Vanessa Hudgens began her career in the world of musical theatre at the tender age of 8. Immediately realizing the incredible future that lay before her, she has tirelessly pursued her dream with much success. These early roles in such productions as “Evita,” “Carousel,” “The Wizard of Oz,” “The King & I,” “The Music Man,” “Cinderella” and “Damn Yankees” gave Vanessa the opportunity to showcase her impressive singing and acting skills.

Vanessa is currently filming “High School Musical 3: Senior Year”, which is set to be released in October. She recently wrapped filming “Will”, directed by Todd Graff, a film which centers around a High School misfit and a popular girl who form an unlikely bond through their love for music.

Vanessa is finishing her second album for Hollywood Records to be released this summer.

The recognition Vanessa received quickly brought her to the screen. She made her feature film debut in Catherine Hardwicke’s “Thirteen” starring Holly Hunter and Evan Rachel Wood. Soon thereafter, she co-starred in the action-adventure film “Thunderbirds” and was a recurring guest star on Disney Channel’s “The Suite Life of Zach & Cody.” Her other television credits include appearances on “Quintuplets,” “Brothers Garcia,” “Still Standing” and “Robbery Homicide Division.”

It was however Vanessa’s role in Disney Channel’s breakaway sensation “High School Musical” that has garnered her much praise and attention. In it she plays Gabrielle Montez, the sweet girl torn between her attraction to both basketball jock Troy Bolton and the school musical auditions. With critics and fans clamoring for more, Vanessa can currently be seen in the films highly successful follow up “High School Musical 2.”

Although acting has consumed much of her time, Vanessa still has been able to devote herself to singing and performing. Last year she released her debut solo album “V”—a captivating variety of rock, electronic and R&B styles—and toured with the Cheetah Girls.

Born December 14, 1988 in Salinas, California, Hudgens has lived all along the west coast from Oregon to Southern California. Her mother is Filipino, Chinese and Latina and her father is a mix of Irish and American Indian. Vanessa really enjoys spending time with family, going to the movies, dancing and singing. Hudgens lives in Los Angles with her parents, younger sister Stella and her pet dog.