Matthew Perry wanted Zac Efron to play him in biopic – as Friends star praised for ‘generosity’
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Zac Efron has praised the late Matthew Perry for motivating him in his career, during a speech at the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
The High School Musical star, 36, was honoured with a star on the famous path, which he described as “so surreal”.
Ahead of unveiling the star, Efron gave mention to his former co-star Perry, who died at his Los Angeles home in October aged 54.
The pair worked on 2009 teen comedy 17 Again, where a 37-year-old man, played by Perry, magically transforms into his 17-year-old self, Efron.
“I really also want to mention someone that is not here today, and that’s Matthew Perry, who was so kind and generous with me when we worked on 17 Again,” Efron said.
Matthew Perry and Zac Efron on the set of 17 Again. Pic: Offspring Ent/Kobal/Shutterstock
“Collaborating with him… it was so much fun and it really did propel me and motivate me in so many ways. It really pushed me into the next chapter of my career, for that, thank you so much Matthew.
“Thinking about you a lot today.”
The actor Miles Teller, who starred alongside Efron in romantic comedy That Awkward Moment in 2014, later revealed that Perry also admired Efron.
Zac Efron and Miles Teller. Pic: AP
“Matthew Perry had since said that he was so impressed with your comedic abilities working with him that he said if there was ever to be a biopic on him, he would want you to play him,” Teller said at the event in Los Angeles.
“And I know how much that meant to you. He’s one of the all-time greats.”
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Efron, who shot to fame for his role as Troy Bolton in Disney’s High School Musical trilogy, also said he is “eternally grateful” to the director Kenny Ortega, who was sat in the audience.
Pic: AP
“I still think about it everyday, I still sing the songs in the shower. Go Wildcats,” he said.
The actor has since enjoyed a varied career, from starring as serial killer Ted Bundy in Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil And Vile, to acting alongside Hugh Jackman in hit musical film The Greatest Showman.
He is about to star in the upcoming film The Iron Claw opposite The Bear’s Jeremy Allen White, which tells the true story of the Von Erich brothers who made history in the wrestling world.
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