History of Rachel Zegler in Timeline

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, resulting in her winning the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1937: Original Snow White film release

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

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May 3, 2001: Rachel Zegler's Birth

On May 3, 2001, Rachel Anne Zegler was born. She is an American actress and singer.

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July 2015: YouTube Channel Launch

In July 2015, Rachel Zegler's YouTube channel became active, garnering media coverage.

2016: Starred as Belle in Beauty and the Beast

In 2016, Rachel Zegler starred as Belle in "Beauty and the Beast" during her time at Immaculate Conception High School.

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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.

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2017: Played Ariel in The Little Mermaid

In 2017, Rachel Zegler played Ariel in "The Little Mermaid" at Immaculate Conception High School.

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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.

June 2, 2019: High School Graduation

On June 2, 2019, Rachel Zegler graduated as salutatorian from Immaculate Conception High School.

February 2021: Relationship with Josh Andrés Rivera

In February 2021, Rachel Zegler and actor Josh Andrés Rivera confirmed they were dating, having met on the set of "West Side Story".

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December 2021: West Side Story Film Release

In December 2021, the film adaptation of "West Side Story", starring Rachel Zegler, was released to acclaim.

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2021: Received Gift from Barbra Streisand

In 2021, Barbra Streisand sent Rachel Zegler a copy of her album Release Me 2 and the book Streisand From A to Z, with a personal note.

2021: Breakthrough Role in 'West Side Story'

In 2021, Rachel Zegler gained wide recognition for playing María in Steven Spielberg's musical adaptation "West Side Story".

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2021: Recognition as Top Actor Under 35

In 2021, Rachel Zegler was listed at number 34 on The Ringer's The Big Picture podcast's list of the top 35 actors under 35 and named one of the Breakthrough Entertainers of 2021 by AP Entertainment.

2021: Public Support for Palestine

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

January 2022: Controversy Over Britney Spears Video

In January 2022, Rachel Zegler faced online backlash for a video in which she dramatically read Britney Spears's Twitter messages. She later apologized.

2022: Speaks Out Against Colorism

In 2022, Rachel Zegler spoke out against colorism within the Latino community, highlighting her experience as a white Latina.

2022: Forbes 30 Under 30 Recognition

In 2022, Rachel Zegler was included in the Forbes 30 Under 30 list.

2022: Academy Awards Controversy and Invitation

In 2022, Rachel Zegler was initially not invited to the 94th Academy Awards ceremony despite her involvement in "West Side Story". After public outcry, she was invited to be a presenter.

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August 2023: YouTube Channel Inactive

In August 2023, Rachel Zegler's YouTube channel became inactive.

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: Exit from Paddington in Peru and Y2K Film

In 2023, Rachel Zegler announced her exit from "Paddington in Peru" due to the SAG strike. She also played Laura in the film "Y2K".

2023: Roles in Shazam! and 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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January 2024: Encouraged Followers to Pressure Leaders 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 the safety of her Snow White co-star Gal Gadot and subsequent security measures. There were also claims that Zegler's remarks negatively impacted the film's box office performance.

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September 26, 2024: Broadway Debut in Romeo and Juliet

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

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November 2024: Criticized Donald Trump and Supporters

In November 2024, Rachel Zegler criticized Donald Trump and his supporters, accusing Trump of threatening democracy and later apologizing for contributing to negative discourse.

2024: Split with Josh Andrés Rivera

In 2024, Rachel Zegler and Josh Andrés Rivera split.

2024: Broadway Debut in Romeo and Juliet

In 2024, Rachel Zegler made her Broadway debut playing Juliet in "Romeo and Juliet".

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2024: Y2K Film Debut

In 2024, the film "Y2K", starring Rachel Zegler as Laura, debuted at the South by Southwest Festival and was released on December 6.

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February 16, 2025: End Date for Romeo and Juliet on Broadway

On February 16, 2025, Rachel Zegler's run as Juliet in Romeo and Juliet on Broadway came to a close.

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2025: Broadway and West End Debuts

In 2025, Rachel Zegler is set to make her West End debut as the titular character in the musical "Evita" and will also appear as the titular character in the musical fantasy "Snow White".

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2025: Future Roles in Spellbound, Snow White, and Evita

In 2025, Rachel Zegler will voice the lead in the animated musical film "Spellbound", play the titular character in "Snow White", and make her West End debut in "Evita".

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