History of Idina Menzel in Timeline
Idina Menzel, an acclaimed American actress and singer, is widely recognized for her Broadway musical performances, earning her the title "Queen of Broadway." Her powerful mezzo-soprano voice and commanding stage presence have established her as a prominent figure in contemporary theatre. Menzel's influence extends beyond the stage, achieving mainstream success in film, television, and music. Her accomplishments include a Tony Award and a Daytime Emmy Award, showcasing her versatility and talent across various entertainment platforms. Her notable roles include originating the role of Maureen Johnson in Rent and Elphaba in Wicked, both of which garnered critical acclaim and contributed to her status as a Broadway icon.
May 30, 1971: Idina Menzel is born
Idina Kim Mentzel was born on May 30, 1971. She later became known as Idina Menzel.
1976: A Star is Born Inspires Menzel
The 1976 film "A Star Is Born", starring Barbra Streisand, served as a major inspiration for a young Idina Menzel, influencing her vocal style and career aspirations.
1988: Original Beaches Film Release
The original Beaches film, which the 2017 remake starring Idina Menzel was based on, was released in 1988.
1992: Graduates from NYU
Idina Menzel graduated from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts with a BFA in Drama in 1992.
1992: Records Demo for "In Your Eyes"
In 1992, Idina Menzel recorded a demo for the song "In Your Eyes".
1993: "In Your Eyes" Wins Eurovision
The song "In Your Eyes", for which Idina Menzel recorded a demo, won the Eurovision Song Contest in 1993.
1995: Meeting Taye Diggs
Idina Menzel and Taye Diggs met in 1995 during the original production of Rent.
1995: Auditions for Rent
Idina Menzel auditioned for the musical Rent in 1995.
1995: Wicked Novel Published
The novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, the basis for the musical Wicked, was published in 1995.
January 26, 1996: Rent Opens Off-Broadway
Rent opened Off-Broadway on January 26, 1996.
1996: Broadway Debut in Rent
In 1996, Idina Menzel made her Broadway debut as Maureen Johnson in the rock musical Rent.
July 1, 1997: Final Rent Performance
Idina Menzel's final performance in the original run of Rent was on July 1, 1997.
October 1998: "Minuet" Charts
Idina Menzel's single "Minuet" reached number 48 on the Radio & Records CHR/Pop Tracks chart in October 1998.
2000: Drama Desk Award Nomination for The Wild Party
Idina Menzel received a Drama Desk Award nomination for her performance in The Wild Party in 2000.
2001: Film Debut in Kissing Jessica Stein
Idina Menzel made her feature film debut in 2001 with a minor role in the romantic comedy "Kissing Jessica Stein."
2002: Appearance in Just a Kiss
In 2002, Idina Menzel made an uncredited appearance in the dark comedy "Just a Kiss."
January 11, 2003: Marriage to Taye Diggs
Idina Menzel married Taye Diggs on January 11, 2003, whom she met in 1995 during the original production of Rent.
October 8, 2003: Wicked Begins Previews
Wicked began previews on Broadway on October 8, 2003.
2003: Originates Elphaba in Wicked
Idina Menzel originated the role of Elphaba in the Broadway musical Wicked in 2003.
2004: "Here" Release
Idina Menzel released her second album, "Here", independently in 2004.
2004: Wins Tony Award for Wicked
Idina Menzel won the Tony Award for Best Leading Actress in a Musical for her role in Wicked in 2004.
2004: Role in The Tollbooth
While performing in "Wicked," Idina Menzel appeared in the 2004 film "The Tollbooth."
January 8, 2005: Injury During Wicked Performance
On January 8, 2005, Idina Menzel was injured during a performance of Wicked.
December 2005: Appears in See What I Wanna See
Idina Menzel appeared in the Off-Broadway production of See What I Wanna See, which ended its run in December 2005.
2005: Leaves Wicked
Idina Menzel left the Broadway production of Wicked in 2005.
2005: Contributions and Collaborations
In 2005, Idina Menzel contributed to the "Desperate Housewives" soundtrack and collaborated with Ray Charles on "Genius and Friends".
2005: Stars in Rent Film Adaptation
In 2005, Idina Menzel reprised her role as Maureen Johnson in the film adaptation of "Rent."
2005: Film Debut in Rent
In 2005, Idina Menzel reprised her role as Maureen in the film adaptation of Rent.
September 27, 2006: Opens in West End's Wicked
Idina Menzel opened in the West End production of Wicked on September 27, 2006.
December 30, 2006: Final West End Wicked Performance
Idina Menzel's final performance in the West End production of Wicked was on December 30, 2006.
2006: Reprises Elphaba in West End
In 2006, Idina Menzel reprised her role as Elphaba in the West End production of Wicked.
2006: Appears in Ask the Dust
Idina Menzel played Vera Rivkin in the 2006 romantic drama "Ask the Dust."
2007: "Beowulf" and Duet with Rhydian Roberts
Idina Menzel sang "A Hero Comes Home" for the "Beowulf" soundtrack and dueted with Rhydian Roberts on "What If" in 2007.
2007: Enchanted Film Appearance
In 2007, Idina Menzel appeared in the musical fantasy film Enchanted as Nancy Tremaine, the fiancée of Robert (Patrick Dempsey) and romantic rival to Giselle (Amy Adams). Notably, Menzel did not sing in the film, despite its musical nature, as the songs written for her character were cut. She was offered the role without an audition and chose to portray Nancy with vulnerability. While the film was a success, some critics felt her talents were underused.
2007: Appears in Enchanted
Idina Menzel had a supporting role in Disney's Enchanted in 2007.
January 29, 2008: "I Stand" Release
Idina Menzel's third album, "I Stand," was released on January 29, 2008, and became her first solo album to chart on the Billboard 200.
April 1, 2008: "I Stand" Tour Begins
Idina Menzel launched her "I Stand" tour on April 1, 2008.
November 11, 2008: "Hope" Release
Idina Menzel released the charity single "Hope" on November 11, 2008.
November 27, 2008: Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
Idina Menzel performed "I Stand" at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 27, 2008.
2008: Performs in Chess Concert
Idina Menzel performed in the 21st-anniversary concert of Chess in 2008.
2008: Releases I Stand
Idina Menzel released her studio album I Stand in 2008.
2008: Kennedy Center Honors Tribute to Barbra Streisand
In 2008, Idina Menzel performed a tribute to Barbra Streisand at the Kennedy Center Honors. Menzel has often cited Streisand as an inspiration, aiming for a similarly successful career and emulating her style, particularly her performance in the 1976 film "A Star is Born."
March 21, 2009: Night of A Thousand Gowns
On March 21, 2009, Idina Menzel was an honorary chair, alongside several other celebrities, at the Imperial Court of New York's Annual Charity Coronation Ball, Night of A Thousand Gowns.
May 17, 2009: Pace Academy Benefit Concert
Idina Menzel performed at a benefit concert in Atlanta on May 17, 2009, to raise money for the Pace Academy Diversity Program, resulting in two scholarships.
September 2, 2009: Birth of Walker Nathaniel Diggs
Idina Menzel gave birth to her son, Walker Nathaniel Diggs, on September 2, 2009.
2009: "I Stand" Tour Continues
The "I Stand" tour continued into 2009.
April 2010: "Barefoot at the Symphony Tour" Begins
Idina Menzel's "Barefoot at the Symphony Tour" began in April 2010.
July 19, 2010: Performance at the White House
Idina Menzel performed at the White House for President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama on July 19, 2010.
October 20, 2010: White House Performance Broadcast
The White House performance by Idina Menzel aired on PBS on October 20, 2010.
2010: Joins Glee Cast
Idina Menzel began her recurring role as Shelby Corcoran on Glee in 2010.
2010: Tangled Audition
Idina Menzel unsuccessfully auditioned for a role in Disney's Tangled in 2010.
2010: Voted Favorite Elphaba
In 2010, Broadway.com readers voted Idina Menzel their favorite Elphaba.
2010: Glee Debut
In 2010, Idina Menzel began her recurring role on the television series Glee as Shelby Corcoran, coach of Vocal Adrenaline and biological mother of Rachel Berry (Lea Michele). This casting was driven by fan observations of the resemblance between Menzel and Michele.
2010: A BroaderWay Foundation
Idina Menzel and Taye Diggs founded the A BroaderWay Foundation in 2010 to support young people in the arts.
October 2011: Performance at Royal Albert Hall
Idina Menzel performed at the Royal Albert Hall in London in October 2011.
2011: Camp BroaderWay
In 2011, Camp BroaderWay, a program of the A BroaderWay Foundation, held a 10-day performing arts camp for girls from underserved communities in New York.
March 2012: "Barefoot at the Symphony" CD/DVD and PBS Special
Idina Menzel's "Barefoot at the Symphony" live CD/DVD and PBS special were released and aired in March 2012.
July 8, 2012: Performance at Ravinia Festival
Idina Menzel performed at the Ravinia Festival on July 8, 2012.
October 29, 2012: Postponed Carnegie Hall Debut
Idina Menzel's Carnegie Hall debut, scheduled for October 29, 2012, was postponed due to Hurricane Sandy.
2012: Broadway's Crossover Success
By 2012, Idina Menzel was recognized as a rare example of a Broadway star achieving widespread success in television, film, and music. Her rising profile was seen as an exception to the declining global influence of Broadway performers.
January 13, 2013: Carnegie Hall Debut
Idina Menzel made her Carnegie Hall debut on January 13, 2013.
February 28, 2013: Casting in "If/Then"
On February 28, 2013, Idina Menzel was cast as Elizabeth in the Broadway musical "If/Then".
June 2013: Tour of Australia
Idina Menzel toured Australia in June 2013, including performances at the Sydney Opera House.
November 5, 2013: "If/Then" World Premiere
"If/Then" had its world premiere at the National Theatre in Washington, D.C., starting previews on November 5, 2013.
November 24, 2013: End of "If/Then" Previews in D.C.
Previews of "If/Then" in Washington, D.C. ended on November 24, 2013.
2013: Glee Role Concludes
Idina Menzel concluded her recurring role as Shelby Corcoran on Glee in 2013 after appearing in 12 episodes.
2013: Vocalist of the Year and Broadway Impact
In 2013, Idina Menzel's vocal talents were widely celebrated, earning her the title of best vocalist of the year. The success of "Let It Go" further solidified her standing as a leading figure in Broadway.
2013: Voices Elsa in Frozen
Idina Menzel began voicing Elsa in Disney's Frozen franchise in 2013.
2013: Separation from Taye Diggs
Idina Menzel and Taye Diggs separated in late 2013 after 10 years of marriage.
2013: Frozen Debut
Idina Menzel voiced Elsa in Disney's Frozen in 2013, after previously auditioning for Tangled (2010). The character was rewritten as a misunderstood anti-heroine.
March 4, 2014: "If/Then" Broadway Previews
"If/Then" began previews on Broadway at the Richard Rodgers Theatre on March 4, 2014.
March 2014: "Let It Go" Performance and Travolta Mishap at the Oscars
In March 2014, Idina Menzel performed "Let It Go" at the 86th Academy Awards, where it won Best Original Song. John Travolta famously mispronounced her name, which became a viral meme. Menzel and Travolta later joked about the incident at the following year's ceremony.
March 30, 2014: "If/Then" Broadway Opening and Tony Nomination
"If/Then" officially opened on Broadway on March 30, 2014. Idina Menzel received a Tony Award nomination for her performance.
April 2014: Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS Easter Bonnet Competition
In April 2014, Idina Menzel presented at the Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS Easter Bonnet Competition.
June 17, 2014: Idina Menzel Announces Christmas Album
On June 17, 2014, during a concert at Radio City Music Hall, Idina Menzel announced she was working on a Christmas album with original material.
October 14, 2014: Release of Holiday Wishes
Idina Menzel released her Christmas album, "Holiday Wishes," on October 14, 2014. It peaked at number 10 on the Billboard 200, becoming her highest-charting solo album.
November 26, 2014: Idina Menzel Announces 2015 Global Tour
On November 26, 2014, Idina Menzel announced her first global tour, including shows in Europe and Asia, scheduled for summer 2015.
2014: Billboard Women in Music Breakthrough Artist Award
In 2014, Idina Menzel received the Breakthrough Artist award at the Billboard Women in Music ceremony.
2014: Vocal Style and Technique Discussion
In 2014, discussions around Menzel's powerful belting technique and vocal style intensified. Critics praised her unique and strong voice, while some noted a tendency towards screechiness, particularly in her Super Bowl XLIX performance of the national anthem. Menzel herself addressed these criticisms, emphasizing her desire to sing with emotion and power, inspired by idols like Ethel Merman and Aretha Franklin.
2014: Frozen Boosts Broadway Stardom
In 2014, following the triumph of "Frozen," Menzel's return to Broadway was met with rockstar-like reception, demonstrating the crossover impact of her film success on her stage career.
2014: Billboard Breakthrough Artist
Idina Menzel was named "Breakthrough Artist" by Billboard in 2014.
2014: Returns to Broadway in If/Then
Idina Menzel returned to Broadway in the musical If/Then in 2014.
2014: Releases Holiday Wishes
Idina Menzel released her studio album Holiday Wishes in 2014.
2014: "Let It Go" Success and Billboard Hot 100 Entry
In 2014, Idina Menzel's song "Let It Go" from Frozen became a global phenomenon and a top-selling single, reaching number five on the Billboard Hot 100. This marked her as the first Tony Award-winning actor to achieve a top-10 hit on the chart.
February 1, 2015: Super Bowl XLIX Performance
Idina Menzel performed "The Star-Spangled Banner" a cappella at Super Bowl XLIX on February 1, 2015, receiving mixed reviews.
March 22, 2015: "If/Then" Broadway Closing
"If/Then" closed on Broadway on March 22, 2015.
August 2015: Purchase of Encino Home
Idina Menzel and Aaron Lohr bought a home together in Encino, Los Angeles, in August 2015.
October 2015: Start of "If/Then" National Tour
Idina Menzel reprised her role in the "If/Then" national tour beginning in October 2015.
2015: Frozen Fever Release
Idina Menzel reprised her role as Elsa in the short film Frozen Fever, released in 2015.
2015: Happy Time Project
In 2015, Idina Menzel was set to star in the sitcom Happy Time, produced by Ellen DeGeneres, but the project was never realized.
January 2016: Menzel's Continued Participation in "If/Then" Tour
Idina Menzel continued to tour with "If/Then" through January 2016.
January 24, 2016: Departure from "If/Then" Tour
Idina Menzel departed the national tour of "If/Then" on January 24, 2016, after performing in Costa Mesa, California.
January 27, 2016: Jackie Burns Replaces Menzel
Jackie Burns replaced Idina Menzel in the "If/Then" national tour starting January 27, 2016, in Dallas, Texas.
August 5, 2016: Idina Menzel Announces Self-Titled Album
On August 5, 2016, Idina Menzel announced the upcoming release of her self-titled fifth album, describing it as a personal project.
September 23, 2016: Engagement to Aaron Lohr
Idina Menzel and Aaron Lohr announced their engagement on September 23, 2016.
September 22, 2017: Marriage to Aaron Lohr
Idina Menzel and Aaron Lohr married on September 22, 2017, in a ceremony at their home.
2017: Demo Recording Revealed
In 2017, it was publicly revealed that Idina Menzel had recorded a demo for the Eurovision-winning song "In Your Eyes".
2017: Beaches Remake
In 2017, Idina Menzel starred in Lifetime's remake of Beaches, playing CC Bloom, a role originated by Bette Midler. While initially hesitant, she saw it as a way to introduce the story to a new generation. Menzel's musical performance was generally praised, even though the remake itself received mixed reviews and some critics felt she didn't quite capture the same spirit as Midler's original portrayal.
2017: Olaf's Frozen Adventure Release
Idina Menzel reprised her role as Elsa in the short film Olaf's Frozen Adventure, released in 2017.
March 12, 2018: Joins Josh Groban's Bridges Tour
On March 12, 2018, it was announced that Idina Menzel would join Josh Groban's Bridges Tour as an opening act and duet partner.
May 31, 2018: "Skintight" Previews Begin
Previews for Joshua Harmon's play "Skintight," starring Idina Menzel, began Off-Broadway on May 31, 2018.
June 21, 2018: "Skintight" Opens Off-Broadway
"Skintight" officially opened Off-Broadway on June 21, 2018.
August 26, 2018: "Skintight" Off-Broadway Run Ends
The Off-Broadway run of "Skintight" concluded on August 26, 2018.
October 12, 2018: Release of idina Live
Idina Menzel's second live album, "idina Live," recorded during her 2017 world tour, was released on October 12, 2018.
2018: Ralph Breaks the Internet Appearance
Idina Menzel reprised her role as Elsa in the film Ralph Breaks the Internet in 2018.
2018: Let It Go Among Greatest Songs
In 2018, NPR recognized "Let It Go," performed by Idina Menzel, as one of the 200 greatest female-performed songs of the 21st century.
May 11, 2019: Signs with Scooter Braun
On May 11, 2019, Idina Menzel signed with Scooter Braun and SB Projects for music management.
October 6, 2019: "Skintight" at Geffen Playhouse Closes
The Los Angeles production of "Skintight" at the Geffen Playhouse closed on October 6, 2019.
October 18, 2019: Release of Christmas: A Season of Love
Idina Menzel released her second holiday album, "Christmas: A Season of Love," on October 18, 2019.
2019: Frozen II Release
Idina Menzel reprised her role as Elsa in the sequel Frozen II, released in 2019.
2019: Uncut Gems Performance
In 2019, Idina Menzel co-starred with Adam Sandler in the crime thriller Uncut Gems, playing his estranged wife Dinah Ratner. This marked a departure from her usual family-friendly roles. Her performance was critically acclaimed.
2019: Hollywood Walk of Fame
In 2019, Idina Menzel and Kristen Bell received neighboring stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, recognizing Menzel's contributions to live theatre.
2019: Collaboration on "Wild" Begins
Idina Menzel revealed working on "Wild" with collaborators in 2019.
2019: Appears in Uncut Gems
Idina Menzel had a supporting role in the film Uncut Gems in 2019.
2020: Broadway's Greatest Star
In 2020, Idina Menzel was recognized as one of Broadway's all-time greatest stars, further cementing her legacy in the theater world.
December 3, 2021: "Wild: A Musical Becoming" Premiere
"Wild: A Musical Becoming," with contributions from Idina Menzel, premiered at the American Repertory Theater on December 3, 2021.
2021: Appears in Cinderella
Idina Menzel appeared in the film Cinderella in 2021.
2021: Cinderella Role
In 2021, Idina Menzel played Cinderella's stepmother, Vivian, in Kay Cannon's jukebox musical adaptation of Cinderella. She aimed to portray a more nuanced villain, exploring the character's motivations. She also wrote and performed an original song, "Dream Girl," which was shortlisted for an Oscar.
January 21, 2022: Planned Closing of "Wild"
"Wild: A Musical Becoming" was originally scheduled to run until January 21, 2022.
September 23, 2022: "The Loud Mouse Song" Release
Idina Menzel released "The Loud Mouse Song" on September 23, 2022, in promotion of her book "Loud Mouse".
September 27, 2022: "Loud Mouse" Publication
Idina Menzel and her sister, Cara Mentzel, co-wrote the children's book "Loud Mouse", which was published on September 27, 2022.
October 11, 2022: Disney+ Concert Special Announced
On October 11, 2022, Idina Menzel announced a Disney+ concert special, "Idina Menzel: Which Way to the Stage?", featuring footage from Madison Square Garden.
November 2022: Disenchanted Release and HGTV Appearance
In November 2022, Idina Menzel reprised her role as Nancy, now Queen of Andalasia, in the film "Disenchanted." This marked the first time her character sang in the Enchanted franchise. A pop version of her song, "Love Power," was released as the soundtrack's lead single. The film garnered mixed reviews, with praise for Menzel's singing but criticism for her limited role. She also appeared on an episode of HGTV's "Celebrity I.O.U.", helping renovate a garage for a friend.
2022: Encore by Idina Menzel Launch and "Loud Mouse" co-writing and song release
Idina Menzel launched her clothing line, Encore, with QVC. She also co-wrote the children's book "Loud Mouse" and released an accompanying song.
2022: Disney Legends Award
Idina Menzel received a Disney Legends Award in 2022 for her contributions to the Walt Disney Company over her nearly 30-year career.
2022: National Medal of Arts Recipient
Idina Menzel was a recipient of the National Medal of Arts in 2022.
August 22, 2023: Parts Ways with Scooter Braun
It was reported on August 22, 2023, that Idina Menzel had left Scooter Braun's management in January 2023.
November 20, 2023: AMIT's Evening of Solidarity Performance
On November 20, 2023, Idina Menzel performed at AMIT's Evening of Solidarity with the Children of Israel.
2023: "Proud Mouse" Publication
Idina Menzel and Cara Mentzel released "Proud Mouse," a sequel to "Loud Mouse," in 2023.
2023: Appears in You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah
Idina Menzel appeared in the film You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah in 2023.
2023: Honorary Doctorate
Idina Menzel received an honorary doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania in 2023.
2023: You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah
In 2023, Idina Menzel starred as Bree Friedman in the comedy film "You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah," reuniting with Adam Sandler, playing his wife. The film focuses on the Friedman family as they navigate their daughter's bat mitzvah preparations. Menzel's performance received positive reviews, with critics praising her authenticity and chemistry with Sandler.
October 2024: National Medal of Arts Award
In October 2024, Idina Menzel was awarded the National Medal of Arts by President Joe Biden.