News | Entertainment
20 Feb 2026 18:19
NZCity News
NZCity CalculatorReturn to NZCity

  • Start Page
  • Personalise
  • Sport
  • Weather
  • Finance
  • Shopping
  • Jobs
  • Horoscopes
  • Lotto Results
  • Photo Gallery
  • Site Gallery
  • TVNow
  • Dating
  • SearchNZ
  • NZSearch
  • Crime.co.nz
  • RugbyLeague
  • Make Home
  • About NZCity
  • Contact NZCity
  • Your Privacy
  • Advertising
  • Login
  • Join for Free

  •   Home > News > Entertainment

    Lucas Grabeel was called "grandpa" on the set of 'High School Musical'

    The 40-year-old actor starred as Ryan Evans in the hit Disney Channel movie in 2006 alongside Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens, and Ashley Tisdale and while most of his co-stars were in their mid to late teens, he was in his early twenties at the time


    Speaking as part of a panel at MegaCon in Orlando, Florida, he said: "I always had some physical ailment or something and talking in Olde English slang, so everyone called me 'grandpa."

    The 'Little Women' star appeared in all three films that made up the 'High School Musical' franchise as singer and dancer Ryan but initially auditioned for the part of basketball player Troy Bolton, a role that eventually propelled his co-star Zac to worldwide fame.

    Former 'Suite Life' actress Ashley played Ryan's ambitious twin sister Sharpay Evans, and he admitted he was "p***** off" when he was paired for her because she was exactly like her character in that she would insist on running lines over and over again.

    He said: "I met Ashley at the callback. We had originally had our normal audition ... then we had the callback and met with the director. We had originally had our normal audition ... then we had the callback and met with the director.

    "That's when I auditioned for Troy. The director] was like, 'Oh Lucas, You are amazing but you are no Troy. But you are a Ryan.

    "I was paired with Ashley and she really p***** me off.

    "This girl. I mean, this is why she got the job - she was so Sharpay. She literally, we did the scene, we came out and she's like 'Hey, so I really wanna, like, rehearse and go over it again.

    "And I was like, 'I'm kinda good, cause I did my homework and I'm ready to go.' And she's like 'No, please,' And I'm like, 'Okay, cool.' ... So we do the scene outside, by ourselves, and she's like 'Okay, so, when I say this line I want you to go over here and make this face. And then at this point, I'm gonna add this line and I want you to react to that.' And I'm like 'Whoa, she's giving me notes.

    "I went to the callback and I had this, like 'Bro, be professional.' And that is exactly who Ryan is. He has this thing of like, 'I have to perform, she's driving me nuts, but I'll keep it all inside.' So thank you, Ashley for giving me notes."

    © 2026 Bang Showbiz, NZCity

     Other Entertainment News
     20 Feb: Olivia Colman thinks "people are too nervous" about gender and sexuality
     20 Feb: Rev. Jesse Jackson has died "peacefully surrounded by his family"
     20 Feb: Lily Collins wants to celebrate "individuality" after joining Zalando as its first global brand ambassador
     20 Feb: Donald Trump has threatened Nancy Guthrie's kidnappers with the death penalty if she isn't returned alive
     20 Feb: Robert De Niro hopes he can live as long as Robert Duvall
     20 Feb: Jessie Buckley was "scared of love" for most of her life before settling down with husband Freddie Sorensen
     20 Feb: David Archuleta didn't think he "deserved" fame and success because of his struggles with his sexuality
     Top Stories

    RUGBY RUGBY
    All Blacks flanker Du'Plessis Kirifi has reported he's not far away from a return to the Super Rugby Pacific picture, but is warning his teammates not to take Moana Pasifika lightly tonight More...


    BUSINESS BUSINESS
    Hopes are lifting among Auckland businesses for the economic recovery More...



     Today's News

    Accident and Emergency:
    Not just sport and car crashes: debunking 5 myths about traumatic brain injury in NZ 18:17

    Law and Order:
    How Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's 10 hours in police custody unfolded 18:17

    Entertainment:
    Olivia Colman thinks "people are too nervous" about gender and sexuality 18:17

    Law and Order:
    Police say they have disrupted a crime syndicate using the dark web to import and distribute drugs throughout the country 18:07

    Entertainment:
    Rev. Jesse Jackson has died "peacefully surrounded by his family" 17:47

    Soccer:
    The Wellington Phoenix men's coach wants to rally not only his troops but also the fans, ahead of tomorrow's final New Zealand derby against Auckland FC 17:27

    International:
    Timeline of key moments leading to former prince Andrew's arrest 17:17

    Entertainment:
    Lily Collins wants to celebrate "individuality" after joining Zalando as its first global brand ambassador 17:17

    Politics:
    The Local Government Minister says he is seeking advice on changes to the 30-year-old Dog Control Act 16:57

    Entertainment:
    Donald Trump has threatened Nancy Guthrie's kidnappers with the death penalty if she isn't returned alive 16:47


     News Search






    Power Search


    © 2026 New Zealand City Ltd