Ashley Tisdale finds it "challenging" that people constantly link her to her ‘High School Musical’ character Sharpay Evans.
The 30-year-old actress shot to fame by starring in four movies in the Disney franchise, and though the role was an "awesome" one, she admits has subsequently had to "fight" for work because she was typecast by the musical series.
She said: "It’s been challenging. I think people in this business put you in a box and label you for what they think they know of you and what character you have played. Sharpay was such an awesome character, but at the end of the day it was a character; it wasn’t me. Anything that I’ve gotten since then, TV-wise and movie-wise, is me really fighting for it. I think that journey is what makes me so grateful for everything."
However, she wouldn’t have it any other way because fighting for her roles has made her the person she is.
She added: "If I was handed stuff all the time I don’t know if I would be the person I am today."
Meanwhile, Ashley has rubbished rumours she will be reprising her role for ‘High School Musical 4’ and admits that the relationships she formed with her co-stars, including Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens, "made" the series, as did producer Kenny Ortega.
Asked if she’ll be back, she told New You magazine: "No. Looking back, it was such a perfect thing for its time and was so pure that I just don’t know how you go from there. ‘High School Musical’ didn’t make us, we made ‘High School Musical’ because of our friendship, how close we were, and the magic there at the time. Kenny Ortega just made it what it was. Disney is an amazing company so I’m sure they’ll find some way to do it."
While Ashley won’t be returning, Disney have confirmed that ‘High School Musical 4’ is being made with an entirely new cast.
Ashley Tisdale: It’s challenging being compared to Sharpay
