From High School Musical Stars, who found the most success in their career?

I'm a big fan of the High School Musical series and have been following the stars' careers post-HSM. I'm curious to know who among them would you consider the most successful? Also, how did their time at HSM supposedly influence their paths post-show? Some personal insights would be appreciated, thanks!

While it's hard to compare the careers of the High School Musical stars since they have all taken different paths in the entertainment industry, it seems like Zac Efron has found the most mainstream success. After his breakout role as Troy Bolton in High School Musical, Efron has consistently starred in a mix of successful comedy, drama, and musical films, such as 17 Again, Neighbors, The Greatest Showman, and Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile, where he portrayed notorious serial killer Ted Bundy. His success has often been attributed to his HSM beginnings, which not only provided him with a strong fan base but also showcased his acting, singing, and dance talents that have aided in his versatile career.

Vanessa Hudgens and Ashley Tisdale have both enjoyed success in film, television, and music, but perhaps in a more modest scale compared to Efron. Hudgens, known for her role as Gabriella Montez, has starred in a mix of films and Broadway shows, including Grease: Live and Gigi, and has released multiple albums. Tisdale, who played Sharpay Evans, has produced successful music albums, done voice work for animated shows, and had a notable role in the series "Phineas and Ferb."

A common thread among these stars is that their time on HSM seems to have been crucial in paving their careers post-show. This is likely due to the exposure they gained from the franchise, allowing them to showcase their talents to a broad audience and transition easier into other roles. HSM's widespread popularity definitely played a significant role in making these stars household names early on in their careers, providing them with a platform to grow and diversify into other areas of entertainment. It's interesting to see how each of them has shaped their career trajectories post-HSM and how their beginnings on HSM have played a part in that evolution.