‘High School Musical’s’ Black Stars, 20 Years Later

Oh, where does the time go? It’s officially been 20 years since one of the biggest franchises in Disney history premiered. The “High School Musical” (HSM) trilogy undoubtedly shaped a young generation, and now we’re taking a close look at three of the stars who Black kids have looked up to for years.

The film mostly follows the love story of Zac Efron’s Troy and Vanessa Hudgens’ Gabriella, but it’s characters like Taylor, Chad and Zeke that stayed with us two decades later. Here’s what they’ve been up to since making Disney history.

Corbin Bleu as Chad

Out of all of the High School Musical characters, Chad– played by Corbin Bleu– was certainly every girl’s childhood crush. In the film, Chad didn’t approve of his best friend Troy’s struggle with basketball and theater, which promoted that iconic “Get’cha Head in the Game” song in the series.

Since being somewhat of a Disney heartthrob, Bleu took his singing, dancing and acting talents to Broadway with productions like “In the Heights,” “Godspell,” “Holiday Inn” and “Kiss Me, Kate” in 2019. Bleu also made it to the finale of “Dancing with the Stars” in 2013, placing second.

The HSM alumnus returned to his roots in 2022 with an appearance on Disney+’s “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series.” He spoke to PEOPLE about returning to East High– the fictional school where the series takes place.

“I did not expect the reaction that I had when walking back into East High,” he said. “Even when I first saw it, just driving up, I took my breath away and I was like, ‘Whoa. This is doing something to me. Why?’” He continued explaining how he became emotional on set. “When I walked into the gym, that was actually when I started crying. I had so many life-changing special experiences in that room where we shot ‘Get’cha Head in the Game,’ where we shot ‘We’re All in This Together,’ where we had so many emotional, important scenes, crazy moments.”

Monique Coleman as Taylor

In the films, Monique Coleman played Taylor, the studious best friend of Gabriella who doubled as the class president and one of the smartest folks in the class! After HSM’s end, Coleman continued acting, landing roles in “Love, Marry, Kill” and “Naomi and Ely’s No Kiss List.”

She evenput her dancing skills to the test while competing on “Dancing with the Stars“ in 2006. She placed fourth. Coleman continues to act even now, with her most recent project being “Trapped in the Spotlight” in 2025 also starring Melyssa Ford.

In 2010, Coleman was named the UN’s first-ever Youth Champion. She also founded Gimme Mo, a youth empowerment organization. 2021 brought cast mates Coleman and Bleu together for a holiday film, “A Christmas Dance Reunion.” She also appeared in “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series.”

Chris Warren Jr. as Zeke

Chris Warren Jr.’s character, Zeke, didn’t get much fan love until he decided to trade in his basketball dreams for a more tasty career choice! Zeke fell in love with food, and with dreams of being a chef, his character was not only relatable for young viewers everywhere, but he offered inspiration to many Black kids who have more interests than just sports.

Now, Warren, who told PEOPLE he originally auditioned to play Chad, has continued acting with notable appearances in “Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel,” “Tyler Perry’s Sistas” and the 2023 thriller, “Ruined” also starring singer Keri Hilson.