History of Lea Michele in Timeline

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Lea Michele

Lea Michele is an American actress and singer. She began her career on Broadway in productions like Les Misérables and Spring Awakening. Michele gained significant recognition for her role as Rachel Berry in the television series Glee, earning Emmy and Golden Globe nominations. She also contributed to Glee's musical recordings, achieving Billboard hits and a Grammy nomination. Beyond Glee, she has continued her acting and music career, solidifying her presence in the entertainment industry.

August 29, 1986: Lea Michele Born

On August 29, 1986, Lea Michele Sarfati was born, later becoming an American actress, singer, and songwriter.

Others born on this day/year

1995: Broadway Debut

In 1995, Lea Michele made her Broadway debut at age eight, as a replacement in the role of Young Cosette in Les Misérables.

1995: Broadway Debut in Les Misérables

In 1995, Lea Michele made her Broadway debut in Les Misérables as Young Cosette.

1996: Continued role in Les Misérables

In 1996, Lea Michele continued her role in Les Misérables, performing as Young Cosette.

1997: Broadway in Ragtime

In 1997, Lea Michele performed in Ragtime.

1997: Homeschooled in Toronto

In 1997, Lea Michele was homeschooled while living and working in Toronto, where she performed in a production of Ragtime.

October 13, 1998: Buster & Chauncey's Silent Night Release

On October 13, 1998, Lea Michele voiced a main character, Christina, in the animated film Buster & Chauncey's Silent Night.

1999: Continued role in Ragtime

In 1999, Lea Michele continued her role in Ragtime.

2000: Attended Stagedoor Manor

In the summer of 2000, Lea Michele attended Stagedoor Manor, a performing arts training center.

2001: Attended Stagedoor Manor

In the summer of 2001, Lea Michele attended Stagedoor Manor, a performing arts training center.

2002: Attended Stagedoor Manor

In the summer of 2002, Lea Michele attended Stagedoor Manor, a performing arts training center.

2004: Shprintze in Fiddler on the Roof

In 2004, Lea Michele began portraying Shprintze in the Broadway revival of the musical Fiddler on the Roof.

2004: Fiddler on the Roof

In 2004, Lea Michele performed in Fiddler on the Roof.

February 2005: Performed as Wendla at the Lincoln Center

In February 2005, Lea Michele performed as Wendla at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts.

2005: Continued role in Fiddler on the Roof

In 2005, Lea Michele continued her role in Fiddler on the Roof.

December 2006: Spring Awakening Premiered on Broadway

In December 2006, Spring Awakening, starring Lea Michele as Wendla Bergmann, premiered on Broadway.

2006: Spring Awakening on Broadway

In 2006, Lea Michele starred in Spring Awakening on Broadway.

December 2007: Performance for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS

In December 2007, Lea Michele performed at the Lucille Lortel Theatre for Unsung: 'Tis The Season To Be Naughty, supporting Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.

2007: Gap Inc. Marketing Campaign

In 2007, Lea Michele was featured in a Gap Inc. marketing campaign with her Spring Awakening co-stars.

January 2008: Starred in Alive in the World

In January 2008, Lea Michele starred in a concert production of the musical Alive in the World as Phoebe.

April 2008: Flops n' Cutz Concert and Solo Cabaret Debut

In April 2008, Lea Michele performed a Flops n' Cutz concert with her boyfriend Landon Beard and debuted her solo cabaret Once Upon a Dream.

May 2008: Left Spring Awakening

In May 2008, Lea Michele left the Broadway cast of Spring Awakening with Jonathan Groff.

July 2008: Performed in Nero Reading

In July 2008, Lea Michele performed as Claudia Octavia in a reading of Sheik and Sater's new musical, Nero, at Vassar College.

August 2008: Éponine in Les Misérables Concert

In August 2008, Lea Michele portrayed Éponine in the Hollywood Bowl's Les Misérables concert.

2008: PETA Advertising Campaign

In 2008, Lea Michele appeared in the PETA advertising campaign "Buck Cruelty! Say No to Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides" advocating for animal rights.

2008: Working with Cory Monteith

In 2008, Lea Michele began working with Cory Monteith when they were cast as love interests on Glee.

2008: Continued role in Spring Awakening

In 2008, Lea Michele continued her role in Spring Awakening.

November 2009: Performance at Human Rights Campaign Dinner

In November 2009, Lea Michele performed at the Human Rights Campaign dinner in support of gay rights.

2009: Starred in Glee

In 2009, Lea Michele began starring as Rachel Berry in the Fox series Glee, a role written specifically for her.

April 2010: PETA Public Service Announcement

In April 2010, Lea Michele appeared in a public service announcement for PETA, speaking out against fur clothing.

May 2010: Glee Music Tour

In May 2010, Lea Michele and the cast of Glee embarked on a music tour of the United States.

September 2010: Honored by PETA for Animal Rights Work

In September 2010, Lea Michele was honored by PETA for her work with animals.

October 2010: Performed in The Rocky Horror Picture Show Benefit Concert

In October 2010, Lea Michele and Matthew Morrison performed in the 35th anniversary benefit concert of The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

October 2010: Performance at The Painted Turtle Benefit Concert

In October 2010, Lea Michele performed at a benefit concert for The Painted Turtle, celebrating the 35th anniversary of The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

December 2010: Received Billboard's Triple Threat Award

In December 2010, Lea Michele received Billboard's first-ever Triple Threat Award.

2010: Spokesmodel for Dove

In 2010, Lea Michele became a spokesmodel for beauty company Dove, performing the song "My Favorite Things" in television commercials.

2010: Nominated for Primetime Emmy Award

In 2010, Lea Michele was nominated for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for her role in Glee.

February 6, 2011: Performed at Super Bowl XLV

On February 6, 2011, Lea Michele performed "America the Beautiful" before Super Bowl XLV.

February 2011: Performed at MusiCares Person of the Year Event

In February 2011, Lea Michele performed at The Grammys' MusiCares Person of the Year event honoring Barbra Streisand.

February 2011: Performance at Grammy Award's MusiCares Benefit

In February 2011, Lea Michele performed for the Grammy Award's MusiCares benefit in Los Angeles.

September 2011: Commercials for HP TouchPad

In September 2011, Lea Michele appeared in commercials for the HP TouchPad.

December 9, 2011: New Year's Eve Film Release

On December 9, 2011, the film New Year's Eve, starring Lea Michele as Elise, was released worldwide.

2011: Feature Film Debut in New Year's Eve

In 2011, Lea Michele made her feature film debut in New Year's Eve.

2011: Nominated for Two Grammy Awards

In 2011, Lea Michele was nominated for two Grammy Awards for her work on Glee.

January 2012: Candie's Spokesmodel

In January 2012, Lea Michele was announced as the spokesmodel for Candie's, succeeding Vanessa Hudgens.

February 2012: Relationship with Cory Monteith

In February 2012, media reported that Lea Michele began dating Cory Monteith, her Glee co-star.

April 2012: Performance for Jonsson Cancer Center Foundation

In April 2012, Lea Michele performed for the Jonsson Cancer Center Foundation's 17th annual signature fundraiser, Taste for a Cure, at UCLA with her Glee co-star Darren Criss.

July 2012: Hosting Valspar Hands for Habitat Charity Auction Launch

In July 2012, Lea Michele hosted the launch of the Valspar Hands for Habitat charity auction, donating a signed hand print to be auctioned off for Habitat for Humanity's disaster response programs.

September 2012: L'Oréal Paris Spokesperson

In September 2012, Lea Michele signed a deal to become a spokesperson for L'Oréal Paris, appearing in magazines and television commercials.

September 18, 2012: Announced First Solo Album

On September 18, 2012, it was announced that Lea Michele would work on her first solo album.

October 2012: Performance at Big Brothers Big Sisters Gala

In October 2012, Lea Michele and Darren Criss performed together at the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles 2012 Stars Gala.

October 19, 2012: Began Recordings for First Solo Album

On October 19, 2012, Lea Michele began recording for her first solo album.

December 2012: Ambassador for L'Oréal's Women of Worth Program

Since December 2012, Lea Michele has been an ambassador for L'Oréal's Women of Worth program, celebrating women who have positively impacted their communities.

2012: Signed with Columbia Records

In 2012, Lea Michele signed with Columbia Records.

2012: Won People's Choice Award

In 2012, Lea Michele won the People's Choice Award for Favorite TV Comedy Actress.

May 2013: Signed Deal with Harmony Books and Random House

In May 2013, it was announced that Lea Michele had signed a deal with Harmony Books and Random House to pen Brunette Ambition.

June 2013: Co-hosting Feed America Launch for Target

In June 2013, Lea Michele co-hosted the launch of Feed America for Target stores, with proceeds benefiting Feeding America.

July 2013: Death of Cory Monteith

In July 2013, Cory Monteith, Lea Michele's boyfriend, passed away.

August 2013: Donation to Valspar Hands for Habitat Charity Auction

In August 2013, Lea Michele once again donated a hand print to the Valspar Hands for Habitat charity auction.

November 27, 2013: Announced First Single "Cannonball"

On November 27, 2013, it was announced that the first single from Lea Michele's debut album Louder would be "Cannonball".

December 10, 2013: Released "Cannonball"

On December 10, 2013, Lea Michele released her first single, "Cannonball".

December 14, 2013: "Lea Michele's Night of Shopping and Cocktails" Fundraiser

On December 14, 2013, Lea Michele hosted the fundraiser "Lea Michele's Night of Shopping and Cocktails", presented by SodaStream, which benefited Chrysalis, a non-profit organization helping homeless people find work.

2013: Won People's Choice Award

In 2013, Lea Michele won the People's Choice Award for Favorite TV Comedy Actress.

January 9, 2014: "Cannonball" Music Video Release

On January 9, 2014, the music video for Lea Michele's single "Cannonball" was released.

February 28, 2014: Released Louder

On February 28, 2014, Lea Michele released her debut album, Louder.

April 2014: Performance at Taste for a Cure Event

In April 2014, Lea Michele and Darren Criss once again performed together at the 19th annual Taste for a Cure event for the Jonsson Cancer Center Foundation.

May 4, 2014: Released "On My Way"

On May 4, 2014, Lea Michele released her second single, "On My Way".

May 9, 2014: Legends of Oz: Dorothy's Return Release

On May 9, 2014, Legends of Oz: Dorothy's Return, featuring Lea Michele as the voice of Dorothy Gale, opened in North American theaters.

May 19, 2014: "On My Way" Music Video Release

On May 19, 2014, the music video for Lea Michele's second single "On My Way" premiered.

May 20, 2014: Brunette Ambition Release

On May 20, 2014, Lea Michele's part memoir, part how-to book titled Brunette Ambition was released.

July 2014: Guest Starred on Sons of Anarchy

In July 2014, it was announced that Lea Michele would guest star in the final season of FX's drama series Sons of Anarchy.

October 14, 2014: Sons of Anarchy Episode Aired

On October 14, 2014, Lea Michele's episode of Sons of Anarchy, "Smoke 'em If You Got 'em", aired.

October 2014: Partnership with Evian for Breast Cancer Awareness

In October 2014, Lea Michele teamed up with Evian to encourage women to perform their own breast exams in an attempt to raise awareness of early cancer detection.

2014: Released Louder

In 2014, Lea Michele released her debut studio album, Louder, which debuted at number 4 on the Billboard 200 chart.

April 2015: Began Recording Second Studio Album

In April 2015, Lea Michele began recording for her second studio album.

September 2015: Pixelberry Studios Collaboration

In September 2015, Pixelberry Studios announced their collaboration with Lea Michele, launching High School Story with Lea Michele, a celebrity takeover update of their popular app.

September 22, 2015: You First: Journal Your Way to Your Best Life Release

On September 22, 2015, Lea Michele released her second book, You First: Journal Your Way to Your Best Life.

2015: Starred in Scream Queens

From 2015, Lea Michele starred in the Fox horror-comedy series Scream Queens.

2015: Ended Role in Glee

In 2015, Lea Michele finished starring as Rachel Berry in Glee.

2015: Released You First: Journal Your Way to Your Best Life

In 2015, Lea Michele released her second book, You First: Journal Your Way to Your Best Life.

February 2016: Collaboration with Burt's Bees

In February 2016, it was announced that Lea Michele would collaborate with Burt's Bees in a campaign to act on the declining population of bees.

March 15, 2016: "This Is for My Girls" Charity Single Release

On March 15, 2016, Lea Michele was one of eight featured singers on the charity single "This Is for My Girls".

June 2016: Tribute to Orlando Shooting Victims

In June 2016, Lea Michele and other celebrities told the stories of the people killed in the 2016 Orlando gay nightclub shooting in a video released by the Human Rights Campaign.

2016: Continued role in Scream Queens

In 2016, Lea Michele continued her role in Scream Queens.

January 2017: An Intimate Evening with Lea Michele Mini Tour

In January 2017, Lea Michele played three shows on a mini tour titled An Intimate Evening with Lea Michele, to support her second studio album, Places.

March 3, 2017: Released "Love Is Alive"

On March 3, 2017, Lea Michele released "Love Is Alive", the lead single from her second studio album, Places.

April 4, 2017: Appearance in Dimension 404

On April 4, 2017, Lea Michele appeared as Amanda in the first episode of Hulu's science fiction anthology series Dimension 404, alongside Robert Buckley and Joel McHale.

April 2017: Barnes & Noble Donation to Step Up

In April 2017, Barnes & Noble donated a portion of every purchase of Places to Step Up.

April 28, 2017: Released Places

On April 28, 2017, Lea Michele released her second studio album, Places.

May 2017: An Intimate Evening with Lea Michele UK and North America Tour

In April and May 2017, Lea Michele continued her An Intimate Evening with Lea Michele tour with additional shows in the UK and North America.

October 8, 2017: Performance at Elsie Fest

On October 8, 2017, Lea Michele headlined the third annual musical theatre festival Elsie Fest, which was founded by her Glee co-star Darren Criss.

November 2017: Partnership with eBay to Benefit Feeding America

In November 2017, Lea Michele partnered with eBay to design a pin to benefit Feeding America; she also auctioned off a set visit to one of her projects in 2018.

2017: Released Places

In 2017, Lea Michele released her second studio album, Places.

2017: Starred in The Mayor

In 2017, Lea Michele starred as Valentina Barella in the ABC sitcom The Mayor.

March 2018: Illiteracy Rumors Become Internet Meme

In March 2018, rumors and jokes that Lea Michele is illiterate became a popular Internet meme.

April 2018: Announcement of LM/DC Tour

In April 2018, it was announced that Lea Michele would embark on a co-headlining tour with Darren Criss.

June 2018: LM/DC Tour Shows

In June 2018, Lea Michele performed in several North American cities as part of The LM/DC Tour with Darren Criss.

December 2018: LM/DC Tour in UK and Ireland

In December 2018, Lea Michele continued The LM/DC Tour with Darren Criss in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

December 2018: Old Navy and Lyft Partnership

In December 2018, Lea Michele partnered with Old Navy and Lyft to announce free car sharing to stores for the holidays.

February 2019: ZOLA Commercial Appearance

In February 2019, Lea Michele appeared in a commercial for ZOLA, a wedding planning website.

March 9, 2019: Marriage to Zandy Reich

On March 9, 2019, Lea Michele married businessman Zandy Reich in Napa, California.

April 2019: Performance for "A Grand Night" Fundraising Gala

In April 2019, Lea Michele performed for the "A Grand Night" fundraising gala held at the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles.

May 1, 2019: Participation in Reach Higher's 2019 College Signing Day

On May 1, 2019, Lea Michele joined Former First Lady Michelle Obama at Reach Higher's 2019 College Signing Day.

May 2019: Hosting "Well, Well, Well with Lea Michele"

In May 2019, it was announced that Lea Michele would host a health and wellness digital series for the Ellen DeGeneres Network, titled "Well, Well, Well with Lea Michele".

September 2019: PCOS Revelation

In September 2019, Lea Michele revealed that she had been diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

October 25, 2019: Release of Christmas in the City

On October 25, 2019, Lea Michele's third studio album, Christmas in the City, was released.

November 24, 2019: Visit to Children's Health Care of Atlanta

On November 24, 2019, Lea Michele visited ill children at Children's Health Care of Atlanta.

December 19, 2019: Live Performances in New York

From December 19, 2019, Lea Michele performed live with a series of shows in The Concert Hall at the New York Society for Ethical Culture.

2019: Released Christmas in the City

In 2019, Lea Michele released her third studio album, Christmas in the City.

June 2, 2020: HelloFresh Partnership Ended

On June 2, 2020, HelloFresh announced the termination of their partnership with Lea Michele due to controversy surrounding bullying accusations.

June 2020: Accusations of Bullying on Glee Set

In June 2020, actress Samantha Marie Ware accused Lea Michele of bullying her and causing "traumatic microaggressions" while they worked together on the sixth season of Glee, sparking responses from other cast members.

August 2020: Birth of Son

In August 2020, Lea Michele and Zandy Reich welcomed their first child, a son.

November 5, 2021: Release of Forever: A Lullaby Album

On November 5, 2021, Lea Michele released her cover album, Forever: A Lullaby Album.

2021: Released Forever

In 2021, Lea Michele released her fourth studio album, Forever.

July 11, 2022: Return to Broadway in Funny Girl

On July 11, 2022, it was announced that Lea Michele would return to Broadway in the stage musical production of Funny Girl.

September 6, 2022: Debut as Fanny Brice in Funny Girl

On September 6, 2022, Lea Michele officially replaced Beanie Feldstein in the leading role of Fanny Brice in Funny Girl on Broadway.

September 11, 2022: COVID-19 Diagnosis

On September 11, 2022, four days into her run as Fanny Brice, Lea Michele announced that she had tested positive for COVID-19, requiring her to isolate.

September 2022: Michele Responds to Illiteracy Rumors

In an interview with The New York Times in September 2022, Lea Michele responded to rumors that she cannot read or write, calling them "sad".

September 20, 2022: Return to Funny Girl After COVID-19

On September 20, 2022, Lea Michele returned to the stage as Fanny Brice in Funny Girl after recovering from COVID-19.

2022: Starred as Fanny Brice in Funny Girl

In 2022, Lea Michele returned to Broadway starring as Fanny Brice in the musical revival of Funny Girl, receiving critical acclaim.

September 3, 2023: Final Performance of Funny Girl

On September 3, 2023, Funny Girl had its final performance on Broadway.

2023: Named one of Time's 100 Most Influential People

In 2023, Lea Michele was named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time magazine.

August 2024: Birth of Daughter

In August 2024, Lea Michele and Zandy Reich welcomed their second child, a daughter.