Vanessa Anne Hudgens was born in Salinas, California, to Gregory Hudgens, a firefighter, and Gina Guangco, an office worker. Her diverse heritage (her father had Irish, English, and Native American ancestry, while her mother is of Filipino, Spanish, and Chinese descent) instilled in her a rich cultural background. Her passion for performing arts began early, influencing her career trajectory.

Hudgens began performing in musical theater at a young age, appearing in productions like "Evita," "Carousel," "The Wizard of Oz," "The King and I," and "The Music Man." These experiences provided her with a strong foundation in singing, dancing, and acting, honing her skills and setting the stage for her future endeavors in the entertainment industry.