Springfield, Missouri native Lucas Grabeel began his acting career when he responded to a call for the local high school's stage production of The Secret Garden. He soon began auditioning for plays and musicals at the community theater, ultimately starring in productions of Oliver!, Romeo and Juliet, and You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown, among other shows.
In 2003, Mr. Grabeel made a trip to Los Angeles to look into becoming a professional actor. After landing a few commercial jobs, he was chosen for a role in Mark Dippé's telefilm Halloweentown High. He reprised the part in David Jackson's Return to Halloweentown.
Since then, he has guest-starred on such television series as Boston Legal, 'Til Death, Smallville, and (in a recurring role) Veronica Mars; and appeared in such movies as Roger Kumble's College Road Trip, Sandy Tung's Alice Upside Down, Dane Cannon's The Adventures of Food Boy, and Chris Grismer's Lock and Roll Forever.
Cast as Ryan Evans in the 2006 Disney Channel telefilm High School Musical, he became an active part of an ongoing media phenomenon that has encompassed a 2007 telefilm sequel (High School Musical 2) and a 2008 movie sequel (High School Musical 3: Senior Year); all three features were directed by Kenny Ortega, who also shepherded Mr. Grabeel and other cast members through a 42-city tour of the U.S.
He was cited as one of Teen People's "Top 25 Hottest Teen Stars Under 25;" Teen Vogue's Most Exciting Teen Stars; and Entertainment Weekly's "Must List" of musical prodigies.
When not acting, Mr. Grabeel enjoys painting; and writing music and playing the guitar, piano, and drums.
Focus Features