Rachel Zegler Biography
Rachel Zegler is an American actress and singer who shot to international stardom with her stunning portrayal of María in Steven Spielberg’s musical film West Side Story (2021). Her remarkable performance not only captivated audiences but also earned her the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, marking her as one of Hollywood’s brightest young stars.
After her breakout role, Zegler continued to build her film career, taking on the role of Anthea in the superhero flick Shazam! Fury of the Gods (2023) and portraying Lucy Gray Baird in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (2023). Looking ahead to 2025, she’s set to star as the lead in Disney’s live-action musical fantasy Snow White.
Beyond her film accomplishments, Zegler has made impressive strides in the world of musical theatre. She made her Broadway debut as Juliet in Romeo + Juliet in 2024, and soon after, she graced the West End stage as Eva Perón in the musical Evita in 2025. Her performance in Evita earned her the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical, showcasing her incredible versatility as a performer across film, television, and theatre.
Rachel Zegler Education
Rachel Zegler’s educational journey began at Immaculate Conception High School, a Catholic all-girls institution located in Lodi, New Jersey. It was during her time there that she truly discovered her love for acting and singing, diving headfirst into musical theatre. She took on leading roles in school productions like Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, 42nd Street, and Shrek the Musical, showcasing her talent and passion.
In June 2019, Zegler graduated as the salutatorian, a title given to the student who ranks just below the top of their class. Instead of following the conventional path of college, she chose to focus on her burgeoning career in acting and music. Her big break came when director Steven Spielberg handpicked her for a role in West Side Story, out of a staggering 30,000 auditionees.
Rachel Zegler Age
As for Rachel Zegler’s age, she is currently 25 years old as of 2026. Born on May 3, 2001, in Hackensack, New Jersey, she falls under the Taurus zodiac sign.
Rachel Zegler Ethnicity
When it comes to her ethnicity, Rachel Zegler proudly identifies as Colombian and Polish. Her mother hails from a Colombian background, while her father has Polish roots. Zegler has often highlighted the significance of her Latina heritage and the need for representation in the entertainment world.
Growing up in a bilingual household, she was fluent in both Spanish and English. Her Colombian roots have also sparked discussions, especially regarding her casting as Snow White, a role that has garnered her both acclaim and some online backlash.
Rachel Zegler Nationality
Rachel Zegler is American by nationality, having been born in Hackensack and raised in Clifton, New Jersey. Her American identity plays a crucial role in her narrative as she carves out her space in Hollywood and on stages around the globe.
Rachel Zegler Height
Rachel Zegler stands at about 5 feet 6 inches tall, which is roughly 168 centimeters.
Rachel Zegler Parents
Rachel Zegler is the proud daughter of Gina and Craig Zegler. From a young age, her parents recognized her passion for the performing arts and wholeheartedly encouraged her to chase her dreams in acting and singing.
Gina, her mother, has Colombian heritage and has dedicated her career to education, particularly in helping children with disabilities. On the other hand, her father, Craig, has a background in construction. Rachel also has an older sister named Jacqueline. The Zegler family raised their kids in Clifton, New Jersey, where Rachel’s love for musical theatre blossomed before she made her mark in the entertainment world.
Rachel Zegler Boyfriend
Rachel Zegler’s love life has certainly caught the attention of the public, especially since she’s been linked to individuals she met through her work in acting and musical theatre.
She was previously in a relationship with actor Josh Andrés Rivera, whom she met while collaborating on Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story. Rivera took on the role of Chino in the film, while Zegler brought María to life. The couple reportedly called it quits in 2024.
Rachel Zegler Met Gala 2026
Rachel Zegler made a stunning appearance at the 2026 Met Gala on May 4, 2026, held at the iconic Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. This year’s theme, “Costume Art,” brought together a dazzling array of actors, musicians, designers, and other influential figures from the worlds of fashion and entertainment.
For this glamorous event, Zegler chose a breathtaking gown by Atelier Prabal Gurung, crafted from luxurious pearl silk moiré fabric and featuring a sleek, fitted silhouette with elegant bow detailing. To complete her look, she donned a custom silk chiffon mask designed by Jennifer Behr, in collaboration with her stylist, Sarah Slutsky Tooley. Her striking appearance turned heads, thanks to its theatrical flair and unique mask.
Rachel Zegler Movies
Rachel Zegler has made quite a splash in the film industry, showcasing her talent for both dramatic acting and musical performances. She burst onto the scene with her feature-film debut in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story back in 2021.
Here are some of her most notable film roles:
– West Side Story (2021): She took on the role of María, which not only earned her international fame but also a Golden Globe Award.
– Shazam! Fury of the Gods (2023): In this superhero sequel, she played Anthea, one of the Daughters of Atlas.
– The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (2023): Rachel portrayed Lucy Gray Baird, a character who becomes pivotal to the plot.
– Y2K (2024): She made an appearance in this comedy-horror flick.
– Spellbound (2024): Rachel lent her voice to Princess Ellian in this animated musical fantasy.
– Snow White (2025): She stars as the titular character in Disney’s live-action remake.
Rachel Zegler Snow White
Rachel Zegler took on the iconic role of Snow White in Disney’s live-action musical fantasy, which hit theaters in 2025. This fresh take on the beloved tale follows the princess as she escapes the clutches of the Evil Queen and finds solace with her seven quirky companions.
Zegler’s casting was a big deal, as she stepped into the shoes of one of Disney’s most famous characters. The film also starred Gal Gadot as the menacing Evil Queen and introduced some new musical numbers while keeping some of the classic story elements we all know and love.
While the film sparked a lot of conversations and mixed reviews, it was a significant moment for Zegler’s career, putting her front and center in a major Disney project. Plus, she lent her voice to the film’s soundtrack, further proving her impressive vocal talents.
Rachel Zegler Evita
Rachel Zegler took on the iconic role of Eva Perón in the 2025 West End revival of Evita, the beloved musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. This production, held at the London Palladium, allowed Zegler to showcase her impressive vocal abilities and captivating stage presence in a challenging leading role.
Her performance garnered a lot of attention and ultimately earned her the prestigious 2026 Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical. Additionally, she received accolades from various other theatre award organizations for her outstanding work in the show.
In April 2026, it was announced that the production would be making its way to Broadway in spring 2027, with Zegler set to reprise her role as Eva Perón. This upcoming transfer marks yet another exciting milestone in her flourishing stage career.
Rachel Zegler Awards
Rachel Zegler has truly made a name for herself, earning significant accolades for her work in both film and musical theatre. Her impressive list of awards and nominations showcases her talent and versatility across these two vibrant industries.
Here are some of her standout achievements:
– Golden Globe Award (2022): She took home the award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy for her role in West Side Story.
– People’s Choice Awards (2024): Rachel was honored as Action Movie Star of the Year for her performance in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes.
– iHeartRadio Music Awards (2025): She won Favorite Broadway Debut for her captivating role in Romeo + Juliet.
– The Stage Debut Awards (2025): Rachel snagged the award for Best West End Debut Performance for her work in Evita.
– Laurence Olivier Awards (2026): She was recognized as Best Actress in a Musical for her outstanding performance in Evita.
