Zac Efron sang and danced his way to success in the wildly popular “High School Musical” movies – not to mention Hairspray. Now, he’s taking a serious turn in Richard Linklater’s “Me and Orson Welles,” playing a high-school kid who lucks into a big break in Welles’ famous production of Julius Caesar. Parade.com’s Jeanne Wolf found out why Efron was ready to take a gamble on a serious dramatic role.

Taking a chance.
“I had never done anything like this before. I was still reeling from everything that had happened to me, all the attention I was suddenly getting from High School Musical. I thought, ‘Maybe this time I’ve bitten off more than I can chew because I’m not singing and dancing. It’s all about acting. I knew people wouldn’t see it as a predictable next move in my career, but I’d like to be known for more than predictability.”

Why the story felt familiar.
“I really connected with Rick – the way he kind of lucked into an opportunity to act, and thanks to Orson Welles, doors were opening for him. It kind of resembled my life experience growing up in the theater. In school, my whole life was focused on theater, especially musicals, which were a creative outlet. I had no clue that I’d end up in Hollywood. I’m still on the craziest ride of my life.”

There’s no escape.
“We went to the Isle of Man, which is a fairly secluded place to do some filming. The idea of going to a fairly secluded place where I could kind of just leave all of the attention behind was really appealing. Richard Linklater was like, ‘You’re going to love it. There are no paparazzi.’ So we were in this old theater filming a scene and suddenly we heard clapping and cheering. It turned out there was a bunch of kids who were High School Musical fans and they had found me. So I went outside and signed some autographs. I really found their enthusiasm endearing.”

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When it comes to co-stars, few young actresses are as lucky as Claire Danes. “The Romeo & Juliet” star got to work with Leonardo DiCaprio back when he was just making his mark on the movie industry, and now she gets to film alongside rising Disney star Zac Efron for the upcoming flick “Me and Orsen Welles”. Now, we’ve definitely noticed that Zac and Leo have a lot in common. But apparently Claire has noticed some similarities too.

“They’re obviously both very gifted,” she told MTV News. “They’re both charismatic and gorgeous.” Yeah, we got the gorgeous part. That’s not all though, Claire also added that the two also approach their careers similarly.

“They’re also very discriminating in their choices,” she said. “They’re very discerning and have great taste. They’re really serious and want to make great movies as well as great performances. So there’s that parallel there. And Zac is really formidable and he’s going to be around a long time.” [Source]

Zac Efron is far from new to the big screen. But that doesn’t mean that the Disney star doesn’t get nervous. Zac, who is starring in “Me and Orson Welles” (out in limited release this week), about a young man’s start in Broadway, recently admitted to MTV News that he still gets jittery before going on camera.

“I definitely get stage fright,” he said, “That’s part of the fun. That’s what makes it interesting. It’s sort of addicting, that feeling. You know you’re alive.” [Source]

Zac Efron attended “Me and Orson Welles” screening in New York City on 23 November 2009. Enjoy the pics!

Gallery links:
• ‘Me And Orson Welles’ New York City Premiere 11/23/2009 (x126)
• ‘Me And Orson Welles’ New York City Premiere After Party 23/11/2009 (x2)

Recent candids of Zac Efron from New York City have been added to the gallery. Enjoy these two new albums!

Gallery links:
• November 23 – Arriving At CBS Studios In New York City (x4)
• November 23 – Arriving At & Leaving Sarabeth In New York City (x10)

Enjoy watching another video of Zac Efron and Claire Danes who appeared at The View on 23 November 2009.

Enjoy watching Zac Efron and Claire Danes being interviewed at the Early Show on 23 November 2009.

“Me And Orson Welles” director Richard Linklater has praised Zac Efron for being a “real leading man.” The “High School Musical” actor stars alongside Christian McKay and Claire Danes in the upcoming period drama, based on one young man’s experience with the legendary theatre star.

Speaking to DS at the film’s UK premiere, Linklater said: “Zac was the first guy I sat down with [for the role of Richard Samuels]. I’d only seen him in one movie – ‘Hairspray’ – and I just thought he was perfect. He’s really smart, he works hard and he has that innocence but knowing.”

Linklater added: “He’s a real leading man. He had to go toe-to-toe with Orson Welles and not get blown off the screen. It’s a testament to his charisma and screen presence that he pulls that off.” [Source]

American actor Zac Efron has admitted that he steals some of the costumes he wears in his movies. Efron, 22, says it has become a habit for him to take some of the items at the end of filming, and he particularly liked the plaid shirts he was given for his character in new movie ‘Me and Orson Welles’.

“I think I stole some of the stuff. Always, on the last day, they try and get it out of your trailer really quick,” Contactmusic quoted him as saying.

“Always steal some of your wardrobe. You never know what you’re going to need,” he added. [Source]

I have added a lot of recent candids of Zac Efron from London. Check them out! Each thumbnail leads to a different album, so make sure you have a look at them all. Enjoy the pics!

Gallery links:
• November 19 – Arriving At Gate Cinema In London (x7)
• November 20 – Arriving At & Leaving Absolute Radio Studios In London (x38)
• November 20 – Arriving At & Leaving GMTV Studios In London (x32)
• November 20 – Leaving BBC Radio Studios In London (x13)
• November 20 – Leaving Hotel In London (x5)