Hollywood Mom Blog

Leonardo di Caprio’s Career Advice to Zac Efron, “Don’t Do Heroin.”

Posted on 21. Jul, 2010 by Editor Tracy Bobbitt.

Zac Efron, 22, soon to be seen in Charlie St. Cloud, apparently learns from the mistakes of his celebrity peers. Efron may have also learned a few things about the perils of  “over-exposure” from girlfriend and High School Musical co-star Vanessa Hudgens (pictured left), who received a wave of bad press for nude photos she took of herself which subsequently leaked to the internet.

Unlike his love interest, Zac takes precautions to be known solely for his acting career. He regularly studies how other young stars are perceived in the media and changes his own behavior as a result.  Efron states, “Every time something does happen [in the media] – and I notice when those things happen – people go through those things and experience that kind of stuff.  I take note of it, a mental note, ‘Wow, that didn’t work’, so from that point on I sort of look out for that. I kind of adapt.”

The former teen star admits his own film idol is himself a former teen heart throb – film star and activist, Leonardo DiCaprio (Inception, 2010).  “He’s super-talented, grounded and focused and that’s everything I want to be in the future,” states Efron, “He’s experienced the good times, the bad times, the scary times and the amazing times and [he's] still escalating. It gives me some hope. It inspires me to keep going.”

Zac Efron, who is regularly seated next to Di Caprio at the Lakers games says that the Titanic star isn’t spilling any great industry secrets and that their conversations are “nothing out of the ordinary.”

Efron tells MTV News that Di Caprio is a “normal guy”  and that while they don’t regularly discuss business, there are times when DiCaprio helps Efron out with his career. “He’s a cool guy and he is helpful,” Efron said. “I ask him questions every once in a while, and he gives advice to the best of his abilities, but he’s not like a life coach.”

In the May issue of GQ, Efron shared that DiCaprio told him to avoid heroin at all costs. “I thought I was gonna ask him questions,” Efron said. “He ended up asking me questions, and in that, he told me a lot. He said, ‘There’s one way that you can really f— this all up. Just do heroin. If you steer clear of that — the other obstacles you’ll be able to navigate.’”

Efron also defends that he was never “programmed by Disney” to behave properly in public.  “It’s common sense” he says,”If you’re gonna be drunk with your friends, don’t get wasted at the Chateau Marmont and hook up with some famous chick.  It’s not rocket science. I don’t want to be famous [as a] personality.”

In regards to his private life Efron wisely states, ” I keep that under wraps.”

Sources: MTV News, GQ Magazine,

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Video: William Morris Agent Reveals Traits She Seeks in Child Actors

Posted on 28. Jul, 2009 by Editor Tracy Bobbitt.

William Morris talent agent Bonnie Liedke discusses the four traits she looks for in child actors she may potentially represent: Looks, Talent, Poise, and Charm.  Of the latter trait she expounds, “Once they have that 5 seconds [in her office] you hope to god they can be very engaging.”

Liedke represents “High School Musical” stars Corbin Bleu (whom she calls a triple threat) and Zac Efron (whom she recalls as a once awkward teen), among others.  Video courtesy of www.backstage.com

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TMI: Starla Efron fills Son Zac’s Stocking

Posted on 09. Mar, 2009 by Hollywood Mom.

Momager Starla Efron is in the news.  In what can be categorized as ‘Too Much Information,” the LA Times, People Magazine and every other media outlet are reporting on the contents of Zac Efron’s Christmas stocking: an economy package of condoms, which is apparently the gift you need when you’re dating Vanessa Hudgens.  Or at least that’s what Starla Efron surmized after seeing a picture of her son and Vanessa in what appeared to be a sex shop.  While it’s commendable that Starla and Zac have such an open mother/son relationship, the “openess” is unfortunate news for Vanessa’s recovery PR campaign and for all of the children of the world who now know as well.

My TMI moment? Having the information blurb blasted over the car radio this morning with my 10 year old in the back seat, soaking in every word.  I know Zac and Vanessa didn’t literally sign on to be role models, but that’s what being a Disney Star amounts to. Children as young as 4 and 5 look-up to the cast members of HSM. What do you think? Should they keep their more revealing and personal information to themselves for the sake of their young fans?  Or should they enter adulthood with the world watching?

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