December 14, 1988 marked the day that an up and coming star was born. Vanessa Hudgens was born to Gina and Gregory Hudgens in Salinas, California, though she grew up all over the western coast of the United States. She is the older of two children and her younger sister, Stella, is also an actress.

Vanessa got her start in the acting world through various television shows on a few different networks and in the movie Thirteen where she played a brooding young teenager. However, when Disney decided to cast her in the High School Musical series she really came to the attention of a much broader audience and increased her opportunities.

The High School Musical movie series has also given her an outlet to showcase her lyrical talents. With her vocal abilities out there for the world to hear, Hollywood Records signed a contract with her and in 2006 she released her first album. In 2008 Hudgens released a new album through Hollywood Records and more are sure to follow.

Unfortunately, in 2007, the then eighteen year old actress suffered a blow to not only her career, but also to her pride and honor when some self-taken nude photographs surfaced. Nevertheless, this resilient and multi-talented young woman still has a very fruitful career ahead of her if she can manage the issues that have been presented before her as they are some of the toughest to deal with.