Corbin Bleu
The dynamic actor and dancer who leaped from Disney Channel fame to a multifaceted career on Broadway and in advocacy.
Born 1989 (age 37)·American actor·Birthday: February 21·Millennials
Biography
Corbin Bleu didn't just step into the spotlight as High School Musical's athletic charmer Chad Danforth; he backflipped into it. The role made him a global teen idol, but Bleu was already a seasoned performer with a background in commercials, film, and television. He leveraged that Disney momentum into a varied career, starring in the Disney Channel movie 'Jump In!' and releasing his own pop-R&B music. As he matured, he deliberately shifted gears, taking on dramatic film roles and, most significantly, conquering Broadway. His performances in shows like 'In the Heights' and 'Kiss Me, Kate' proved his serious theatrical chops. Offstage, his work as a National Ambassador for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America reveals a commitment to using his platform for mentorship, showcasing a depth that extends far beyond his teen heartthrob origins.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Corbin was born in 1989, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Corbin Was Born
The biggest hits of 1989
#1 Movie
Batman
Best Picture
Driving Miss Daisy
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
Corbin's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1989Born
Berlin Wall falls; Tiananmen Square protests
Gas: $1.00/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Look Away" — ChicagoBest Picture: Driving Miss Daisy
1994Started school
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
2002Became a teenager
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2005Could drive
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2007Could vote
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2010Turned 21
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2019Turned 30
First image of a black hole; Hong Kong protests
Gas: $2.60/galHome: $224,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Old Town Road" — Lil Nas XBest Picture: Parasite
2026Age 37 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Starred as Chad Danforth in the globally successful 'High School Musical' film trilogy.
- Headlined the Disney Channel Original Movie 'Jump In!', which promoted the sport of jump rope.
- Made his Broadway debut in 'In the Heights' and later starred in a revival of 'Kiss Me, Kate'.
- Served as a National Ambassador for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
Did You Know?
He is a trained martial artist and holds a black belt in Taekwondo.
He was a finalist on the 17th season of 'Dancing with the Stars,' finishing in fourth place.
His mother, Martha, was an actress who appeared in films like 'The Godfather Part II.'
He voiced the character of Joseph in the animated film 'The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning.'
“You have to be willing to fail, to be wrong, to fall on your face. That's the only way you're going to learn and grow.”
