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.

Hudgens transitioned to television, making her acting debut in an episode of the CBS sitcom "Still Standing." She also appeared in episodes of "The Brothers Garcia" and "Quintuplets." These early roles, though small, exposed her to the world of television acting and built her experience in front of the camera.

Hudgens' career skyrocketed with her role as Gabriella Montez in the Disney Channel Original Movie "High School Musical." The film became a massive cultural phenomenon, and Hudgens, along with her co-stars, became overnight sensations. The film's soundtrack, featuring Hudgens' vocals, topped the Billboard charts, further solidifying her star power.

Capitalizing on her "High School Musical" success, Hudgens launched her music career. She released her debut album, "V," in 2006, followed by "Identified" in 2008. She also starred in "High School Musical 2" (2007) and "High School Musical 3: Senior Year" (2008), which continued the franchise's popularity and kept her in the spotlight.

Seeking to diversify her image and career, Hudgens began taking on more mature roles in films such as "Bandslam" (2009), "Beastly" (2011), and "Sucker Punch" (2011). These roles allowed her to showcase her acting range and move beyond her Disney image, although success was varied.

Hudgens starred in the controversial but critically discussed film "Spring Breakers." This role was one of her first true departures from her established Disney image, and demonstrated her willingness to branch out into edgier projects. The film served as a definitive marker in her transition to more serious adult roles.

Hudgens made her Broadway debut in the title role of "Gigi." This marked a return to her musical theater roots and showcased her vocal and dance abilities on the prestigious Broadway stage. Despite receiving mixed reviews, the production exposed her to a new audience and reaffirmed her dedication to performing arts.

Hudgens performed as Rizzo in Fox's live television production of "Grease: Live!" This performance was particularly poignant as it came shortly after the death of her father. Her professionalism and emotional depth during the performance were widely praised, solidifying her reputation as a resilient and talented performer.

Hudgens played Maureen Johnson in Fox's live television production of "Rent: Live." She also starred in the Netflix film "Polar," expanding her presence on streaming platforms and showcasing her versatility in different genres.

Hudgens continues to be active in film and television, appearing in projects such as "The Princess Switch" film series on Netflix, "tick, tick... BOOM!" and hosting MTV Movie & TV Awards. She has also ventured into business, co-founding the KNOW Beauty skincare line and Caliwater cactus water, demonstrating her entrepreneurial spirit. Furthermore, she serves as the host for the Academy Awards pre-show, continuing to showcase her versatility as a public figure. Her continued success solidifies her place as a dynamic force in the entertainment and business worlds.