Zac Efron Shared How Matthew Perry Inspired Him While Filming 17 Again

The occasion honoring the actor and his success was star-studded. His The Iron Claw costar Jeremy Allen White and the movie’s director Sean Durkin each gave speeches.

Kevin Von Erich, whom Zac performs within the movie, was there alongside his spouse, Pam Adkisson, who’s performed by Lily James.

Miles Teller, who costarred within the 2012 rom-com That Awkward Moment alongside Zac and Michael B. Jordan, additionally gave a speech on the occasion.

While the occasion was clearly centered on Zac, when it was the actor’s flip to provide a speech, his checklist of individuals to thank included a former costar that impressed him: the late Matthew Perry, who died in October.

The two performed grownup and teenage variations of one another within the 2009 comedy 17 Again.

The movie was considered one of Zac’s first following the completion of the High School Musical trilogy, which led to 2008 with High School Musical 3: Senior Year, and Zac acknowledged in his speech what an affect Matthew had on him as an actor throughout this transitional time in his profession.

“I really also want to mention someone that’s not here today,” Zac stated, per a recording of the speech posted on Twitter by Entertainment Tonight.

“And that’s Matthew Perry, who was so kind and generous with me while we worked on 17 Again,” he continued. “Collaborating with him and [Burr Steers, the film’s director], it was so much fun, and it really did propel me and motivate me in so many ways.”

“It really pushed me into the next chapter of my career, and for that, thank you so much, Matthew,” he concluded. “Thinking about you a lot today.”

This isn’t the primary time Zac has mirrored on his friendship with Matthew following the actor’s demise.

Last month, Zac was requested by Entertainment Tonight for his ideas on Matthew saying he’d just like the actor to play him in a biopic.

“I heard that, and it’s a huge honor. Matthew [was] just the best guy in the world. I had the best time of my life working with him, and to think that he was thinking of me for that role,” Zac stated. “I mean, I would be honored to do it, to be honest.”

“I know how much that meant to you,” Miles stated. “He is one of the all time greats.”