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Zac Efron Speaks About Sobriety And The Challenges Of Dating, Even Tried Tinder?

By Jessica Dafoe
Published on: 05:12 PST, Aug 2, 2016

Zac Efron recently got candid in an interview during which he shared about his sobriety and the challenges he faces as someone seeking love.

The Times interviewed the former teen heartthrob, who has had a rough road since his days as every teenage girl’s celebrity pinup crush. The publication recounts Efron’s far-from-humble beginnings in the world of entertainment.

“For girls born in 1993 and the years following, Zac Efron will most likely be remembered as their first big pin-up crush. In 2006, aged 18 and shortly after graduating from school, Efron arrived on TV screens as the all-singing, all-dancing Troy Bolton in the Disney Channel’s wildly successful High School Musical franchise. The three films went on to gross $253m (£190m) worldwide, not counting the lucrative lines of merchandise: Efron’s Ken-doll-handsome face adorned school satchels, sticker books and posters.”

The High School Musical star admitted that his celebrity status is one of the biggest roadblocks to finding love. The heartthrob has been connected to other stars, such as former co-star Vanessa Hudgens, Lilly Collins, Michelle Rodriguez, and Sami Miro. He, however, shares the downside to dating and stardom.

“Dating is something I’ll never be able to do. As in the dictionary definition of dating, because one way or another I’ve impacted that person’s life and they’ll soon realize it. A date has to be very long to dispel whatever people think about me.”

The 28-year-old joked about Tinder and added that nobody swiped for him as they believed it to be a scam.

“Amazingly, when I signed up for Tinder, nobody swiped me! They thought it was fake,” before adding, “That never happened. Aha-ha.”

He got us good with that one. Efron avoids not only dating apps, but also social media. The star revealed that he does not handle his own social media accounts, but instead enlists the help of others to post for him. Efron explains why he swore off using the social platforms himself.

“I lost my mind because of the internet. I’d read 30 positive things and one bad thing, then I’d harbor that bad thing. It drove me crazy.”

Zac also shared about the downfall he experienced shortly after his teen stardom came to an end, and he was forced to navigate his way in the world of adult celebrity. At this point, he became quite depressed and began battling drug and alcohol abuse. He eventually checked into rehab in early 2013 for these struggles. Efron remains a member of Alcoholics Anonymous and communicates how sharing about these dark times is essential for him and for the benefit of others.

“There’s a theory that actors should live like monks. You stay private, you make a great movie, then that’s all people see and you’re not a product of your struggle. But if you’re comfortable sharing your story, celebrate it. Most days I wake up excited now.”

As Entertainment Tonight notes, that excitement likely has to do with the star’s upcoming role in the film Baywatch, in which he’ll star alongside big time wrestler and Hollywood actor, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Efron clearly has a massive amount of respect for Johnson, sharing that the actor could “successfully run the country.”

Zac spoke about the ambitions of his notable co-star.

“He wants to make an impact beyond acting. He could run for president. F*** it, he’d be better than anyone at this point!”

The duo will likely draw in crowds in droves to the sure-to-be hit, and Efron is clearly back on his feet. Zac has definitely made it through the troublesome times that often come when actors go from childhood to adulthood in the entertainment industry.

[Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images]

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