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 rose to prominence for her role as María in Steven Spielberg's 2021 adaptation of *West Side Story*. Her performance garnered critical acclaim, earning her the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy. Zegler's success in *West Side Story* has established her as a rising star in the entertainment industry.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

July 2015: Active YouTube Channel

From July 2015, Rachel Zegler's YouTube channel was active, and garnered media coverage and positive critical reception.

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 in the Actress in a Leading Role category.

2017: Performed in West Side Story

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

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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 in the Actress in a Leading Role category.

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 "Tonight" and "I Feel Pretty".

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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 in the Actress in a Leading Role category.

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 in the Actress in a Leading Role category.

December 2021: West Side Story Film Release

In December 2021, "West Side Story" was released and earned acclaim from critics and audiences. For her performance, Rachel Zegler received a Critics' Choice Movie Award nomination for Best Young Performer and won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy.

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2021: Starred in West Side Story

In 2021, Rachel Zegler gained recognition for playing María in Steven Spielberg's musical adaptation "West Side Story". She subsequently won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy for her performance.

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2021: Supported Palestine

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

2022: Shallow video reached 12.2 million views

As of 2022, Rachel Zegler's video of herself singing "Shallow", from A Star Is Born, had garnered over 12.2 million views on Twitter.

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2022: Academy Awards Controversy and Invitation

In 2022, Rachel Zegler was initially not invited to the 94th Academy Awards ceremony. Following media controversy, she was invited to be a presenter for the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects.

August 2023: YouTube channel inactive

Rachel Zegler's YouTube channel was active from July 2015 to August 2023.

October 2023: Exit from Paddington in Peru

In October 2023, Rachel Zegler announced her exit from "Paddington in Peru", attributing her departure to the SAG strike. Actress Carla Tous replaced Zegler in the role of Gina Cabot.

October 2023: Joined Artists4Ceasefire

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

2023: Portrayed Anthea and Lucy Gray Baird

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! and The Hunger Games

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 positive reviews.

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January 2024: Urged followers to support Gaza ceasefire

In January 2024, Rachel Zegler urged her followers to pressure their government leaders to support a ceasefire in Gaza via an Instagram story.

August 2024: Tweeted Support for Palestine

In August 2024, Rachel Zegler tweeted, "and always remember, free palestine".

September 26, 2024: Romeo & Juliet performances began

On September 26, 2024, performances of "Romeo & Juliet", in which Rachel Zegler played Juliet, began on Broadway.

2024: Appearance in Y2K

In 2024, Rachel Zegler made an appearance in Kyle Mooney's directorial debut film "Y2K", which debuted at the South by Southwest Festival and was released on December 6 that year to mixed reception.

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