How Rachel Zegler Went From School Musicals To Hollywood Royalty

Born on May 3, 2001, in Hackensack, New Jersey, Rachel grew up with a passion for music and performing.

She first gained attention through her performances in high school musicals, but her real breakthrough came when she was cast as María in Steven Spielberg’s 2021 adaptation of West Side Story. 

This role not only put her in the spotlight but also marked the beginning of an exciting and promising career in film.

The Rise to Fame: West Side Story

Rachel’s big break came at just 16 years old, when she responded to an open casting call posted by Steven Spielberg on social media.

Spielberg was searching for a fresh face to play María, and Rachel, who had previously performed the role in a local production, caught his attention with her singing videos.

Selected from over 30,000 applicants, she made her film debut in West Side Story, a role that would propel her into stardom.

Her portrayal of María was met with widespread acclaim. 

Critics praised her for both her acting and her powerful singing voice, which brought a new depth to the beloved character.

Moving Forward: New Roles and Expanding Horizons

After her success in West Side Story, Rachel's career quickly gained momentum. 

She joined the cast of Shazam! Fury of the Gods (2023), where she played Anthea, one of the film's key characters. 

While the movie itself received mixed reviews, her performance once again demonstrated her versatility, moving from a romantic musical to a superhero film.

2023 also saw Rachel taking on the lead role of Lucy Gray Baird in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, a highly anticipated prequel to The Hunger Games series. 

The film’s release was a major moment for Zegler, as it introduced her to a different genre of film and a new audience. 

Critics were impressed by her portrayal of the character, praising her ability to capture both the strength and vulnerability required for the role.

In addition to her film work, Rachel has exciting projects lined up for the future.

She is set to star as Snow White in Disney’s live-action remake of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, slated for release in 2025. 

The film will see Rachel stepping into one of Disney’s most iconic roles, showcasing her musical talents once again.

This modern adaptation promises a fresh take on the classic fairy tale, with Rachel’s Snow White being more independent and strong-willed than in previous versions.

Rachel will also lend her voice to the lead character in Spellbound, an animated musical set to be released in late 2024.

This project will see her working alongside big names like Nicole Kidman and Javier Bardem, further expanding her already impressive resume.

Personal Life and Advocacy

Outside of her acting career, Rachel Zegler is known for being vocal on social media, where she shares her thoughts on a wide range of issues, from mental health to social justice.

She has used her platform to advocate for causes she cares about, often speaking out on matters that affect underrepresented communities, particularly in the entertainment industry.

On a more personal note, Rachel has been open about her experiences as a Latina actress in Hollywood.

In interviews, she has talked about the importance of representation and the challenges she’s faced as a young woman of color navigating the film industry.

Despite the obstacles, Rachel continues to break barriers, serving as an inspiration to many young actors and fans alike.

In 2021, Rachel confirmed her relationship with actor Josh Andrés Rivera, whom she met on the set of West Side Story.

The two also starred together in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, and their relationship has been a topic of interest among fans.

The Future Looks Bright

At just 23 years old, Rachel Zegler has already achieved what many actors spend decades working toward.

With several high-profile projects on the horizon and a career that shows no signs of slowing down, it’s clear that Rachel is a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment world. 

Whether through her powerful performances, her advocacy work, or her ability to connect with fans on a personal level, Rachel Zegler is a name you’ll be hearing for years to come.