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Lucas Grabeel Had ‘$3 in My Account’ Before ‘High School Musical’ Success

Lucas Grabeel reflects on his early career challenges, including working at Blockbuster, before landing his 'High School Musical' role as Ryan.

“I knew how lucky I was to have that string of very early success, but after Halloweentown [High], I had to go back to work at Blockbuster,” Grabeel, 40, said on the Wednesday, June 4, episode of the “Ned’s Declassified” podcast. Ashley Tisdale, Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens, Lucas Grabeel and Monique Coleman attend the DVD launch gala for “High School Musical” in May 2006.Stephen Shugerman/Getty Images“It was hard. While he initially read for leading man Troy Bolton (the role made famous by Zac Efron), Grabeel was asked to try out for Ryan’s part.

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