Lucas Grabeel Talks “High School Musical” 20 Years Later

Lucas: Ashley is the reason I got the job. It started in the audition at that final callback, and the two of us were paired up. Ashley just immediately embodied Sharpay, and I didn’t even realize how quickly that made me settle into Ryan. 

We went outside after they paired us up, and she said, “I want to rehearse.” I was like, “No, I’m good. I’m prepared, I’m ready to go.” And she was like, “Yeah, but I need to make sure that I’m good.” 

We ran the scene, and she immediately gave me notes and told me how to say certain lines. At the time, I was thinking, “Who do you think you are?” But I walked into the audition with that “Ryan” vibe of just doing your best and keeping cool. So that Ryan/Sharpay energy happened immediately, and that’s what you see in the movie. 

We didn’t get along great in the beginning, and that’s well known; we’ve talked about it. But once I really got to know Ashley, and I got to know her family and her story, and she learned mine — we became like siblings, and I really love her.

Casting was so important with High School Musical, and we had a very sibling-like relationship, just like Ryan and Sharpay. Looking back, I understand why they chose us for the roles. So thanks, Ash!