Zac Efron's been an A-list star for close to 20 years already. The handsome leading man has starred in all kinds of movies, including box-office hits and flops. From frothy action comedies like "Baywatch" to crime thrillers like "Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil, and Vile" where he portrayed the serial killer Ted Bundy, Zac has repeatedly proved that he's got some serious acting chops, a voice like honey and a considerable fan base. In December 2023, aged just 36, he was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in recognition of his iconic roles and undeniable place in modern pop culture. And that is how we find ourselves here, dear reader, on the cusp of a quiz where you can find out which Zac Efron character you have the most in common with. So press play on the "We Are Your Friends" soundtrack, and let's go Wildcats!
History lesson
Sessue Hayakawa: Hollywood's Pioneering Heartthrob
Before the era of modern screen idols, Hollywood witnessed the rise of a unique star, Sessue Hayakawa, who redefined the concept of a leading man in the early 20th century. Born in Japan in 1886, Hayakawa's journey to stardom was as captivating as his on-screen presence. In the silent film era of the 1910s and 1920s, he emerged as the first actor of Asian descent to attain the status of a leading man, rivaling the fame and fortune of contemporaries like Charlie Chaplin and Douglas Fairbanks. Earning a staggering $3,500 a week at his career's zenith, Hayakawa's allure wasn't just his talent but also his groundbreaking role in a predominantly white Hollywood.
Hayakawa's ascent to heartthrob status was meteoric, thanks to his role in the 1915 film "The Cheat," directed by Cecil B. DeMille. Portraying the love interest of white actress Fannie Ward, he captivated millions of American women, transcending racial boundaries in a society where such barriers were rigidly enforced. Despite the era's anti-miscegenation laws, which restricted portrayals of interracial romances, Hayakawa's broodingly handsome persona made him a romantic idol. However, this fame came with its challenges. Often typecast as the villain or the forbidden lover, Hayakawa's roles reflected the era's prevailing prejudices and anti-Japanese sentiments, particularly during the World Wars.
Hayakawa's response to these limitations was as pioneering as his acting. In 1918, he founded Haworth Pictures Corporation, becoming the first Asian to own a production company in Hollywood. This venture allowed him to produce films that showcased Asian themes and narratives, often starring himself and his wife, Tsuru Aoki. One notable film, "The Dragon Painter" (1919), was a departure from his usual roles, offering a narrative where he finally 'gets the girl.' Hayakawa's career spanned several decades, marked by his departures and returns to Hollywood, performances in Europe and Japan, and international acclaim. His role in "The Bridge on the River Kwai" (1957) earned him an Oscar nomination, crowning his long and varied career. Retiring in 1966, Hayakawa left behind a legacy that transcended cultural barriers, paving the way for future generations in Hollywood.
Quiz Writer
As a child, Haven enjoyed learning everything they could about many subjects, though the best resource was her grandma’s old stack of encyclopedias in those days. Today, Haven still likes to know a bit about everything. When they're not researching information for their posts or flexing that history degree, Haven's going through the quizzes of other authors on the site - because this is where the facts are found! Visitors to our site turn to Haven's fun and factual articles to learn about all kinds of things, from do-it-yourself ideas to the wider world. Those who prefer to get their facts in article format can find Haven all across the web, as well.
Did you know?
What are some fun facts about Zac Efron?
Zac Efron is a California boy who was born and raised in the Golden State. One of his favorite hobbies is cooking, and he could see himself becoming a chef in an alternate world instead of a multi-hyphenate in show business. Speaking of multi-hyphenates, Zac turned down a record deal from Simon Cowell because he wanted to focus on being an actor rather than a musician. In an industry where people are always telling you to "stay grounded," Efron has dealt with a lot, from entering rehab to developing insomnia and mental health issues like agoraphobia, but close relationships like that with his brother Dylan have helped him through some challenging moments. Efron's Netflix series "Down to Earth" has also depicted his interests in travel, wellness, and nature. In 2013, Zac broke his jaw during a fall, and he attributes his changed jawline to this incident. The actor loves Australian shepherds, manga, and his autographed baseball collection.
How to Play?
Our personality quizzes are set up a little differently than your basic trivia quiz, but you’ve probably seen their kind around. Rather than having to choose the right answer from a list of multiple choice options, in this case, there is no “right answer”! (Two plus two will always be four, but every Golden Girls character is equally awesome.)
So, stop stressing. Just click on the answer that suits you best, and enjoy the ride. These quizzes are just for fun but who knows – you might just learn something about yourself along the way!
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