In the world of entertainment, actors often play roles that stay in people’s minds for years. But for children especially toddlers, telling the difference between what’s on-screen and real life can be tricky. Actress Ashley Tisdale recently shared a funny and touching story about her young daughter, Jupiter, who mistook Tisdale’s former co-star, Zac Efron, for her real dad while watching High School Musical.
A Surprising Moment While Watching TV
Ashley Tisdale, who starred as Sharpay Evans in the Disney Channel hit High School Musical told the story during an interview on the Breaking Beauty Podcast. According to Tisdale, her husband, musician Christopher French, played the movie for their daughter Jupiter, who was born in 2021.
“About a year ago maybe, my husband showed her, and I was like, ‘What are you doing?’” Tisdale said, remembering her reaction to the unexpected viewing. But the real surprise came when Jupiter pointed at Zac Efron’s character, Troy Bolton and said, “Daddy.”
Tisdale laughed as she recalled the moment. “She thought Zac Efron was her dad,” she said, as quoted by People. “I was like, ‘No, that’s not Daddy.’ She was like, ‘Daddy!’ I was like, ‘No, no no! Just cause they have dark hair… not Daddy.’”
Jupiter’s confusion came from something very simple—Zac Efron and Christopher French both have dark hair. For a toddler that was enough to make the connection.
Life with a Famous Mom
As Jupiter grows older, she’s starting to realize that her mom might not have an ordinary job. While she may not fully understand acting yet, she has noticed that strangers often want to take pictures with Tisdale.
“She did start to get to the age where she’s questioning why people take pictures with me,” Tisdale shared during the podcast. “And I truly did not know how to answer that.”
At first, Tisdale just said, “I don’t know,” which led her husband to tease her. Because of that answer, Jupiter now seems to believe that her mom “just takes pictures with people,” a conclusion that’s funny but also very telling of how children try to make sense of the world around them.
“I’m Sharpay’s Baby!”
As Jupiter keeps watching High School Musical, her love for the movie has only grown. According to BuzzFeed, Tisdale revealed that her daughter is now completely “obsessed” with it—and especially with Sharpay Evans, her mom’s character.
In public, Jupiter has even started shouting, “I’m Sharpay’s baby!”—a moment that Tisdale finds both adorable and a little embarrassing.
Like many kids who discover new favorite songs, Jupiter also has a top pick: Humuhumunukunukuapua’a from High School Musical 2. Although the song isn’t Tisdale’s favorite, she continues to play it for her daughter. “She loves it,” Tisdale said. “So, of course, we listen to it… a lot.”
The Magic of High School Musical
High School Musical, which first aired in 2006, became one of Disney Channel’s most popular movies. With catchy songs, memorable characters, and a fun story it captured the hearts of kids all over the world.
Ashley Tisdale, Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens and Lucas Grabeel led the cast through three films and even a spin-off. For many people who grew up with the movies, they hold a special place in childhood memories.
Now, Tisdale gets to see that magic again—this time through her daughter’s eyes. From thinking Troy Bolton is her dad to shouting that she’s “Sharpay’s baby,” Jupiter is creating her own joyful memories with the same movie that shaped her mother’s early career.
A Sweet Look at Childhood and Fame
This story shows something special about childhood. Kids don’t worry about what’s real or make-believe. They simply react to what they see and feel. In Jupiter’s case her innocent confusion became a funny, heartwarming moment for her family—and a reminder for all of us about how children see the world.
It also gives us a small peek into what life is like for children of famous people. Even when they don’t fully understand what fame means, they feel the effects of it—and sometimes respond in the cutest ways.
