base with young girls. What’s it like for you to go out in public?

ZE: I don’t have to be careful. The most that happens is sweet girls come up to ask for an autograph. The difficult part is the parents who are over zealous. When a girl gets excited, there are only a few directions in which she can go–the main one is shy. But parents go really crazy: “Oh my God–I need 20 autographs. I just happen to teach kindergarten.”

EI: Did you have to change your phone number because of High School Musical?

ZE: Yes, I don’t know how everyone found out about that. I had to change my number when it came out. I think various younger people had my cell phone number from school.

EI: Is being able to sing and dance with girls an advantage?

ZE: The only thing is you can’t really go up to a girl and bust a cool dance move! It just doesn’t work, I’ve tried. It’s not that cool.

EI: Which stars do you look up to?

ZE: There are some careers I would like to emulate–like Jake Gyllenhaal or Leonardo DiCaprio.

EI: Have you found a new appreciation for large girls since falling in love with one in “Hairspray”?

ZE: I was really proud to play Link because I’ve always found that appreciation. Most of the girls I date, I would say…well, they are curvaceous and beautiful. I was really excited to play Link. It’s a perfect way to end a movie with a kiss between Link and Tracy. It’s going to mean a lot when it comes out.

EI: Does the bell ring in your head when you’re in love with someone?

ZE: I don’t know! [Laughs] I don’t think you can describe the feeling. When you meet someone who makes you a better person and makes your life more fun, then that’s fun.

EI: Which kind of music do you prefer?

ZE: It changes for me all the time. Lately, the CD in my car right now is an old Cheap Trick album. I’m into classic rock right now. I do have High School Musical on my iPod. When anyone looks on my playlist, High School Musical is the most played, which is kind of embarrassing. They think it’s me listening it to that, but it’s how many times I’ve showed family and friends.

EI: Ever used your singing talents to woo a girl?

ZE: No, it doesn’t work–I’ve tried. Conversation always works best. There is probably only one instance when singing to a girl works. I once sang a song to a girl on my guitar. It was by Ben Harper and it was called “Walk Away.”

EI: Are you living alone or with your parents?

ZE: I’m now living alone, but I’m at home so much, I’m half and half. I hate doing dishes!

EI: Any plans to go to college?

ZE: If you can continue to work as an actor is the best experience. College will always be there for me and I do plan on going. I’ve deferred for one year. At this particular moment, this is the best ride I’m on.

EI: How do you keep yourself grounded?

ZE: I don’t have to worry about getting an ego. I have so many good friends and family support–just waiting for the chance to chop off my big head if it grows! That’s why I go home so much, as I have to fight with my little brother to get the front seat of the car! Being the older brother by four and a half years, I deserve to have the front seat regardless!

EI: What perks do you like?

ZE: Free shoes!