By age 8, Vanessa Anne Hudgens was already performing in musicals at her local theater.
She told kidzworld.com that the experience made her grow up fast. You mature very quickly because you’re often the only kid in the show and everybody else is an adult. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)
In High School Musical, Vanessa played teen heartthrob Zac Efrons love interest. Vanessa and Zac won for Best Chemistry at the Teen Choice Awards. The on-screen lovers soon took their romance off-screen. (Kevin Winter / Getty Images)
Endorsements
The exotic beauty has already loaned her famous face to a host of products, including Old Navy, Blockbuster and Neutrogena.
Hey, Vanessa, can I borrow a buck?
At the tender age of 18, Vanessa landed on Forbes list of Young Hollywoods Top Earners. The magazine estimated her net worth at $2 million. (Matt Sayles / AP)
But what I really want to do is sing
Vanessa has released her debut album, “V,” through a Disney-owned label.
The actress-turned-songbird was named Choice Breakout Singer at the 2007 Teen Choice Awards. (Lori Shepler / Los Angeles Times)