You may know her as Gabriella Montez from one of Disney Channel’s most established cinematic masterpieces, High School Musical, or you may recognize her as the poster child plastered all over every fashion blog known to man during music festival season. Either way, if you are familiar with 28-year-old Vanessa Anne Hudgens, you will agree with me that she is the ultimate #girlboss that has gracefully transformed out of her child-star cocoon into a successful butterfly in big girl Hollywood. And if not… you will.
Now I am a little biased – Hudgens has been a prime idol of mine ever since listening to her perform the moving ballad “Start of Something New” with Zac Efron at my tender age of seven. Having grown up with this truly inspiring woman, I have continued to only admire her more and more as we have both aged.
1. Her Role as Gabriella Montez in High School Musical
Although the trilogy provided me with false expectations for my high school experience (turns out that people DON’T break out singing in the middle of the cafeteria), Hudgens helped to make the love story between her character Gabriella Montez and Zac Efron’s character Troy Bolton one of the most memorable ones for the books. Not to mention the fact that she was given the role of a beautiful brainwiz that initially would not take sh*t from a jock – what more could you want in a television role model for young girls?
2. Her Iconic Music Videos
The world was shook when Hudgens released the most iconic music video of all time for her single “Sneakernight” as the brand ambassador for Marc Ecko’s shoes. Can you believe Vanessa invented street style? Also, how does one rock a fedora so impeccably?
3. Her Trend-Setting Fashion Sense
Need I say more? I would be lying if I said that this bohemian goddess was not the principal inspiration behind my purchase of not one, but two pairs of knee-high gladiator sandals.
4. Her Reign as Coachella Queen
Having made face at the California music festival countless times, Hudgens has never failed to look absolutely flawless in a style that she has made all her own. She even made headlines when the press found out that she was unable to attend back in 2015.
5. Her Versatile Head of Hair
She pulls off literally every hair color and style. Absolute sorcery.
6. Her Love Life
Hudgens has been in a long-lasting relationship with the oh so dreamy Carrie Diaries star Austin Butler, her equally fashionable counterpart. The lovers have been going strong since 2011. Just look at them.
7. Her Success on The Big Stage
In my opinion, Hudgens has had the most successful departure from her child star career that we have witnessed. Not only did the star continue to be featured in mature films such as “Spring Breakers,” but she also landed the lead role in the Broadway production “Gigi.”
8. Her Ability to Overcome Obstacles
As Rizzo in “Grease: Live” early 2016, Hudgens continued her streak of exceptional musical performances. Unfortunately, the star’s father had passed away the night before the live television production, but she took the phrase “the show must go on” and managed to perform outstandingly despite the emotional setback.
9. Her Dedication to Her Career
Hudgens played the main character of Agnes “Apple” Bailey in an independent film called “Gimme Shelter” that was released in 2013, for which she had to gain 15 pounds. For a female actress, especially, who is always in the spotlight, this was an incredibly brave act that truly demonstrated her devotion to her job.
10. Her Willingness to Speak Up For Her Beliefs
Alongside her sister Stella and several of their friends, Hudgens participated in the Women’s March in Los Angeles on Jan. 21. Regardless of your political affiliation, it is refreshing to see celebrities take a break from their fame and to use their platform to emphasize the importance of politics and using one’s voice.
11. Her Outlet for Self-Expression and Creativity
Through her fashion sense and her social media, one can tell that she is a very unique, artistic, and spiritual young lady. She launched her own blog called Astral & Opal that not too many people know about, where she features an array of articles regarding fashion, traveling, wellness, and astrology from various writers. Just when I thought she could not get any cooler.
12. Her Performance of a Nostalgic Tune
Quite possibly the biggest reason to idolize Hudgens: she recently performed a duet of the Friends theme song “I’ll Be There for You” alongside Jimmy Fallon. That is all.
13. Her Non-Stop Drive to Grow as an Actress
Serving as yet another main character, Hudgens plays Emily Locke in a new NBC series called “Powerless” that premiered Feb. 2. Baby V is on a roll!