Ashley Tisdale recently shared a sweet and humorous story about her daughter, Jupiter's, first encounter with the classic Disney movie, High School Musical, which led to quite the mix-up. During her appearance on the Breaking Beauty podcast on January 15, the 39-year-old actress revealed her three-year-old daughter thought none other than Zac Efron, her mother's co-star, was her real father.
“She thought Zac Efron was her dad,” Ashley recalled. “I was like, ‘No, that's not daddy. Just cause they [both] have dark hair, it’s not daddy.’” This moment of confusion unfolded about a year prior, when Jupiter watched the 2006 film with her dad, Christopher French.
The moment is undoubtedly relatable for many fans, reminding them of their own childhood misunderstandings of reality and fiction. The High School Musical saga has continued to shape pop culture, and Jupiter's innocent mistake only adds to its charm. This beloved musical, which launched the careers of Tisdale and Efron, has made its mark on generations, and now it seems the next generation is catching up.
While Jupiter appeared enamored with Efron's character, Troy Bolton, Ashley explained her daughter isn't fully aware of the intricacies of her mother’s fame. “She did start to get to the age where she’s questioning why people take pictures with me. And I truly did not know how to answer. I just said, ‘I don’t know,’” she shared. Jupiter likely views people taking photos with Ashley as just another part of life, showcasing her innocent perspective.
Ashley, who also welcomed her second daughter, Emerson, just four months prior, reflected on the challenges of discussing the entertainment industry with her children. Her husband suggested explaining to Jupiter her mother is an actress, but Ashley admitted she struggles with how to approach such conversations. She expressed concern about whether Jupiter is truly ready to understand this concept.
“Her little life is so cute and fun,” Tisdale commented, expressing her desire to maintain Jupiter's innocent childhood experience.
Meanwhile, Ashley’s longtime friend, actor Austin Butler, chimed in during discussions about their family dynamics. He has known Ashley and her children since they were young and relished his role as the “fun uncle.” He said, “I feel so honoured to be a part of her life and to get to know her children.” Butler, who shares history with the Tisdales dating back to their shared projects, such as Aliens in the Attic and Sharpay's Fabulous Adventure, also bears his fondness for Ashley’s parenting style.
Beyond High School Musical, Jupiter is learning to recognize her mother’s voice, thanks to shows like Phineas and Ferb. Ashley explained, “It’s really funny,” noting her daughter is not only aware of her mom’s work but excited to see her during important events. Ashley recalled Jupiter's excitement when they caught the livestream of the premiere of the upcoming Wicked movie. “She’s like, ‘I gotta see Mommy on the carpet!’” Ashley laughed. “That’s the most exciting thing to her, is to see her mom at events, even when I have nothing to do with them.”
This heartwarming story about Jupiter’s confusion reflects both the fun side of childhood and the strong relationship between the Tisdale family and their friends, bridging the gap between reality and fantasy. It speaks to how, even almost two decades later, the impact of High School Musical resonates powerfully, nurturing fond memories and connections.
It's safe to say, this anecdote among friends demonstrates the wholesome dynamics of growing up, where familial bonds and Hollywood friendships create delightful and unforgettable moments. And let’s be honest, if anyone were to mistakenly call Zac Efron “dad,” many of us could understand the sentiment—even just for nostalgia's sake.