Best recognized for her breakthrough performance as María in Steven Spielberg’s 2021 rendition of West Side Story, Rachel Zegler is an American actress, singer, and social media star. She became the youngest winner of the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy when her performance received critical acclaim. With parts in big-budget movies like Shazam! Fury of the Gods and the impending live-action Snow White remake, Zegler has continued to make waves in Hollywood. She has performed vocally on a variety of venues in addition to acting, enthralling audiences with her strong voice and musical covers.
Personal Details
| Full Name | Rachel Anne Zegler |
|---|---|
| Nickname | Rachel |
| Date of Birth & Age (2025) | May 3, 2001 (24 years old) |
| Profession | Actress, Singer, Influencer |
| Nationality | American |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Family Members | Parents: Craig and Gina Zegler; Sibling: Jacqueline Zegler |
| Hobbies & Interests | Singing, Acting, Playing Guitar, Writing, Traveling |
| Net Worth (Estimated) | $3-5 million |
Childhood and Schooling
Rachel Zegler grew up in Clifton, New Jersey, after being born and reared in Hackensack, New Jersey. She participated heavily in musical theater at Immaculate Conception High School, where she starred in shows including Les Misérables and Beauty and the Beast. From an early age, her love of performing was apparent, and she became well-known for her well-liked YouTube versions of songs. Her acting career started off with West Side Story shortly after high school, so she didn’t go to college.
Motivators & Impacts
According to Rachel Zegler, her singing career has been greatly influenced by such iconic performers as Barbra Streisand, Julie Andrews, and Lea Salonga. She also incorporates pop and Broadway icons into her compositions, fusing classical and modern elements.
Background of the Family
Gina and Craig Zegler were the parents of Rachel Zegler. Her father has Polish heritage, and her mother is Colombian. Jacqueline Zegler is her only older sister. Rachel’s artistic identity has been shaped by her Latin and European roots, which she experienced firsthand while growing up in a multicultural home.
Top Web/TV Series
| Year | TV/Web Series | Role | Platform |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Apple TV’s “SNL” (Guest Appearance) | Herself | Apple TV+ |
| 2024 | Spellbound (Upcoming) | Princess Ellian | Apple TV+ |
Top Movies
| Year | Movie | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | West Side Story | María Vasquez | Debut film; Won Golden Globe for Best Actress |
| 2023 | Shazam! Fury of the Gods | Anthea | DC superhero film |
| 2023 | The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes | Lucy Gray Baird | Prequel to The Hunger Games series |
| 2025 | Snow White | Snow White | Live-action Disney remake (upcoming) |
Most Viewed Songs on YouTube
| Year | Song | Movie/Album | YouTube Views (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Tonight | West Side Story (OST) | 10M+ |
| 2021 | I Feel Pretty | West Side Story (OST) | 8M+ |
| 2021 | Somewhere | West Side Story (OST) | 7M+ |
| 2021 | America (Ensemble) | West Side Story (OST) | 15M+ |
| 2023 | The Hanging Tree | The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes | 5M+ |
Most Streamed Songs Over Platforms
| Year | Song | Movie/Album | Streaming Platform | Approx. Streams |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Tonight | West Side Story (OST) | Spotify | 50M+ |
| 2021 | I Feel Pretty | West Side Story (OST) | Spotify | 40M+ |
| 2021 | Somewhere | West Side Story (OST) | Apple Music | 30M+ |
| 2021 | America (Ensemble) | West Side Story (OST) | YouTube Music | 60M+ |
| 2023 | The Hanging Tree | The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes | Spotify | 20M+ |
Career Journey
Early Career
Rachel Zegler’s journey to stardom began when she gained recognition on YouTube for her impressive song covers. Her video of “Shallow” from A Star Is Born went viral, leading to wider attention from industry professionals.
Also Read: Addison Rae: The Rise of a Social Media Sensation
Breakthrough Project
Her career skyrocketed when she was cast as María in West Side Story (2021) out of over 30,000 applicants. The film’s success cemented her place in Hollywood, earning her a Golden Globe and widespread acclaim.
Awards & Recognition
- Golden Globe Award – Best Actress in a Motion Picture (West Side Story, 2022)
- Critics’ Choice Movie Award Nomination
- BAFTA Rising Star Nominee
Physical Measurements
| Measurement | Details |
|---|---|
| Height & Weight | 5’2” (157 cm), 52 kg (115 lbs) |
| Body Measurements | 32-24-34 inches (Bust-Waist-Hips) |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Dark Brown |
| Distinctive Features | Expressive eyes, strong vocal range, dimpled smile |
Personal Life
Rachel Zegler has been linked to actor Josh Andrés Rivera, her West Side Story co-star. She is known for being outspoken about social issues, including diversity in Hollywood and mental health awareness. She also actively supports LGBTQ+ rights and women’s empowerment initiatives.
Interesting Facts
- Rachel is bilingual, fluent in both English and Spanish.
- She was a huge Hunger Games fan growing up and later starred in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes.
- She is a talented writer and often shares poetry and personal essays on social media.
Future Projects
- Snow White (Live-Action) (2025) – Starring as Snow White
- Other rumored projects in Hollywood and music
Legacy & Influence
Rachel Zegler is an inspiration to young actors and singers, proving that talent and perseverance can lead to success. Her ability to connect with audiences through powerful performances and activism has made her a role model for many aspiring artists.
Social Media & Fan Engagement
| Platform | Handle | Follower Count (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| @rachelzegler | 1.5M+ | |
| Twitter/X | @rachelzegler | 800K+ |
| YouTube | Rachel Zegler | 500K+ |
Rachel actively engages with fans, sharing personal insights, behind-the-scenes content, and advocating for important social issues.
