VANESSA HUDGENS
Date of Birth
14 December 1988, Salinas, California, USA
Nickname
Nessa
V
Van
Baby V
Vanney
Height
5' 2" (1.57 m)
Trade Mark
Long dark hair
Trivia
In both her first two films - Thirteen (2003) and Thunderbirds (2004) - she appeared alongside Brady Corbet.
Parents: Greg Hudgens and Gina Guangco.
Ethnicities: Filipina, Chinese,and Spanish (from her mother); Irish and American Indian (from her father).
Her musical theater roles include leads in: Evita, Carousel, The Wizard of Oz, The King & I, The Music Man, Cinderella, Damn Yankees, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and The Little Mermaid, among others.
She's a fan of the late Natalie Wood.
She can sing, act and dance.
She got her first gig when her friend couldn't go to an audition for a commercial and asked if Vanessa could go.
She is a fan of horror movies.
Older sister of Stella Hudgens
Is good friends with High School Musical (2006) (TV) co-stars Ashley Tisdale, Zac Efron, and Corbin Bleu, along with Alexa Nikolas("Zoey 101" (2005)), Kellan Rhude, Brenda Song("The Suite Life of Zack and Cody" (2005)), and Miley Cyrus ("Hannah Montana" (2006)).
She is best known for portraying the role of Gabriella Montez in High School Musical (2006) (TV) and its related sequels.
Favorite TV show: "Degrassi: The Next Generation" (2001).
Was named "The Heartbreaker" in Disney channel's first DC games in 2006.
Was chosen to be a member of the blue team in DC games held in the Summer of 2006.
Her favorite kind of jeans are Frankie B jeans.
Her favorite car is a Porsche Carerra GT.
Her two favorite singers are Alicia Keys_ and Céline Dion.
She sang "Angels" by Robbie Williams at her "High School Musical" audition.
She has been home-schooled since the seventh grade.
She has already graduated from high school.
At one point, she actually planned to audition for "American Idol: The Search for a Superstar" (2002).
Her favorite subject in school is science.
Her song "Whatever Will Be" is really a song that reflects on her motto.
Her favorite kind of music is rock.
Both sets of her grandparents were musicians during the Big Band era.
Is best friends with Kayslee Collins.
Her favorite scene in High School Musical (2006) (TV) is the final one in which the cast sang and danced to "We're All In This Together".
She used to reside in the state of Oregon.
In June 2006, she signed a recording contract with Hollywood Records.
Her first solo album V debuted at #24 on the US Billboard album chart with 34,000 copies sold during its first week.
The first star from High School Musical (2006) (TV) to release a solo album in the wake of the success of High School Musical (2006) (TV). The name of her debut solo album is called "V" which stands for Vanessa, but also could stand for variety since it is a mix of pop, pop rock, dance electronic, and ballads. The album was released in the United States on September 26, 2006.
Enjoys singing just as much as dancing and acting.
Recorded her first solo album, V, in just under two months.
Trained in piano, dance, and voice (opera to be specific).
Her favorite song to perform in concert is "Let's Dance" because she and her backup dancers have so much fun dancing to that song.
Sings with Corbin Bleu on his debut solo album "Another Side" on the song "Still There for Me".
Her debut album has officially sold 500,000 copies. Therefore, it was certified gold for the first time in 2007.
The highest chart position of "Say OK" on the US Billboard chart is 61.
"Let Go" was supposed to be the second single from her debut album. However, it was switched to "Say OK" at the last minute.
Her first single, "Come Back to Me", samples from the song "Baby Come Back" by 1970s rock band Player.
The second single from V, her first solo album is called "Say OK". It was released on January 12, 2007 on US radio stations. There are two versions of the video for this song. The first one was from the High School Musical: The Concert Tour. The second version was filmed at a beach in Los Angeles, California and a bowling alley.
Her first official single from her debut album V is called "Come Back to Me". The song and the video both premiered on August 25, 2006 in the United States. The highest chart position it achieved on the US Billboard charts is 55.
In 2007, she became the spokesperson for Neutrogena products.
Desires to study business when she reaches college.
Met boyfriend Zac Efron on the set of High School Musical (2006) (TV).
Is the only person in High School Musical (2006) (TV) to have a solo song on the "High School Musical" soundtrack.
Her first job was acting in a local production of "The Wizard of Oz" where she played a munchkin and was paid $50.
Once attended the Orange County High School of the Arts.
She has a toy poodle named Shadow, three turtles, and some fish.
Took piano lessons when she was younger.
She was offered a role in the remake of the movie Prom Night (1980),that was offered to Fernanda Romero. as well; but turned it down to work on her music.
Her favorite dance number from High School Musical 2 (2007) (TV) is "Work This Out".
Ranked #12 on the Maxim magazine Hot 100 of 2008 list.
She is face for brand Ecko Boys & Girls in Brazil.
She also made the "Maxim's Sexiest of 2009" list.
She is ranked #10 in Cosmopolitan magazine's Best Dressed Celebs of 2008.
On December 12, 2008, Hudgens was ranked #20 in the list of Forbes "High Earners Under 30".
In January 2009, Teen Vogue magazine included Hudgens in the list of the January's Ten Best Dressed in the fifth position.
Personal Quotes
[on her nude picture scandal] I'm much better now. But truthfully I don't like talking about it. It was something that was meant to be private, and even though it isn't anymore, I'd still like to keep it as private as I can. It was very traumatic, and I am extremely upset it happened. I hope all my fans can learn from my mistake and make smart decisions. But I wouldn't have been able to get through it if it wasn't for my family, friends, and fans, who supported me all along the way.
Power to the Peaceful
Where Are They Now
(August 2006) Finished up her self-entitled album, "V", and preparing to go on tour with The Cheetah Girls from October - November.
(November 2006) On tour with The Cheetah Girls.
(December 2006) On tour with 'Drew Seeley', Ashley Tisdale, Monique Coleman, Corbin Bleu and 'Lucas Grabeel' 9qv) for "High School Musical: The Concert".
(February 2007) Starting rehearsals for High School Musical 2 (2007) (TV).
(March 2007) Filming High School Musical 2 (2007) (TV) in St. George, Utah.
(March 2008) Filming High School Musical 3: Senior Year (2008).
(April 2008) Filming High School Musical 3: Senior Year (2008) in Salt Lake City, Utah.
(February 2008) Filming Bandslam (2009) in Austin, Texas.
Actress:
Sucker Punch (2010) (pre-production) .... Blondie
Bandslam (2009) (completed) .... Sam
High School Musical 3: Senior Year (2008) .... Gabriella Montez
... aka H.S.M. 3 (USA: informal title)
High School Musical 2 (2007) (TV) .... Gabriella Montez
... aka High School Musical 2: Extended Edition (USA: DVD box title)
"The Suite Life of Zack and Cody" .... Corrie / ... (4 episodes, 2006)
... aka TSL (USA: informal short title)
- Kept Man (2006) TV episode .... Corrie
- Neither a Borrower Nor a Speller Bee (2006) TV episode .... Corrie / Hannah
- Not So Suite 16 (2006) TV episode .... Corrie
- Forever Plaid (2006) TV episode .... Corrie
"Drake & Josh" .... Penny / ... (2 episodes, 2006)
- Alien Invasion (2006) TV episode .... Penny
- Little Sibling (2006) TV episode .... Rebecca
High School Musical (2006) (TV) (as Vanessa Anne Hudgens) .... Gabriella Montez
"Quintuplets" .... Carmen (1 episode, 2005)
- The Coconut Kapow (2005) TV episode .... Carmen
Thunderbirds (2004) .... Tintin
... aka Thunderbirds - Les sentinelles de l'air (France)
"The Brothers Garcia" .... Lindsey (1 episode, 2003)
- New Tunes (2003) TV episode .... Lindsey
Thirteen (2003) .... Noel
"Robbery Homicide Division" .... Nicole (1 episode, 2002)
... aka R.H.D./LA: Robbery Homicide Division/Los Angeles (USA: complete title)
- Had (2002) TV episode .... Nicole
"Still Standing" .... Tiffany (1 episode, 2002)
- Still Rocking (2002) TV episode .... Tiffany
Soundtrack:
High School Musical 3: Senior Year (2008) (performer: "Right Here, Right Now", "Can I Have this Dance", "Just Wanna Be With You", "Walk Away")
... aka H.S.M. 3 (USA: informal title)
"Video on Trial" (1 episode, 2008)
... aka V.O.T. (Canada: English title: short title)
- Episode #3.26 (2008) TV episode (performer: "Sneakernight")
High School Musical 2 (2007) (TV) (performer: "Gotta Go My Own Way")
... aka High School Musical 2: Extended Edition (USA: DVD box title)
High School Musical (2006) (TV) (performer: "Start of Something New", "What I've Been Looking For (Reprise)", "When There Was Me and You", "Breaking Free", "I Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You")
Self:
1. "Entertainment Tonight" .... Herself (15 episodes, 2007-2009)
... aka E.T. (USA: informal title)
... aka ET Weekend (Australia: weekend title)
... aka Entertainment This Week (weekend title)
... aka This Week in Entertainment (USA: weekend title)
- Episode dated 23 February 2009 (2009) TV episode .... Herself
- Episode dated 24 October 2008 (2008) TV episode .... Herself
- Episode dated 17 October 2008 (2008) TV episode .... Herself
- Episode dated 13 October 2008 (2008) TV episode .... Herself
- Episode dated 19 September 2008 (2008) TV episode .... Herself
(10 more)
2. The 81st Annual Academy Awards (2009) (TV) .... Herself - Performer
3. HSM3: Senior Awards (2009) (V) .... Herself
4. HSM3: New Cast Profiles (2009) (V) .... Herself
5. HSM3: Cast Goodbyes (2009) (V) .... Herself
6. HSM3: Prom - The Night of Nights (2009) (V) .... Herself
7. HSM3: It's All in the Dress (2009) (V) .... Herself
8. "E! News" .... Herself (5 episodes, 2007-2009)
... aka E! (Australia: short title)
- Episode dated 15 January 2009 (2009) TV episode .... Herself
- Episode dated 28 October 2008 (2008) TV episode .... Herself
- Episode dated 28 June 2008 (2008) TV episode .... Herself
- Episode dated 8 January 2008 (2008) TV episode .... Herself
- Episode dated 22 October 2007 (2007) TV episode .... Herself
9. "Saturday Disney" .... Herself (1 episode, 2008)
- HSM3 & Chocolate Fudge! (2008) TV episode .... Herself
10. "Access Hollywood" .... Herself (2 episodes, 2008)
- Episode dated 26 October 2008 (2008) TV episode .... Herself
- Episode dated 25 June 2008 (2008) TV episode .... Herself
11. "Ellen: The Ellen DeGeneres Show" .... Herself (1 episode, 2008)
- Episode dated 24 October 2008 (2008) TV episode .... Herself
12. "The Early Show" .... Herself (2 episodes, 2007-2008)
- Episode dated 23 October 2008 (2008) TV episode .... Herself
- Episode dated 17 August 2007 (2007) TV episode .... Herself
13. "Fantástico" .... Herself (1 episode, 2008)
- Episode dated 19 October 2008 (2008) TV episode .... Herself
14. "Boogie" .... Herself (1 episode, 2008)
... aka Boogie Århus (Denmark: alternative title)
... aka Boogie Listen (Denmark: alternative title)
... aka Boogie Update (Denmark)
... aka Boogie lørdag (Denmark)
- Episode dated 18 October 2008 (2008) TV episode .... Herself
15. "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" .... Herself (1 episode, 2008)
- Episode dated 10 October 2008 (2008) TV episode .... Herself
16. "Grand journal de Canal+, Le" .... Herself (1 episode, 2008)
- Episode dated 29 September 2008 (2008) TV episode .... Herself
17. HSM2: In the Kitchen (2008) (V) .... Herself
18. HSM2: Cast Favorites (2008) (V) .... Herself
19. MTV Video Music Awards 2008 (2008) (TV) .... Herself
20. The Teen Choice Awards 2008 (2008) (TV) .... Herself
21. "Live with Regis and Kathie Lee" .... Herself (5 episodes, 2006-2008)
... aka Live with Regis (USA: new title)
... aka Live with Regis & Kelly (USA: new title)
- Episode dated 3 July 2008 (2008) TV episode .... Herself
- Episode dated 1 July 2008 (2008) TV episode (as Vanesssa Hudgens) .... Herself
- Episode dated 16 August 2007 (2007) TV episode .... Herself
- Episode dated 30 October 2006 (2006) TV episode .... Herself
- Episode dated 28 October 2006 (2006) TV episode .... Herself
22. "Good Morning America" .... Herself (2 episodes, 2008)
- Episode dated 2 July 2008 (2008) TV episode .... Herself
- Episode dated 20 May 2008 (2008) TV episode .... Herself
23. "American Idol: The Search for a Superstar" .... Herself (1 episode, 2008)
... aka American Idol (USA: new title)
... aka American Idol 2 (USA: promotional title)
... aka American Idol 3 (USA)
... aka American Idol 4 (USA: fourth season title)
- Idol Gives Back (2008) TV episode .... Herself
24. "The Oprah Winfrey Show" .... Herself (1 episode, 2008)
... aka Oprah (USA: short title)
- Episode dated 11 February 2008 (2008) TV episode .... Herself
25. "Extra" .... Herself (2 episodes, 2007-2008)
... aka Extra: The Entertainment Magazine (USA)
- Episode dated 9 January 2008 (2008) TV episode .... Herself
- Episode dated 22 November 2007 (2007) TV episode .... Herself
26. HSM2: Rehearsal Cam (2007) (V) .... Herself
27. HSM2: Anatomy of a Dance Number (2007) (V) .... Herself
28. HSM2: The Making of a Music Scene (2007) (V) .... Herself
29. HSM2: Crazy Cast Questions (2007) (V) .... Herself
30. 2007 American Music Awards (2007) (TV) .... Herself - Presenter
31. "Rachael Ray" .... Herself (1 episode, 2007)
- Episode #2.1 (2007) TV episode .... Herself
32. High School Musical 2 Dance-Along (2007) (TV) .... Herself
33. "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" .... Herself (1 episode, 2007)
- Episode dated 5 September 2007 (2007) TV episode .... Herself
34. The Teen Choice Awards 2007 (2007) (TV) .... Herself
35. "Richard & Judy" .... Herself (1 episode, 2007)
- Episode dated 2 August 2007 (2007) TV episode .... Herself
36. High School Musical: The Concert - Extreme Access Pass (2007) (V) .... Herself
37. Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards '07 (2007) (TV) .... Herself
38. The 9th Annual Family Television Awards (2007) (TV) .... Herself
39. Get'cha head in the game: the choreography of High School Musical (2006) (V) .... Herself
40. 2006 American Music Awards (2006) (TV) .... Herself - Presenter
41. High School Musical Dance-Along (2006) (TV) .... Herself
... aka High School Musical Dance-Off (Australia)
42. The Teen Choice Awards 2006 (2006) (TV) .... Herself
43. The Young Hollywood Awards (2006) (TV) .... Herself
44. "The Disney Channel Games" (2006) TV mini-series .... Herself
45. 2006 Billboard Latin Music Awards (2006) (TV) .... Herself
46. Totally Suite New Year's Eve (2005) (TV) .... Herself
Archive Footage:
1. Come Feud with Me: The Top 10 Disney Channel Character Feuds (2008) (V) .... Gabriella Montez
