Garrett Clayton and Zac Efron are two actors who have a lot in common. They both started their careers on Disney Channel, they both played surfers in musical movies, and they both have blue eyes, brown hair, and charming smiles. But are they related by blood? The answer is no. Despite their striking resemblance, Garrett Clayton and Zac Efron are not related in any way.
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How the Comparison Started
The comparison between Garrett Clayton and Zac Efron started when Garrett was cast as Tanner, the lead surfer in the Disney Channel original movie Teen Beach Movie (2013) and its sequel Teen Beach 2 (2015). Tanner was a parody of Troy Bolton, the character that Zac Efron played in the High School Musical trilogy (2006-2008). Both Tanner and Troy were popular, athletic, and musical, and both had to choose between their passions and their friends.
Garrett Clayton admitted that he was inspired by Zac Efron’s performance as Troy Bolton, but he also wanted to make Tanner his own. He told J-14 magazine that he watched High School Musical before filming Teen Beach Movie to get a feel for the genre. He said, “I wanted to see what he did because I think he did a really good job. But I also wanted to make sure I wasn’t copying him.”
How Garrett Clayton Feels About the Comparison
Garrett Clayton has expressed mixed feelings about being compared to Zac Efron. On one hand, he appreciates the compliment and respects Zac Efron as an actor. He told Flaunt magazine that he thinks Zac Efron is “a really nice guy” and “a great actor”. He also said that he would love to work with him someday.
On the other hand, Garrett Clayton wants to be recognized for his own talents and achievements. He told Flaunt magazine that he does not want to be seen as a copy of Zac Efron. He said, “People compare us so much. I think everyone expects me to want to be like him. [Zac] was more of the romantic leading man. Whereas I’m kind of like the funny best friend a lot of the time. I just want to be able to be a character actor.”
Garrett Clayton has also faced some challenges because of the comparison. He told People magazine that some casting directors have rejected him because they thought he looked too much like Zac Efron. He said, “I’ve gone into auditions where they’ve said, ‘You’re too much like Zac.’ And I’m like, ‘Well, what does that mean?’”
How Zac Efron Feels About the Comparison
Zac Efron has not publicly commented on the comparison between him and Garrett Clayton. However, he has shown support for Garrett Clayton’s career by following him on Instagram and liking some of his posts. He also congratulated him on his role in Hairspray Live! (2016), where Garrett Clayton played Link Larkin, the same role that Zac Efron played in Hairspray (2007).
Zac Efron has also faced his own share of comparisons to other actors. He has been compared to Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Cruise, and James Dean, among others. He told GQ magazine that he does not mind the comparisons as long as they are positive. He said, “As long as it’s flattering comparisons, I’m OK with it.”
The Bottom Line
Garrett Clayton and Zac Efron are two talented actors who have a lot in common, but they are not related by blood. They have different backgrounds, personalities, and career paths. They have also developed their own fan bases and identities in the entertainment industry. While they may look alike, they are not the same person.
