• Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • GMA3: WYNTK
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Contact Us
  • © 2025 ABC News
  • Culture

Vanessa Hudgens shares the 'Second Act' in her own career ahead of new movie with Jennifer Lopez

3:09
Vanessa Hudgens calls working with Jennifer Lopez 'hysterical'
REX via Shutterstock
ByAdrienne Bankert and Kelly McCarthy
December 14, 2018, 1:50 PM

“High School Musical” star Vanessa Hudgens has graduated to the big screen, starring alongside the one-and-only J. Lo in the new movie “Second Act.”

Hudgens said working with real-life best friends Leah Remini and Jennifer Lopez was “hysterical.”

“I love them so much,” Hudgens told ABC News. “What you see in the film is what they are in real life.”

As Lopez has continued to grow and reinvent herself, Hudgens said she sees the star as both a peer and someone to look up to.

“I think a little bit of both, for sure. I have grown to just love her as a friend,” she added.

PHOTO: Jennifer Lopez and Vanessa Hudgens at the "Second Act" film premiere, Arrivals in N.Y., Dec. 12,  2018.
Jennifer Lopez and Vanessa Hudgens at the "Second Act" film premiere, Arrivals in N.Y., Dec. 12, 2018.
REX via Shutterstock

Related Articles

(MORE: Jennifer Lopez 'so proud' of 'mini-me' daughter Emme's appearance in music video)

Hudgens described her on-screen persona in the film, Zoe, as “a little bitter and quite harsh with J. Lo.”

In reading the role, she thought to herself, "’Girl, just be nice to J. Lo. Come on.’"

The title of the film is a relatable one for Hudgens, who said she has had experienced her own real-life second act.

“I feel like after ‘High School Musical’ it was an interesting time because I was overwhelmed with this worldwide success,” Hudgens said. “I got to kind of have my second act and go off and do these dark, independent films, and, I feel like, kind of change the mold and perception that people had of me.”

Hudgens said she thinks others will be inspired by the notion that “it’s never too late to make a change.”

"It's such an amazing story that hopefully will inspire women to lift each other up and -- and to take a chance to look inwards and figure out if they are truly happy with their lives. And if they're not, to do something about it. It's never too late to make a change in your course of life," she added.

"Second Act" hits theaters nationwide on December 21st.

Up Next in Culture—

Chrissy Teigen shares emotional update on her journey with alcohol

May 17, 2025

Morgan Wallen breaks streaming record with 'I'm the Problem,' gears up for music festival and stadium tour

May 17, 2025

Timothée Chalamet embraces the chaos outside MSG after Knicks' historic win

May 17, 2025

Janet Jackson to perform for 1st time in 7 years: Here's what to know

May 16, 2025

Shop GMA Favorites

ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Sponsored Content by Taboola

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • Shop FAQs
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap

© 2025 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Do Not Sell My Info— 
  • Contact Us— 

© 2025 ABC News