10 Movie Franchises That (Almost) Destroyed Their Star

5. High School Musical - Zac Efron

High School Musical Zac Efron
Disney

Zac Efron shot to fame at the mere age of 18 after starring in Disney's hit film High School Musical and its two sequels, but the actor admitted in recent years that the unfathomable amount of attention he received for the role caused him to turn to alcohol, ecstasy, and cocaine to cope.

Efron said, "There was something lacking... some sort of hole that I couldn't really fill up." His substance abuse issues got bad enough that he ended up missing several shooting days of his comedy movie Neighbours in 2013, causing him to check into rehab shortly thereafter.

Efron reportedly remains sober to this day and has thankfully graduated onto more fruitful roles beyond his slushier earlier career, recently receiving praise for playing Ted Bundy in last year's Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile.

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Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes). General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.