‘High School Musical’ Star Bart Johnson Says Film Sunk His Career at First

“High School Musical” was a game-changer for Disney 20 years ago, but for Bart Johnson, who portrayed Coach Bolton, the experience initially had a negative impact on his career trajectory, as he revealed to TMZ.

Despite gaining fame as Zac Efron’s on-screen father and East High’s basketball coach in ‘HSM,’ Johnson shared that it took a decade for him to overcome the typecasting he faced after the movie.

In an interview, Johnson mentioned that he felt marginalized in the industry for playing a dad in a Disney film, but he persevered and eventually found his way back into the spotlight.

Johnson also shared a humorous anecdote about how his presence at his kids’ school became a distraction after his role in ‘HSM,’ leading to restrictions on his visits. However, he maintained a positive attitude and continued pursuing his passion for acting.

In recent years, Johnson has made a successful comeback in the industry, landing roles in popular shows like “Yellowstone” alongside Kevin Costner and “Landman” created by Taylor Sheridan.

As “High School Musical” celebrates its 20th anniversary, the impact of the film on Disney Channel and its cast members, including Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale, and Zac Efron, continues to be recognized as a milestone in their careers.

In a recent interview, Johnson expressed enthusiasm for the enduring popularity of the ‘HSM’ franchise among younger audiences and hinted at the possibility of a fourth installment, sharing that he even pitched his own concept for the continuation of the series.