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Actress and singer Ashley Tisdale is currently starring in the new CBS sitcom Carol’s Second Act. Making a name for herself after her role of the self-absorbed Sharpay Evans in Disney’s High School Musical trilogy, Tisdale has moved on to play a variety of characters.

Ashley Tisdale of “Carol’s Second Act | Dominik Bindl/Getty Images

Disney darling

Tisdale was a Disney fixture for quite some time. In addition to her role in High School Musical, the actress also starred on The Suite Life Of Zack and Cody and voiced the character of Candace Flynn on Phineas and Ferb. She credited her Disney days for giving her a solid professional foundation that has served as a springboard to other opportunities.

“I think Disney and all of the different projects I did there really prepared me to live the life that I’m living,” Tisdale said last month, according to KCAL Los Angeles. “I do a lot of stuff. Being on Disney, I was doing High School Musical, Suite Life Of Zack and Cody, recording my first album, and also doing Phineas and Ferb. I had a lot going on and I think that really prepared me to move on from that and have my hands in a lot of different things.”

While the HSM alum is grateful for the notoriety playing Sharpay brought her in the popular trilogy, Tisdale feels she has evolved to play more versatile roles. “I think she was perfect for the time in my life and that’s why I was even able to play her,” Tisdale told Hollywood Life in August. “I think I’ve grown so much as a person, that even if they asked me to play her tomorrow, I would never be able to do it, because I was so unaware of myself at the time.”

Wedded bliss

Tisdale started dating musician Christopher French sometime around 2012. Popping the question on top of Manhattan’s Empire State Building, French was able to propose on the VIP-only 103rd floor, according to E! News. Tying the knot on September 8, 2014, the two decided to forego any lavish shindig. Saying their “I do’s” in a small, intimate ceremony on a Monday, the couple clearly cared more about their vows than the crowds.

Tisdale recently gushed over her hubby and hitting a milestone anniversary. “It’s been great,” she told Life & Style in November. “I’ve been married for five years … it feels like yesterday we got married!” Her secret to their relationship success? Tisdale swears by keeping the lines of communication open and active. “I would just say communication is a really big thing, no matter what. That could be any kind of relationship — friends, parents, boyfriend or husband,” she said. “I think that communication is the key to really being honest with yourself and the other person.”

As for what she enjoys doing in her free time with her sweetheart, Tisdale prefers the low-key life. “When I’m working all the time, I like to just chill,” she said.

Network and Netflix gigs

Tisdale recently starred in the Netflix holiday series Merry Happy Whatever, alongside Dennis Quaid. Playing his daughter on the limited series, the actress raved about working with the famed actor. “He [Dennis] is awesome and I was obviously a huge fan of his since The Parent Trap,” Tisdale said. “When I first met him, I was really intimidated because I was nervous, but then he talks to you and he is the nicest guy ever. He’s such a great guy and he’s like my dad pretty much.”

The Disney alum is also a big fan of sitcom legend Patricia Heaton, who plays her mom on Carol’s Second Act. “Just working with Patricia Heaton, she’s amazing,” Tisdale said. “Sometimes we have in our mind experiences that weren’t the best experiences and you get nervous when you’re working on a new project. With her, it’s refreshing to know that she’s won three Emmys and has always been on TV consistently and is a really grounded and nice person. She’s a big family person and also she carries that show… She’s pretty awesome and the whole cast is great.”

Watch CBS’ Carol’s Second Act on Thursdays and stream Merry Happy Whatever on Netflix!

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