Zac Efron, the heartthrob known for his breakout role in “High School Musical,” has certainly evolved in appearance over the years, sparking rumors of plastic surgery. Lately, these whispers have resurfaced with the release of his latest film on Netflix, “A Family Affair,” where he plays the role of an obnoxious movie star, Chris Cole, who ends up romantically involved with his intern’s mom, portrayed by Nicole Kidman.
Despite the ongoing speculations, particularly about his notably chiseled jawline, Efron has confirmed that his altered look is due to a severe injury, not cosmetic surgery. The actor endured a significant accident in 2013 when he slipped in socks and collided face-first with a granite fountain at his home, resulting in a shattered jaw. This injury was so severe that his jawbone was essentially hanging off his face, necessitating it to be wired shut to heal.
While many are aware of this traumatic incident, Efron still faces ongoing speculation regarding potential plastic surgery. Addressing these rumors in a 2022 interview with Entertainment Tonight, ahead of his AppleTV film “The Greatest Beer Run Ever,” Efron remarked, “I don’t really read the internet,” and humorously added, “It was funny. It sucked. I almost died,” reflecting on his accident.
Efron has also explained that the change in his jaw’s appearance is due to the adaptive response of his facial muscles following the injury. The masseter muscles, which play a crucial role in chewing and are located on both sides of the jaw, had to compensate significantly, leading them to increase in size. This muscular change is a direct aftermath of his effort to recover post-accident.
As of 2022, Efron was still engaged in physical therapy to address these changes. He shared with Men’s Health that during the filming of the second season of “Down to Earth with Zac Efron” in Australia, he had to pause his therapy sessions, which contributed to the pronounced growth of his masseter muscles.
Despite the transformation in his facial structure, Zac Efron continues to captivate audiences with his talent and charm. Regardless of the speculation, many would agree that the actor remains as handsome as ever.