A stubbled and quiffed Zac Efron recently graced the cover of The Hollywood Reporter, where he came clean about the truth of growing up in the spotlight and the path which young success led him down. But does he regret his public confession?

Matt Lauer cut to the chase when the actor stopped by the ‘TODAY’ show for an interview to discuss his latest big screen role in ‘Neighbors,’ in which he plays a stereotypical fraternity member alongside Dave Franco and Seth Rogen.

Lauer asked the 26-year-old about his cover story admission of his former partying ways, curious as to whether it was difficult for Efron to speak candidly about his alcohol and drug abuse.

“Actually, it was a weight off my chest,” Efron shared. “It was great. It was a fantastic time. It was a rough year.”

He continued, “'Neighbors’ is such a great sort of icing on the cake for all this. I was able to kind of channel all of that and put it back into this movie.”

Franco showed support for his costar by chiming in with, “I’m really excited for Zac, just because I know a lot of people have this preconception of who he is. Once you see this movie, I think his teenybopper image is going to be completely shattered.”

Though we’re reluctant to give up the wholesome, longhaired Troy Bolton who captured our hearts in ‘High School Musical,’ we’re glad to see that Efron is on a healthy track and diverting any negativity into expanding his acting chops.

Check out Efron's full 'TODAY' interview above.

Watch Zac Efron Share His Secret Talent, Guilty Pleasure + More

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