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Vanessa Hudgens Then & Now: Photos From Her Teen Disney Days to Now

By:
December 14, 2023 9:13AM EST
Vanessa Hudgens
Image Press Agency/NurPhoto/Shutterstock

Vanessa Hudgens has been in the spotlight forever. Celebrate her 35th birthday with her best photos over the years.

Vanessa Hudgens has been a star since her start. The High School Musical diva, born Dec. 14, 1988, made her screen debut in 2003’s Thirteen, before getting her big break on the Disney Channel. She starred in three HSM films, before moving onto more mature roles like Spring Breakers (2012), Second Act (2018), and Bad Boys for Life (2020).

More recently, she’s starred in The Princess Switch movies and the movie-musical Tick, Tick… Boom! She’s also hosted a number of high-profile affairs, including MTV’s 2022 Movie & TV Awards.

Through it all, Vanessa’s been a total sweetheart. Ready to see more photos of Vanessa through the years? Check out her gallery for all the best photos, from her teen days to today.

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Vanessa Hudgens at the 2004 Tribeca Film Festival

Vanessa Hudgens at the 2004 Tribeca Film Festival
Gregorio Binuya/Everett Collecti

Vanessa Hudgens looked super cute during one of her very first red carpets in 2004. She looked very Y2K attending the premiere of Thunderbirds in a lace cami, collard shirt, and flared jeans. It looked like she also had a retro dragonfly necklace on.

December 13, 2022, 9:19PM
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Vanessa Hudgens in 2006

Vanessa Hudgens in 2006
©Disney Channel/Courtesy Everet

Vanessa Hudgens appeared in this promo for ‘High School Musical Dance Along’ in 2006. She looked so cute in an olive green vest and pigtails.

December 13, 2022, 9:19PM
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‘High School Musical’

‘High School Musical’
©Disney Channel/Courtesy Everet

Vanessa Hudgens was a fresh face in 2006’s High School Musical. She played new girl Gabriella, opposite popular guy-turned-singer Troy, played by Zac Efron.

December 13, 2022, 9:19PM
4 of 12

Vanessa Hudgens in 2006

Vanessa Hudgens in 2006
Everett Collection

Vanessa Hudgens looked so glam during the 21st Annual IMAGEN Awards in Beverly Hills on Aug. 18, 2006. She dazzled in a black and shimmery gold dress with her hair in loose waves.

December 13, 2022, 9:19PM
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Vanessa Hudgens at the 2006 AMAs

Vanessa Hudgens at the 2006 AMAs
Michael Germana/Everett Collecti

Vanessa Hudgens was flirty in a flouncy white dress during the 2006 American Music Awards. She dressed the look up with T-strap heels and a chunk peace sign necklace.

December 13, 2022, 9:19PM
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Vanessa Hudgens in 2011

Vanessa Hudgens in 2011
Dee Cercone/Everett Collection

Vanessa Hudgens was glowing at the LA premiere of Sucker Punch on Mar. n23, n2011. She wore a grey dress with sequins.

December 13, 2022, 9:19PM
7 of 12

Vanessa Hudgens Celebrates Her 22nd Birthday

Vanessa Hudgens Celebrates Her 22nd Birthday
James Atoa/Everett Collection

Vanessa Hudgens celebrated her 22nd birthday at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas on December 18, 2010. Her tight silver bandage dress was by the style’s originator, Herve Leger.

December 13, 2022, 9:19PM
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Vanessa Hudgens at the Premiere of ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’

Vanessa Hudgens at the Premiere of ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’
Shutterstock

Vanessa Hudgens looked so chic during the 2019 premiere of Once Upon A Time In Hollywood. Though she wasn’t in the film, her black, sheer and velvet dress totally stole the show.

December 13, 2022, 9:19PM
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Vanessa Hudgens Celebrates ‘West Side Story’s Revival

Vanessa Hudgens Celebrates ‘West Side Story’s Revival
Shutterstock

Vanessa Hudgens was effortlessly stylish at the opening night of West Side Story’s 2020 Broadway revival. Her drapey black off the shoulder dress was a dream.

December 13, 2022, 9:19PM
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Vanessa Hudgens at the premiere of ‘TICK, TICK…BOOM!’

Vanessa Hudgens at the premiere of ‘TICK, TICK…BOOM!’
Shutterstock

Vanessa Hudgens made sure she was the star of the show during the Nov. 2021 premiere of TICK, TICK…BOOM! in NYC. Her plunging, gathered, black dress gave off dark Marilyn Monroe vibes.

December 13, 2022, 9:19PM
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Vanessa Hudgens Hosts the 2022 MTV Movie & TV Awards

Vanessa Hudgens Hosts the 2022 MTV Movie & TV Awards
Shutterstock

Vanessa Hudgens was pure elegance during the 2022 MTV Movie & TV Awards, which she hosted. She turned heads in a cobalt blue Vera Wang mini dress on the red carpet, just the first of her many outfits of the evening.

December 13, 2022, 9:19PM
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Vanessa Hudgens at the 2022 CFDA Fashion Awards

Vanessa Hudgens at the 2022 CFDA Fashion Awards
Shutterstock

Vanessa Hudgens went with lingerie chic for the 2022 CFDA Fashion Awards at Cipriani South Street on  November 7, 2022. She teamed a lacy Vera Wand triangle bra with a sheer white duster and black maxi skirt.

December 13, 2022, 9:19PM