Priestley calls Efron ‘the new Jason Priestley’

As Brandon Walsh on “Beverly Hills, 90210,” Jason Priestley made a generation of young girls swoon during the 1990s.

But now, Priestley says that honor has been passed to a new young “High School” heartthrob.

“Zac Efron is the new Jason Priestley,” Priestley told “Valentine in the Morning” on L.A.’s 104.3 MYFM on Tuesday.

And while it may be hard to compete with Priestley’s trademark sideburns, the actor thinks Efron has him beat in one physical aspect.

“He’s got better abs than I ever had,” Priestley added.

Despite Efron’s tidal wave of success, Priestley said he doesn’t envy the young actor’s position in Hollywood these days.

“It’s so different. So much harsher now than it was for us. Brutal,” Priestley admitted. “The paparazzi that stalk these poor kids — and their kids! You know what I mean?”

And if he were to offer any advice to the new generation of pop culture superstars, Jason said it’s important to keep priorities in order.

“My belief has always been it’s about the work. The fame should always be a byproduct of quality work. Don’t get into this business with the hopes of becoming famous,” he said. “If you get into this business with the sole purpose of becoming famous, you’re going to find that fame is empty and hollow and you’ll end up naked and strung out on the streets of downtown Los Angeles.”

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