Zac Efron pays tribute to late cousin

Actor Zac Efron had a bittersweet birthday as he paid tribute to his late cousin, who passed away from cancer.

The "Neighbors" star turned 28 on Sunday and took to Instagram to honour his cousin Emily, who lost her battle with the disease two years ago.

Posting a picture of the pair on a beach as kids, Efron wrote, "Happy birthday to my cousin and best friend, Emily, who passed away from cancer 2 years ago - she was 28 like me. We share the same birthday and this day is forever ours."

Efron then encouraged fans wanting to give him a birthday gift to make a donation to Stand Up To Cancer, an organisation which raises funds for cancer research.
 

"My birthday wish is for you to donate anything you can to @su2c (Stand Up To Cancer)," he added. "Thank you everyone for all the birthday wishes. Love you.