Biography
Who is Vanessa Hudgens?
Early life and real name
Vanessa Hudgens Anne Hudgens was born in Salinas, California, on December 14, 1988. Her mother, Gina Guangco, worked a succession of office jobs, and her father, Gregory Hudgens, was a firefighter. She was raised alongside her younger sister Stella along the West Coast, moving from Oregon to Southern California.
Growing up in a Catholic household, Vanessa developed an early interest in performing. All of her grandparents were musicians, and she began performing in local musical theater productions as a singer starting in 1998. Her family eventually relocated to Los Angeles after she secured a role in a television commercial.
Rise to fame
Vanessa made her feature film debut in the 2003 drama movie Thirteen, playing the supporting role of Noel. She achieved mainstream recognition in January 2006 when she starred as Gabriella Montez in the Disney Channel Original Movie High School Musical alongside Zac Efron. The immensely popular film drew millions of viewers during its premiere broadcast in the United States.
Following the success of the musical film, Vanessa released her debut studio album, V, through Hollywood Records in September 2006. The album sold 34,000 copies in its first week and eventually achieved Gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America. She later reprised her role in High School Musical 2 and the theatrical release High School Musical 3: Senior Year.
Acting career
After completing the High School Musical franchise, Vanessa transitioned into diverse film and television roles. She appeared in the musical comedy Bandslam in 2009 and starred alongside Alex Pettyfer in the fantasy romance film Beastly in 2011. That same year, she played the character Blondie in Zack Snyder's action film Sucker Punch.
Her subsequent film credits include path 2: The Mysterious Island alongside Dwayne Johnson, the crime drama Spring Breakers, and the Netflix Christmas movie The Princess Switch. In addition to her film work, Vanessa made her Broadway stage debut playing Gigi in a 2015 musical revival and performed in Fox's live television musical productions of Grease Live! And Rent: Live.
Family and personal life
Vanessa stands at a height of 155 centimeters. Her younger sister Stella Hudgens works as an actor and model. Throughout her career, Vanessa has been linked to several high-profile relationships, including past partnerships with actors Zac Efron and Austin Butler, before marrying Cole Tucker.
Outside of her screen and stage work, Vanessa has also engaged in high-profile hosting duties, such as co-hosting the Met Gala in Manhattan. She continues to work across film, television, and theater projects.
Birthday and age
Vanessa Hudgens was born on December 14, 1988, which makes Vanessa 37 years old today. That birthday falls under the Sagittarius sign. Vanessa shares the date with 29 other famous people.
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