Freddi Mckenzie

Written by Freddi Mckenzie

Published: 10 Jul 2025

35-facts-about-rachel-zegler
Source: Vogue.com

Rachel Zegler has quickly become a household name, but how much do you really know about this rising star? Born in 2001, Rachel is an American actress and singer who catapulted to fame with her role as Maria in Steven Spielberg's adaptation of West Side Story. Her performance earned her a Golden Globe Award, making her the first actress of Colombian descent to win in that category. But there's more to Rachel than just her acting chops. Did you know she started her career by posting singing videos on YouTube? Or that she was cast in West Side Story after an open casting call? Rachel Zegler is not just a talented actress; she's a fascinating individual with a story worth knowing. Ready to learn more? Let's dive into 35 intriguing facts about Rachel Zegler!

Table of Contents

Early Life and Background

Rachel Zegler's journey to stardom is filled with interesting tidbits. Let's dive into her early life and background.

  1. Rachel Zegler was born on May 3, 2001, in Hackensack, New Jersey. She grew up in Clifton, New Jersey.
  2. Her mother is of Colombian descent, while her father has Polish ancestry. This diverse heritage has influenced her cultural outlook.
  3. Rachel attended Immaculate Conception High School, where she actively participated in musical theater.
  4. She began singing at a young age, performing in school musicals and local theater productions.
  5. Zegler's YouTube channel, where she posted covers of popular songs, helped her gain early recognition.

Breakthrough Role in "West Side Story"

Rachel's big break came with her role in Steven Spielberg's adaptation of "West Side Story." Here are some fascinating facts about this milestone.

  1. Rachel Zegler was selected from over 30,000 applicants for the role of Maria in "West Side Story."
  2. She had no prior professional acting experience before landing this role.
  3. Her performance in "West Side Story" earned her critical acclaim and several award nominations.
  4. Rachel's rendition of "Tonight" and "I Feel Pretty" showcased her vocal prowess and acting skills.
  5. She became the first actress of Colombian descent to play Maria in a major film adaptation of "West Side Story."

Career Highlights and Achievements

Rachel's career has been on an upward trajectory since her breakout role. Here are some highlights and achievements.

  1. In 2021, Rachel was named one of Time magazine's "Next 100" most influential people.
  2. She won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy for her role in "West Side Story."
  3. Rachel has been cast as Snow White in Disney's live-action adaptation of the classic fairy tale.
  4. She is set to star in the upcoming superhero film "Shazam! Fury of the Gods."
  5. Rachel has signed with major talent agencies like ICM Partners and WME.

Personal Interests and Hobbies

Beyond her professional life, Rachel has a range of personal interests and hobbies that make her even more relatable.

  1. Rachel is an avid reader and often shares her favorite books on social media.
  2. She enjoys painting and often posts her artwork online.
  3. Rachel is passionate about social justice issues and uses her platform to advocate for various causes.
  4. She loves animals and has a pet dog named "Milo."
  5. Rachel is a fan of classic films and often references them in interviews.

Social Media Presence

Rachel's social media presence has played a significant role in her rise to fame. Here are some facts about her online activities.

  1. Rachel's YouTube channel has over 200,000 subscribers, where she posts song covers and vlogs.
  2. She is active on Twitter and Instagram, engaging with her fans regularly.
  3. Rachel's TikTok account features a mix of singing, dancing, and humorous content.
  4. She uses her platforms to raise awareness about important social issues.
  5. Rachel's social media presence has helped her connect with a global audience.

Fun and Quirky Facts

Let's explore some fun and quirky facts about Rachel that showcase her unique personality.

  1. Rachel is a huge fan of the Harry Potter series and identifies as a Ravenclaw.
  2. She loves baking and often experiments with new recipes in her free time.
  3. Rachel has a collection of vintage vinyl records, which she enjoys listening to.
  4. She is a self-proclaimed "theater nerd" and loves attending Broadway shows.
  5. Rachel has a talent for impressions and often entertains her friends with them.

Future Projects and Aspirations

Rachel's future in the entertainment industry looks bright. Here are some of her upcoming projects and aspirations.

  1. Rachel is set to star in the film adaptation of the novel "The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes," a prequel to "The Hunger Games."
  2. She has expressed interest in writing and directing her own films someday.
  3. Rachel hopes to release original music and possibly an album in the future.
  4. She aims to continue advocating for diversity and representation in Hollywood.
  5. Rachel dreams of performing on the Broadway stage, fulfilling her lifelong passion for theater.

Rachel Zegler: A Rising Star

Rachel Zegler's journey from YouTube covers to Hollywood stardom is nothing short of inspiring. Her breakout role as Maria in "West Side Story" showcased her incredible talent and earned her critical acclaim. Beyond acting, Rachel's vocal prowess and passion for social justice make her a multifaceted artist to watch. She's not just a performer; she's a voice for change, using her platform to advocate for important causes. As she continues to take on new roles and projects, Rachel's star is only set to shine brighter. Keep an eye on this talented young woman—she's just getting started. Whether you're a fan of her music, acting, or activism, Rachel Zegler is a name you'll be hearing a lot more of in the future.

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