Ashley Tisdale, the beloved star of Disney’s High School Musical, is sharing a fun behind-the-scenes insight into her iconic role as Sharpay Evans.
The actress, now 39, recently spoke with PEOPLE about the character that skyrocketed her to fame, revealing some humorous and surprising details about what made Sharpay so memorable.
Sharpay’s Misunderstanding of Popularity
When Tisdale first took on the role of Sharpay Evans, she played her as if she were the “popular girl” in school, thinking that was the essence of the character. However, as Tisdale explained, Sharpay wasn’t actually the popular girl at all—she was the “drama queen.”
Reflecting on her approach, Tisdale said, “I truly thought Sharpay was popular, and I played it like she was popular.” She credited director Kenny Ortega for helping her enhance that perception, which made the character even more entertaining.
“What’s so funny is that she’s not the popular girl. She’s the drama queen,” Tisdale continued, laughing at how she had envisioned Sharpay as the queen bee of the school, only to realize later that her character was more of a comedic, over-the-top diva.
Her husband, Christopher French, also found the humor in Sharpay’s delusion, pointing out, “That’s what’s so funny about how you played it. You really thought you were popular.”
Sharpay’s Enduring Iconic Status
While Sharpay may not have been the “popular girl” in the traditional sense, Tisdale is now embracing the fact that her character has become one of the most iconic figures from High School Musical. Sharpay’s sassy one-liners, flashy personality, and unforgettable songs have lived on in social media and meme culture.
Tisdale expressed how “cool” it is to see Sharpay continue to gain popularity online, saying, “Sharpay is — I swear she’s mother to everybody — because it’s like she just keeps coming back on these memes and people keep talking and doing the songs.” She added, “Out of everyone in High School Musical, my character is the most iconic. It’s so cool.”
For Tisdale, the character’s legacy is a source of pride, as Sharpay continues to inspire new generations through viral memes and music clips.
A Part of Pop Culture History
Tisdale also took a moment to reflect on how lucky she feels to be a part of two iconic franchises that have earned a lasting place in pop culture: High School Musical and Phineas and Ferb. Playing the voice of Candace Flynn in the animated series, Tisdale expressed how fortunate she feels to have been a part of projects that have endured over time.
“It’s really awesome to be a part of these projects that have really been so prevalent in pop culture and to play these characters,” she shared.
Looking back on her career, Tisdale marveled at how High School Musical came into her life. “I was always trying to get a Disney movie, and never got the movie. And then, I got High School Musical,” she said. “Out of all the ones, I get that. This is pretty awesome.”
The Legacy of High School Musical
High School Musical was released in 2006 and quickly became one of Disney Channel’s most successful movies, with its infectious songs and lovable characters resonating with fans worldwide.
The film spawned two sequels, including High School Musical 3: Senior Year, which was released in theaters in 2008 and grossed over $250 million globally. High School Musical 3 marked a major milestone as the biggest opening weekend for a musical film, a record it held until Les Misérables in 2012.
Tisdale’s portrayal of Sharpay Evans helped define the success of the High School Musical franchise, and the character’s impact continues to be felt, proving that even the most unexpected characters can achieve legendary status in the world of pop culture.
Ashley Tisdale’s reflection on her role as Sharpay Evans gives fans an even deeper appreciation for the character that has stood the test of time. From being the “drama queen” who thought she was popular to becoming one of Disney’s most iconic characters, Sharpay’s legacy continues to shine brightly.
Tisdale’s journey, from her High School Musical days to her voice work on Phineas and Ferb, showcases how certain roles can leave a lasting impact on both the actors and the audiences who love them.
