Zac Efron has been in the spotlight since his teenage years, capturing hearts with his role as Troy Bolton in High School Musical and later transitioning into more mature roles. However, over the years, his physical transformation, personal struggles, and career choices have fueled endless speculation. Now, at 37, Efron is finally setting the record straight, confirming the truth behind the rumors that have followed him for years.

The Jaw Injury That Changed Everything

One of the most persistent rumors surrounding Zac Efron has been about plastic surgery, particularly on his jawline. Fans first noticed a dramatic change in his face in 2021, leading to speculation that he had undergone cosmetic procedures. Some even accused him of having fillers or jaw implants, but the real story is much different.

Efron later revealed that in 2013, he suffered a serious jaw injury after slipping and hitting his chin on the corner of a fountain at home. The accident caused his jaw to shatter, requiring emergency medical attention. During recovery, his masseter muscles (used for chewing) overcompensated, leading to a wider, more pronounced jawline.

For years, he stayed silent about the changes in his appearance, but as speculation grew, he decided to address the rumors head-on, confirming that his transformation was due to injury and rehabilitation, not plastic surgery.

Zac Efron’s Struggle With Addiction

Beyond physical changes, Efron also battled addiction behind closed doors. While his public image was that of a charming, clean-cut star, he was secretly struggling with alcohol and substance abuse.

Efron admitted that during his early 20s, the pressures of Hollywood led him down a dark path. The constant media scrutiny, demanding film roles, and overwhelming fame took a toll on his mental health. At first, drinking was just a way to unwind, but it spiraled into daily consumption, and eventually, drug use entered the picture.

By 2013, he realized his life was out of control and made the difficult decision to enter rehab. There, he confronted his demons, sought therapy, and committed to sobriety. Since then, Efron has remained open about his recovery, acknowledging that staying sober is an ongoing process that requires discipline and self-awareness.

The Near-Death Experience in Ibiza

Efron’s journey has been filled with close calls, one of which occurred in Ibiza, Spain, in 2024. What started as a relaxing vacation with friends quickly turned into a life-threatening situation.

While diving into a pool, Efron miscalculated his dive, hitting the bottom with such force that he was knocked unconscious. His friends rushed to pull him out, and paramedics arrived quickly to provide oxygen and medical attention. Fortunately, he suffered no permanent injuries, but the accident shook him to his core.

Later, Efron took to social media, posting:
“Grateful to be here.”

This near-death experience reinforced his commitment to living in the moment, reminding him of how quickly life can change.

The Truth About His Love Life

Efron’s romantic relationships have always been a hot topic, with fans closely following his dating history. One of the most high-profile rumors was about his relationship with Alexandra Daddario, his co-star in Baywatch. Their undeniable on-screen chemistry led to speculation that they were dating in real life.

While the two were close friends, Efron later confirmed that their relationship was strictly professional. Despite fans’ hopes, he insisted that their connection was based on mutual respect and admiration, not romance.

Over the years, Efron has been linked to multiple celebrities, but he has chosen to keep his private life as low-key as possible, stating that finding real love in Hollywood is challenging.

A Terrifying Incident in Los Angeles

One of the scariest moments in Efron’s life occurred when he and a friend ran out of gas in Skid Row, one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Los Angeles. While waiting for help, they were approached by a group of men, and a confrontation quickly escalated into a physical altercation.

Efron described it as one of the most terrifying experiences of his life, a moment that happened so fast he barely had time to react. Although he and his friend escaped without serious harm, the incident served as a stark reminder of how unpredictable life can be.

The Heartbreaking Loss of His Cousin

In 2018, Efron faced one of his most devastating personal losses—the death of his cousin Emily. She had battled cancer for years, and despite her incredible strength, she ultimately lost the fight at just 28 years old.

Efron paid tribute to her on social media, sharing:
“Emily was my rock. She fought harder than anyone I’ve ever known. She’s gone, but she’ll always be with me.”

Her death was a painful reminder of how short life is, reinforcing his commitment to staying close to family and valuing the relationships that matter most.

Losing His Beloved Dog, “Puppy”

Efron is an animal lover, and in 2012, he adopted a dog named Puppy, who quickly became his constant companion. Whether hiking in the mountains or relaxing at home, Puppy was always by his side.

However, in 2016, Efron suffered another heartbreaking loss when Puppy passed away. He shared an emotional tribute, writing:
“Thank you for being my best friend. I’ll miss you forever.”

Losing Puppy was like losing a part of himself, but the support from fans helped him cope with the grief.

A Brush With Death in 2019

While filming a survival series in Papua New Guinea, Efron contracted a severe bacterial infection, reportedly typhoid or a similar illness. He was flown to a hospital in Australia for emergency treatment and spent several days recovering.

The situation was critical, but thanks to quick medical intervention, he survived. Reflecting on the experience, he said:
“That was one of the scariest moments of my life. It reminded me to never take health for granted.”

This close call reinforced his dedication to self-care, fitness, and mental well-being.

Life in Australia—Escaping Hollywood

In 2020, as the world dealt with the pandemic, Efron decided to step away from Hollywood and relocate to Australia. He had visited before but never considered making it home until he realized how much he needed a break from the chaos of fame.

Australia gave him a sense of peace, allowing him to reconnect with nature, adventure, and a simpler way of living. He later said:
“I’ve never felt more at peace than I did in Australia. It was a chance to breathe, to focus on what truly matters.”

This experience reshaped his perspective on life, leading him to prioritize balance over nonstop work.

Final Thoughts: A New Zac Efron

At 37, Zac Efron has lived through extreme highs and devastating lows. From career reinventions and personal loss to addiction recovery and near-death experiences, he has faced it all.

What remains clear is that he’s no longer the teenage heartthrob from High School Musical—he’s a man who has fought to rebuild himself, learned from his struggles, and embraced a new path.

As he moves forward, one thing is certain: Zac Efron is still writing his story, and the best chapters may be yet to come