50 Facts About Rachel Zegler

Early Life and Background

Rachel Zegler's journey to stardom began in New Jersey, where her diverse heritage and early experiences shaped her into the talented performer she is today.

1. Rachel Zegler was born on May 3, 2001, in Hackensack, New Jersey.
2. Her parents are Gina and Craig Zegler.
3. Rachel has an older sister named Jacklyn.
4. Her mother is of Colombian descent, and her maternal grandmother immigrated from Barranquilla, Colombia, to the United States in the 1960s.
5. Her father is of Polish descent.
6. Due to her mixed ethnicity, Zegler faced racial discrimination as a child.

Inspiration from Theater

Rachel's love for theater began at a young age, setting the stage for her future career in the performing arts.

7. At the age of four, Zegler saw her first Broadway show, Beauty and the Beast.
8. This experience sparked her love for theater, and she has been a huge fan ever since.
9. Her passion for music and theater was evident in her early years.

Career Beginnings

Rachel's early career was marked by notable roles in high school musicals, showcasing her talent and dedication.

10. Zegler began her career starring in several musicals while in high school.
11. Her notable roles include Belle in Beauty and the Beast (2016).
12. She played Ariel in The Little Mermaid (2017).
13. Dorothy Brock in 42nd Street (2018) was another significant role.
14. She portrayed Princess Fiona in Shrek The Musical (2019).
15. For all four performances, she received Metro Award nominations in the Actress in a Leading Role category.

YouTube Channel

Rachel's YouTube channel has been a platform for her to share her musical talents with a wider audience.

16. Zegler's YouTube channel has been active since July 2015.
17. Her videos, including covers of popular songs like "Shallow" from A Star Is Born, have garnered significant attention.
18. As of 2022, her video of herself singing "Shallow" had over 12.2 million views on Twitter.

Breakthrough Role in West Side Story

Rachel's career took a significant leap forward with her role in Steven Spielberg's West Side Story.

19. In January 2018, director Steven Spielberg posted an open casting call via Twitter for a new film adaptation of West Side Story.
20. Zegler, then 16 years old, responded to the casting call with videos of herself singing "Tonight" and "I Feel Pretty."
21. She was selected from over 30,000 applicants for the role of Maria, marking her film debut.
22. The film West Side Story, released in December 2021, earned acclaim from critics and audiences.
23. For her performance, Zegler received a Critics' Choice Movie Award nomination for Best Young Performer.
24. She won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Motion Picture Comedy or Musical.
25. She became the first actress of Colombian descent to win in that category and the youngest winner at 20 years old.

Other Film Roles

Rachel's versatility as an actress is evident in her roles beyond West Side Story.

26. In 2023, Zegler played Anthea in Shazam Fury of the Gods.
27. She portrayed Lucy Gray Baird in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes.
28. These roles further solidified her position in the film industry.

Social Media Presence

Rachel's strong social media presence has played a crucial role in her rise to fame.

29. Zegler's social media presence is significant, with a strong following across various platforms.
30. Her YouTube channel and Twitter account have been instrumental in her rise to fame.
31. She uses these platforms to connect directly with fans and share her talents.

Awards and Recognition

Rachel's talent has been recognized with numerous awards and accolades.

32. She was listed at number 34 on The Ringer's The Big Picture podcast's list of the top 35 actors under 35.
33. She is included in the Forbes 30 Under 30 class of 2022 list.
34. She was named one of the Breakthrough Entertainers of 2021 by AP Entertainment.

In Memoriam Segment at the 64th Annual Grammy Awards

Rachel's participation in the Grammy Awards highlighted her growing influence in the entertainment industry.

35. Zegler was part of the in memoriam segment of the 64th Annual Grammy Awards in honor of Stephen Sondheim.
36. She performed alongside Ben Platt, Cynthia Erivo, and Leslie Odom Jr.

Controversy Over 94th Academy Awards Invitation

Rachel faced a notable controversy regarding her invitation to the Academy Awards.

37. Despite West Side Story's seven nominations, including Best Picture, Zegler was initially not invited to attend the 94th Academy Awards ceremony.
38. After some controversy over the perceived snub, the Academy invited her to be a presenter for the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects.

Disney’s Live-Action Snow White Adaptation

Rachel is set to star in Disney’s live-action adaptation of Snow White, a highly anticipated project.

39. Director Marc Webb praised her extraordinary vocal abilities.
40. Webb noted that her strength, intelligence, and optimism will be integral to rediscovering the joy in this classic Disney fairy tale.

Singing “I Feel Pretty”

Rachel's performance of "I Feel Pretty" in West Side Story was a significant moment for her.

41. Zegler explained to Vogue that West Side Story is a beautiful display of Latin joy.
42. Singing “I Feel Pretty” was super important to her, as it represented a moment of self-empowerment and cultural pride.

First Single Release

Rachel's musical talents extend beyond acting, as evidenced by her first single release.

43. In May 2024, Zegler dropped her first single.
44. The single garnered significant attention and anticipation for her upcoming album.

Met Gala Debut

Rachel's debut at the Met Gala showcased her status as a fashion icon.

45. Zegler made her Met Gala debut in 2024.
46. Her stunning appearance on the red carpet was widely covered by media outlets.

Theater Background

Rachel's extensive experience in theater has prepared her for the demands of film and stage performances.

47. Zegler has a strong background in musical theater, excelling in singing, dancing, and acting.
48. Her extensive experience in theater productions has honed her skills.

Self-Taught Musician

Rachel's musical talents are not limited to singing; she is also a self-taught musician.

49. In addition to her exceptional singing abilities, Zegler has taught herself to play several musical instruments.
50. This further showcases her immense talent and versatility.

Rachel Zegler: A Star on the Rise

Rachel Zegler's journey from a theater-loving kid in New Jersey to a Golden Globe-winning actress is nothing short of inspiring. Her breakout role in West Side Story showcased her incredible talent, earning her critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase. Beyond her acting chops, Rachel's powerful voice, self-taught musical skills, and strong social media presence have made her a multifaceted star. She's not just about the glitz and glamour; Rachel advocates for mental health awareness and representation in media, making her a role model for many. With upcoming roles in major films like Snow White and The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, Rachel's star is only set to shine brighter. Keep an eye on this rising talent—she's just getting started.