Zac Efron was forced to address real reason his face 'looked different' after fans spotted changeMenuNewsLifeTV & FilmBeautyStyleCelebrityEntertainmentPoliticsRoyal FamilyAnimalsFood & DrinkWomen's HealthMental HealthSex & RelationshipsTravelReal LifeTrue CrimeDocumentariesNetflixBBCITVTyla RecommendsHairMake-upSkincareHomeFashionShoppingCategories> > Published 10:32 18 Dec 2024 GMTZac Efron was forced to address real reason his face 'looked different' after fans spotted changeSpeculation over the actor's looks intensified following his appearance in Netflix's 'A Family Affair' earlier this yearIt's hardly a surprise anymore when big-name stars undergo a tweakment or two.Naturally, therefore, when Zac Efron debuted a visibly amended appearance for his Netflix rom-com A Family Affair earlier this year, many telly buffs assumed he'd gone under the knife, with some even going as far as to criticise the star for the supposed move.It wasn't until the image-based trolling reached unbearable heights, however, that the former High School Musical star broke his silence, revealing that recent changes to his appearance were, in fact, caused by something considerably more heartbreaking.As we say, despite several red carpet appearances, speculation over the 37-year-old's looks intensified when he was cast alongside Nicole Kidman and Joey King in the romantic-comedy.The production saw him take on the role of a self-absorbed Hollywood star named Chris Cole, who strikes up a rather steamy relationship with his personal assistant’s widowed mother, Brooke.AdvertWhilst the production generally achieved impressive reviews across the board, it was Efron's appearance that became the most hotly-discussed aspect of A Family Affair.Taking to social media, some viewers penned cruel comments about his looks.Thankfully, other fans came to his defence at the time, pointing out that there is actually a pretty sad reason behind any difference in his looks.It turns out that, over 10 years ago, the actor became embroiled in a tragic injury while at home in Los Angeles.AdvertThe Netflix rom-com set tongues wagging about Efron's looks (MICHAEL TRAN/AFP via Getty Images)In an interview with Men’s Health, the actor said he had been running through his house in 2013 when he slipped and hit his face.He had been wearing a pair of slippery socks as he fell into a fountain, hitting his face on a granite corner and knocking himself out in the process.After waking up, he said he realised his 'chin bone was hanging off his face', having shattered his jaw.AdvertHe recalled: "The masseters just grew. They just got really, really big."Efron later told Entertainment Tonight that he nearly died following the accident.When asked what he made of the ‘speculation’ online, he replied:"I don't really read the internet.Advert"It was funny. It sucked. I almost died."Efron’s jawline looks arguably wider than before because different facial muscles have had to work harder to compensate for the near-fatal injury, and as of 2022 he was still undergoing physical therapy to try correct this.Fans couldn't help but notice a difference in the actor's looks (Steven Ferdman/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)Hitting back at trolls online after the release of A Family Affair, one fumed: "Zac had not much choice in the matter as his jaw just about fell off and major reconstructive surgeries was required after a freak accident in his home...."AdvertAnother said: "In 2013, a nearly-fatal injury meant Zac Efron required reconstructive jaw surgery. Following several major transformations for his roles since, he’s battled depression, burnout and undernourishment. Oh, and he isn’t a CHILD anymore. Shockingly, at 36, he’s aged. Leave him be."Featured Image Credit: YouTube/Entertainment TonightTopics: Zac Efron, Celebrity, US NewsRhianna BensonRhianna is an Entertainment Journalist at LADbible Group, working across LADbible, UNILAD and Tyla. She has a Masters in News Journalism from the University of Salford and a Masters in Ancient History from the University of Edinburgh. She previously worked as a Celebrity Reporter for OK! and New Magazines, and as a TV Writer for Reach PLC.X@rhiannaBjournoAdvertAdvertAdvertChoose your content:a day agoa day agoPeople always manage to find something to argue about when it comes to hygiene...Entertainmenta day agoFans have rushed to social media to share their excitement following Capaldi's two-year hiatus from musicEntertainmenta day agoEarlier this afternoon, the beloved Scottish singer took to the stage at Glastonbury's iconic Pyramid StageEntertainmenta day agoThe 'Flowers' singer was defending a former America's Got Talent contestant during the podcast recordingEntertainmentAdvertiseTermsPrivacy & CookiesLADbible GroupLADbibleUNILADSPORTbibleGAMINGbibleUNILAD TechFOODbibleLicense Our ContentJobsAuthorsPrivacy SettingsFacebookInstagramXThreadsTikTokSubmit Your Content, It turns out that, over 10 years ago, the actor became embroiled in a tragic injury while at home in Los Angeles. In an interview with Men’s Health, the actor said he had been running through his house in 2013 when he slipped and hit his face., Zac Efron is speaking out after being hospitalized for a swimming incident in Ibiza. The “Dirty Grandpa” actor, 36, posted a message on his Instagram Stories on Sunday, alongside a photo of .