For a generation that grew up on Disney Channel, Drew Seeley’s voice is instantly familiar.
In the mid-2000s, as High School Musical became a cultural phenomenon, Seeley was its sound. He was the singing voice of Troy Bolton, delivering the songs that carried the film far beyond the screen and into everyday life, from school gyms and talent shows to car rides and bedrooms across North America.
That success placed Seeley firmly within Disney’s top tier during one of the network’s most influential eras. In a short span of time, he became a familiar presence across Disney projects, recording music, starring in multiple films, and touring internationally as High School Musical took on a life of its own. While others were front and centre on screen, Seeley’s voice became inseparable from the franchise itself.
The story begins closer to home. Seeley was born in Ottawa and grew up in Ontario, spending his early years in Almonte and Whitby before his career eventually took him to the United States. Long before Hollywood sets and global audiences, his foundation was built through Canadian theatre, training, and a deep commitment to performance from a young age.
Now, in 2026, High School Musical celebrates its 20th anniversary. Two decades later, its impact remains unmistakable, with a new generation discovering the film alongside those who grew up with it. For Seeley, the milestone has become a moment of reflection and renewed attention on a chapter of work that continues to circulate.
Tell us about your childhood. How much time did you spend in Ottawa before moving to Toronto? Any memories of the city?
I was born in Ottawa and grew up between Almonte and Whitby. I actually got to come back to Ottawa a few years ago to shoot the Hallmark film A Christmas for the Books with Chelsea Kane. While I was there, I toured the RCMP stables and somehow ended up at an air guitar world championship. It was quite a trip.
When did you first fall in love with performing? Who were some of the people that inspired you?
Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire were huge inspirations for me. Another defining moment was being part of the original cast of Showboat at the then Ford Center in North York in 1993. I was one of the kids in the ensemble for about a year, and that experience completely changed the trajectory of my life.
Tell us about moving from Canada to the U.S. as a young teen. What do you remember from that time?
I was around 12 or 13, and moving to Florida felt pretty scary at first because it was so far away. But I found my people fairly quickly. There was a growing music scene and a lot of sunshine, which made it hard to stay angsty for very long.
Photography by Leah Huebner
Tell us about your first major role after getting to L.A.
I did a handful of student films and smaller roles, but things really shifted when I started providing vocals and writing for High School Musical. That was the moment where everything began to turn.
Your High School Musical journey is well documented. What was it like recording “Get’cha Head in the Game” and becoming the singing voice of Troy Bolton?
At the time, I was recording a lot of music and trying to make it as an artist, so I didn’t think much of it. It just felt like another fun session. I couldn’t have imagined what it would eventually become.
Why do you think High School Musical became such a major success and remains beloved by a generation?
I think a big part of it is that it wasn’t cynical. It encouraged kids to step outside of preconceived boxes. In a lot of ways, it was that generation’s Grease, just Disney-fied.
This year marks 20 years since its release, and you’ve released new music to commemorate the milestone. Tell us about your new song, “In This For Life.”
I wanted to create something that felt fresh but still nostalgic, as a way of saying thank you to the fans who are still there 20 years later. High School Musical was such a meaningful milestone in my career, and this felt like a fun excuse to reconnect with a lot of the cast. I also wanted to let the fans be the stars this time around, which is really the idea behind the video for the song.
You’ve balanced multiple career paths as an actor, artist, and songwriter. Why was that important to you?
I’m happiest where those three disciplines overlap. The projects where I’ve been able to contribute in all three ways have always been the most meaningful to me. Each one fulfills a different urge, and I’m grateful I’ve had the freedom to explore all of it.
