Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Rachel Zegler

How Rachel Zegler built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Rachel Zegler is an American actress and singer who achieved widespread recognition for her role as María in Steven Spielberg's 2021 adaptation of West Side Story. Her performance garnered critical acclaim and earned her the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy. Zegler's success in West Side Story marked a significant breakthrough in her career, establishing her as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1937: Original Snow White Animated Film

In 2025, Rachel Zegler played the titular character in Snow White, a live-action adaptation of the original 1937 animated Disney film.

July 2015: Started YouTube Channel

In July 2015, Rachel Zegler started her YouTube channel, which would become active for several years and garner media coverage.

2016: Starred as Belle in Beauty and the Beast

In 2016, Rachel Zegler starred as Belle in Beauty and the Beast at Immaculate Conception High School, receiving a Metropolitan High School Theater Award nomination.

2017: Performed as Maria in West Side Story

In 2017, Rachel Zegler performed the role of Maria in West Side Story at the Bergen Performing Arts Center.

2017: Starred as Ariel in The Little Mermaid

In 2017, Rachel Zegler starred as Ariel in The Little Mermaid at Immaculate Conception High School, receiving a Metropolitan High School Theater Award nomination.

January 2018: Responded to West Side Story Casting Call

In January 2018, Rachel Zegler responded to Steven Spielberg's open casting call for West Side Story with videos of herself singing.

2018: Starred as Dorothy Brock in 42nd Street

In 2018, Rachel Zegler starred as Dorothy Brock in 42nd Street at Immaculate Conception High School, receiving a Metropolitan High School Theater Award nomination.

2019: Starred as Princess Fiona in Shrek the Musical

In 2019, Rachel Zegler starred as Princess Fiona in Shrek the Musical at Immaculate Conception High School, receiving a Metropolitan High School Theater Award nomination.

December 2021: West Side Story Film Release

In December 2021, the film West Side Story, starring Rachel Zegler, was released and earned acclaim from critics and audiences.

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2021: Breakthrough Role in West Side Story

In 2021, Rachel Zegler gained wide recognition for her role as María in Steven Spielberg's musical adaptation of West Side Story, which led her to win the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy.

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2021: Public Support for Palestine

Since 2021, Rachel Zegler has publicly supported Palestine in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

2022: Spoke Out Against Colorism

In 2022, Rachel Zegler spoke out against colorism within the Latino community, sharing her experiences with discrimination despite being a white Latina.

August 2023: YouTube Channel Inactive

In August 2023, Rachel Zegler's YouTube channel became inactive, ending a period of online media presence.

October 2023: Exit from Paddington in Peru

In October 2023, Rachel Zegler announced her exit from the movie Paddington in Peru, citing the SAG strike as the reason. Carla Tous replaced her in the role.

October 2023: Joined Artists4Ceasefire

In October 2023, Rachel Zegler joined Artists4Ceasefire and signed a letter urging Joe Biden to facilitate a ceasefire to end Israel's bombardment of Gaza.

2023: Roles in Shazam! Fury of the Gods and The Hunger Games

In 2023, Rachel Zegler portrayed Anthea in Shazam! Fury of the Gods and Lucy Gray Baird in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes.

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2023: Starred in Shazam! Fury of the Gods and The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes

In 2023, Rachel Zegler starred as Anthea in the film Shazam! Fury of the Gods, which received mixed reviews. She also played Lucy Gray Baird in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, which received mixed to positive reception, with her performance being praised.

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January 2024: Encouraged Followers to Pressure Government for Ceasefire

In January 2024, Rachel Zegler encouraged her followers on Instagram to pressure government leaders for a ceasefire in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

August 2024: Tweeted Support for Palestine

In August 2024, Rachel Zegler tweeted support for Palestine, leading to concerns about safety for her co-star Gal Gadot and scrutiny over the box office performance of Snow White.

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September 26, 2024: Broadway Debut as Juliet

On September 26, 2024, Rachel Zegler made her Broadway debut playing Juliet in a musical adaptation of William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet.

Romeo and Juliet (Folger Shakespeare Library)

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2024: Broadway Debut in Romeo and Juliet

In 2024, Rachel Zegler made her Broadway debut as Juliet in a revival of William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet.

Romeo and Juliet (Folger Shakespeare Library)

Check it on Amazon

2024: Y2K Film Debut at South by Southwest Festival and Release

In 2024, Rachel Zegler played Laura in the film Y2K, directed by Kyle Mooney and produced by A24, which debuted at the South by Southwest Festival and was released on December 6 to mixed reception.