Playing the role of Link Larkin in the 2007 movie musical Hairspray is considered one of Zac Efron's most iconic performances. However, there were other notable names in the legendary film.
Nikki Blonsky portrayed Tracy Turnblad, a high school student who dreams of being on The Corny Collins Show, a local dance program. Despite facing ridicule from her classmates when she auditions for the show, Tracy's feelings for Link only grow stronger. Tracy not only becomes the show's star, but also successfully integrates The Corny Collins Show.
It has been almost ten years since the movie was released, but Blonsky and Efron developed a strong bond while working together.
Blonsky shared in a 2020 interview, "I don't mean to make every woman and gay man envious, but he was my closest friend during the filming of Hairspray." She added, "Even when we weren't shooting, we spent our weekends together. He was always at my place and I was always at his, sometimes even helping him with his laundry."
Keep scrolling to see what the Hairspray cast is doing now:
See What Is the Cast of 2007s Hairspray Up to Now Zac Efron and More
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See What the Cast of 2007's 'Hairspray' Movie Musical Are Doing Now: Zac Efron and More
Zac Efron is widely recognized for his role as Link Larkin in the 2007 movie musical Hairspray. It is considered one of his most iconic roles. However, he was not the only notable actor in the film. Nikki Blonsky played the lead role of Tracy Turnblad, a high school student who dreams of being on The Corny Collins Show, a local dance program. Despite facing ridicule from her peers at school, Tracy auditions for the show and develops a crush on Link. Tracy not only becomes the star of the show but also successfully integrates The Corny Collins Show.
It's been almost ten years since the movie was released, but Blonsky and Efron became good friends while working together on the set.
During a 2020 interview, Blonsky shared, "I don't want to make every woman and gay man jealous, but he was my closest friend during the filming of Hairspray. Even when we weren't shooting, we spent weekends together. He was always at my place, and I was always at his, sometimes even doing his laundry when he forgot."
Keep scrolling to see what the Hairspray cast is doing now:
See What Is the Cast of 2007s Hairspray Up to Now Zac Efron and More
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Nikki Blonsky
Blonsky's debut in the movie industry was as Tracy in Hairspray. She has since showcased her talent in various TV shows and films such as Queen Sized, Ugly Betty, Waiting for Forever, Smash, Huge, Geography Club, and more.
In 2020, Blonsky proudly shared that she is a member of the LGBTQ+ community. Two years later, she happily announced her engagement to her partner, Hailey Jo Jenson.
See What Is the Cast of 2007s Hairspray Up to Now Zac Efron and More
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Zac Efron
Zac Efron has not only continued his acting career after his role as Link, but he has also become more of a heartthrob as the years have gone by. Fans have seen Efron reprise his High School Musical role as Troy Bolton in the film's two sequels. In addition, he has starred in various movies such as 17 Again, Charlie St. Cloud, New Year’s Eve, The Lorax, The Lucky One, The Paperboy, Neighbors, That Awkward Moment, Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates, The Greatest Showman, Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile, and The Iron Claw.
The actor has also starred in and executive produced his Down to Earth With Zac Efron series on Netflix.
See What Is the Cast of 2007s Hairspray Up to Now Zac Efron and More
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Amanda Bynes
Bynes portrayed Tracy’s best friend, Penny Pingleton, in the film Hairspray, then took on roles in Sydney White and Easy A before taking a break from acting.
In April 2024, Bynes shared that she had pursued a career in manicuring by returning to school and earning an associate’s degree from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM) years ago.
See What Is the Cast of 2007s Hairspray Up to Now Zac Efron and More
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Elijah Kelley
Elijah Kelley rose to fame after his role as Seaweed in Hairspray. Since then, he has showcased his talent in movies like Red Tails, The Butler, and Strange Magic. In addition, Kelley portrayed Andy in the TV show Star from 2017 to 2018. Recently, it was revealed that he will play the legendary Sammy Davis Jr. in an upcoming limited series set to release in April 2022.
See What Is the Cast of 2007s Hairspray Up to Now Zac Efron and More
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Brittany Snow
Brittany Snow is known for her role as the villainous Amber Von Tussle in Hairspray and as Chloe Beale in all three Pitch Perfect movies. She has also appeared in films such as Prom Night, Someone Great, and TV shows like Crazy Ex-Girlfriend and Almost Family. In 2019, she made her directorial debut.
As for her personal life, Snow was married to Selling the OC star Tyler Stanaland from March 2020 until September 2022.
See What Is the Cast of 2007s Hairspray Up to Now Zac Efron and More
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John Travolta
Travolta starred as Tracy’s mom, Edna Turnblad, in the film. He has continued to land leading roles in Hollywood, such as Bolt, The Taking of Pelham 123, Savages, Gotti, Paradise City, and more. In addition, he portrayed Robert Shapiro in the 2016 TV series The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story.
Travolta was married to Kelly Preston from 1991 until her passing in 2020 due to breast cancer. The couple had three children: Jet, who tragically passed away in 2009 at the age of 16, Ella Bleu, now 24 years old, and Benjamin, who is 13 years old.
See What Is the Cast of 2007s Hairspray Up to Now Zac Efron and More
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Michelle Pfeiffer
Michelle Pfeiffer has portrayed a variety of characters throughout her career, including Velma Von Tussle in a musical movie. She has also appeared in films such as New Year’s Eve, People Like Us, and Murder on the Orient Express. In addition, Pfeiffer has taken on the role of Janet Van Dyne / Wasp in several Marvel movies, including Ant-Man and the Wasp. Most recently, in 2022, she starred as Betty Ford in The First Lady miniseries.
See What Is the Cast of 2007s Hairspray Up to Now Zac Efron and More
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Queen Latifah
Queen Latifah, known for her roles as an actress and singer, first gained attention for her role as Motormouth Maybelle in the movie Hairspray. She has since appeared in a variety of films such as What Happens in Vegas, The Secret Life of Bees, Valentine’s Day, Just Wright, Joyful Noise, 22 Jump Street, and Hustle.
Latifah has also released one album since appearing in Hairspray titled Persona, which was released in 2009.
See What Is the Cast of 2007s Hairspray Up to Now Zac Efron and More
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James Marsden
Marsden is known for his roles in various popular films and TV shows. He portrayed Corny Collins in Hairspray and starred as the male lead in the fan-favorite 27 Dresses. Other notable appearances include Death at a Funeral, Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues, X-Men: Days of Future Past, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Disenchanted, and more. In addition to his film work, Marsden has also appeared in TV shows such as 30 Rock, Dead to Me, The Stand, and as himself in the series Jury Duty in 2023.
See What Is the Cast of 2007s Hairspray Up to Now Zac Efron and More
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Allison Janney
Janney had a smaller part in Hairspray as Prudy Pingleton. She also appeared in Juno that year, followed by leading roles in The Help, The Oranges, The Duff, Finding Dory, I, Tonya, The Addams Family, and Bombshell, among others. On TV, Janney stood out in Masters of Sex, Mom, F Is for Family, and Duck Tales.
See What Is the Cast of 2007s Hairspray Up to Now Zac Efron and More
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Christopher Walken
Walken played Wilbur Turnblad, Tracy's father in the movie Hairspray. He has been acting for a long time and has been in many other films like Seven Psychopaths, Jersey Boys, Eddie the Eagle, The Jungle Book, and his most recent film, Dune: Part Two.
Editor's P/S:
The article provides a glimpse into the careers of the cast members of the 2007 movie musical "Hairspray." It highlights the iconic performance of Zac Efron as Link Larkin and explores the subsequent paths taken by the other notable actors in the film, including Nikki Blonsky, Amanda Bynes, and John Travolta.
It is interesting to note the diverse trajectories of the cast members. While some, like Efron, have continued to thrive in the entertainment industry, others have pursued different passions. The article also sheds light on the personal lives of the actors, such as Nikki Blonsky's coming out as a member of the LGBTQ+ community and Amanda Bynes's break from acting and subsequent return to school. Overall, the article provides a fascinating look at the impact of "Hairspray" on the lives and careers of its talented cast.