What Happened to Zac Efron: He Fell for Waitress, Lived Out of Van & Sold His LA Home for $5.3M

• Teen idol Zac Efron rose to fame for his leading role in the "High School Musical" trilogy.
• The actor, who has spent most of his life in the U.S., sold his L.A. house. He had previously moved to Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• During his time in Australia, Efron was romantically linked to a waitress and even lived out of a van.

Zachary David Alexander Efron, more popularly known as Zac Efron, was born on October 18, 1987, in San Luis Obispo, California. In the early 2000s, he captivated audiences with his good looks and charming demeanor as a teenage star in "High School Musical."

The "Baywatch" actor has lived in the U.S. for most of his life and once owned a beautiful house in Los Angeles. Efron showed glimpses of his lovely abode in an exclusive video interview in September 2017.

In late 2020, it was revealed that Efron had placed his scenic residence in the hills of Los Feliz on the market for $5.9 million. The 36-year-old star acquired the property for $4 million in 2013 and spent seven years there.

Over the years, he implemented modifications, enhancing the swimming pool and spa by adding a waterfall to capitalize on the picturesque surroundings, offering views stretching from downtown L.A. to the Pacific Ocean.

Leaving the U.S. and Moving to Australia

In May 2021, the "17 Again" actor formally bid farewell to Los Angeles for a new residence Down Under. Having moved to Byron Bay in New South Wales, Australia, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Efron successfully sold his longstanding Los Feliz home for $5.3 million. This amount fell short of the initial asking price of $5.9 million when the property was first listed in December 2020.

During the filming of his film "Gold" in 2020, Efron reportedly invested $2 million in a substantial expanse of untouched land, providing him with the opportunity to construct a new residence.

The latter had reportedly quit her job to dedicate more time to Efron.

Efron's former Los Angeles residence was a secluded retreat nestled on over three-quarters of an acre of hillside property. Accessible via a long, gated driveway, the estate offered sweeping views from the downtown skyline to the Pacific Ocean.

Marketed as a "perfect celebrity haven" and a "stylish zen contemporary compound," the property featured a flat-roofed two-story main house with four bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, and a separate one-bedroom guesthouse.

The open-plan living spaces, adorned with glossy wood floors and floor-to-ceiling windows, displayed a minimalist aesthetic with personal touches like a Bruce Lee painting and a vintage pinball machine.

The main-floor bedroom, painted in a trendy charcoal hue, boasted a fireplace, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a luxurious bathroom with slate tile and faux-crocodile wallpaper. The lower level housed three en suite bedrooms, a spacious games room with a ping pong table, and a discreetly located fitness room in the one-bedroom guesthouse.

Stone-paved terraces extended from every room, leading to a circular spa on the upper-level terrace that cascaded into a treetop swimming pool below. The property was equipped with a comprehensive camera-equipped security system, ensuring privacy and protection.

Zac Efron's New Lifestyle & Living Out of a Van

Having resided in Australia for nearly a year and being midway through the filming of the Stan Original movie "Gold" in early 2021, Efron fully embraced life Down Under. During this time, he shared that he was camping in the South Australian outback, utilizing a $140,000 Lotus caravan that he seemed to be renting as part of a sponsored deal, essentially for free.

The then-33-year-old Hollywood star adopted an authentic Aussie look, donning an Akubra hat as he posed outside the luxurious motorhome, expressing his contentment with a caption, "Home sweet home" on Instagram.

The caravan, serving as Efron's temporary abode, boasted a comfortable double bed, a leather sofa with a seating area, pop-up TVs, and a fully equipped kitchen with a cooker and hot water facilities. This arrangement allowed him to live a unique and comfortable lifestyle while immersing himself in the Australian landscape during the filming of his movie.

In an exclusive interview from September 2022, Efron shed light on his future plans and lifestyle choices. He shared that, ultimately, he intended to return to Byron Bay, where it was reported he owned land. However, his current lifestyle was notably transient.

Efron expressed his penchant for a minimalist and adventurous existence, stating that he was often found in a van, traversing the globe to explore different corners of the world or engaging in activities like hiking in the woods and camping.

The "Neighbors" actor highlighted his minimalist approach to personal belongings, indicating that he carried a limited wardrobe consisting of ten T-shirts, five pairs of workout shorts, a few pants, a couple of sweatshirts, and two Lululemon shorts-and-hoodie tracksuits that he wore regularly.

Since 2020, Efron has been prominently featured in a Netflix travel show titled "Down to Earth." In this web series, the actor embarks on a global journey alongside wellness expert Darin Olien, exploring various regions in search of healthy and sustainable lifestyles.

The series delves into different cultures and practices, offering viewers insights into alternative and eco-conscious approaches to living. "Down to Earth" has won two awards and received two nominations so far, and has an impressive 8.0/10 rating on IMDb.96

In May 2020, Efron appeared on "The Ellen Show," talking about how he spent most of the coronavirus pandemic in Australia. Expressing his love for the beautiful country, the "Hairspray" alum first stayed in Sydney and then moved to Byron Bay, which he described as an Australian heaven. Efron also spent time on Kangaroo Island and gave bungee jumping another try with his brother.

Zac Efron's Australian Abode

In early October 2020, the "At Any Price" star reportedly acquired a $22 million mansion in Byron Bay, Australia. Rumored to be a love nest for Efron and his then-partner, who was a model and waitress, the upscale property set sale records in the sought-after beachside enclave.

The mansion, one of Byron Bay's premier residences, featured five spacious bedrooms, including a master suite with an ensuite and a mezzanine walk-in wardrobe. Offering sweeping ocean views, the home provided private stairs leading down to Wategos Beach, granting easy access for the then-lovebirds.

Additional amenities included a heated infinity pool, a yoga and games room, a commercial laundry, a wine cellar, and various open-plan living spaces spread across different floors.

Efron Fell for a Civilian

In September 2020, Efron, then 32, sparked speculation about a new romance when he was photographed enjoying brunch with Vanessa Valladares at a beachside cafe in Lennox Head, Australia.

Efron, casually dressed in a black hat and shirt, seemed engrossed in his phone, while Valladares radiated happiness in a white shirt and black miniskirt. According to a source, the two first crossed paths in June of that year when Valladares, then a waitress at the Byron Bay General Store & Cafe, caught Efron's attention.

The relationship continued to blossom, with Efron and Valladares making public appearances in January 2021. The couple was seen holding hands as they headed to dinner with friends in Sydney, not far from Byron Bay, where Efron had been residing. Throughout that year, Efron was frequently spotted in Australia, enjoying outdoor activities and quality time with Valladares.

However, in April 2021, Efron concluded his ten-month relationship with the Australian model. The latter had reportedly quit her job to dedicate more time to Efron. Kyle Sandilands of the "Kyle & Jackie O" podcast confirmed that he had spoken to Efron, who confirmed the breakup, adding that there had been no drama.

Despite the breakup, Efron showed no inclination to return to the United States. The dramatic events did not mark the split; instead, Efron's busy life as a Hollywood actor, often traveling for various projects, contributed to the practical challenges of sustaining the relationship.

Refuting Rumors & Earning a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

In 2013, Efron suffered a severe injury that shattered his jaw and required wiring his mouth shut. This incident caused his fans to speculate that the actor had allegedly undergone surgery to enhance his jaw. However, during an interview at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2022, where Efron was promoting his film "The Greatest Beer Run Ever," he addressed the rumors.

Despite not being an avid internet reader, Efron candidly responded to the speculation, saying, "My mom told me. I don't really read the internet, so I don't really give a [expletive]." While acknowledging the rumors as "funny," he also underscored the gravity of the injury, stating, "It sucks. I almost died, but we're good."

On Monday, December 11, the "Miracle Run" star received a distinctive tribute by being awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Positioned at 6426 Hollywood Boulevard, Efron's star, the 2,767th, was unveiled in the Motion Pictures category, marking a significant recognition of his contributions to the film industry.