See Lea Michele’s journey in photos, from her early Broadway days to her breakout on ‘Glee’ and beyond.
Born for the stage! Lea Michele, born on August 29, 1986, has spent nearly her entire life in the spotlight, earning major acclaim both on Broadway and on-screen. She began her career as a child performer on Broadway, appearing in Les Misérables (1995–1996), Ragtime (1997–1999), Fiddler on the Roof (2004–2005), and the original production of Spring Awakening (2006–2008), where she became a breakout star.
Lea shot to global fame with the debut of Glee (2009–2015), where her powerhouse voice and emotional performances as Rachel Berry turned her into a household name. She later took on new TV roles in Ryan Murphy’s campy horror-comedy Scream Queens (2015–2016) and the ABC sitcom The Mayor (2017). She also made her feature-film debut in the ensemble romantic comedy New Year’s Eve in 2011.
Beyond acting, Lea has released three studio albums, authored two books, and continued to expand her creative repertoire. In 2022, she made a much-discussed Broadway return when she stepped into the iconic role of Fanny Brice in Funny Girl, leading the production from September 2022 to September 2023 and earning widespread praise for her performance. Most recently, Lea is back on Broadway once again — starring in a new revival of Chess, the classic Cold War musical set for the 2025–2026 season.
Already Leah Michele has had quite the career. See photos from her early days to now in our gallery here!
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Lea Michele In 2006
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Lea Michele appears at the opening night of the musical ‘Spring Awakening’ in New York on Jun. 15, 2006. She wore a lovely olive green dress.
July 11, 2022, 2:07PM 2 of 19
Lea Michele In 2007
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Puppy love! Lea Michele smiles while with her pooch during the Broadway Barks event in New York on Jul. 14, 2007.
July 11, 2022, 2:06PM 3 of 19
Lea Michele At A FOX Party
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Lea Michele glows in a strapless dress during FOX’s Winter All-Star Party. Her look had a silky plum top and ruffled black bottom.
July 11, 2022, 2:06PM 4 of 19
Lea Michele & The Cast Of ‘Glee’
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(From left) ‘Glee’ castmates Jenna Ushowitz, Naya Rivera, Dianna Agron, and Lea Michele attend American Idol’s Top 13 Party on Mar. 5, 2009. They all looked so cute.
July 11, 2022, 2:06PM 5 of 19
Lea Michele At The 2010 Golden Globes
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Lea Michele is chic in strapless black during the 67th Annual Golden Globe Awards on Jan. 17, 2010. She wore drop earrings with the ruffle-heavy design.
July 11, 2022, 2:06PM 6 of 19
Lea Michele At The 2011 SAG Awards
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Lea Michele dons pearly white during the 17th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards on Jan. 30, 2011. Her low dress was teamed with a little gold belt.
July 11, 2022, 2:06PM 7 of 19
Lea Michele In 2012
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Lea Michele wows in a tan wrap dress during the Hollywood Foreign Press Association and InStyle’s celebration of the 2013 Golden Globe Awards Season on Nov. 29, 2012. She carried a patterned clutch and wore beaded earrings.
July 11, 2022, 2:06PM 8 of 19
Lea Michele & Corey Monteith In 2013
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Lea Michele and Cory Monteith atted the 12th Annual Chrysalis Butterfly Ball on Jun. 8, 2013. He would die from a drug overdose just over a month later.
July 11, 2022, 2:06PM 9 of 19
Lea Michele In 2014
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Lea Michele dazzles in a champagne dress during the 2014 amfAR Inspiration Gala in LA. She looked like a total bombshell.
July 11, 2022, 2:06PM 10 of 19
Lea Michele In 2015
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Lea Michele takes the plunge in a red dress during InStyle and Warner Bros. party celebrating the 72nd Annual Golden Globe Awards on Jan. 11, 2015. Her red hot dress also had a sexy slit up the leg.
July 11, 2022, 2:06PM 11 of 19
Lea Michele At Elton John’s 2016 Oscar Party
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Lea Michele glows at the 2016 Elton John AIDS Foundation Oscar Viewing Party. Her ballgown had a sparkling sapphire bust and a full, black, tulle skirt.
July 11, 2022, 2:06PM 12 of 19
Lea Michele At The 2017 Grammys
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Lea Michele is elegant in Roberto Cavalli during then 59th Annual Grammy Awards on Feb. 12, 2017. The two-piece set had floral embroidery on black lace.
July 11, 2022, 2:06PM 13 of 19
Lea Michele In 2018
Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP/Shutt
Lea Michele arrives at the fourth annual InStyle Awards at The Getty Center in Los Angeles on October 22, 2018. She wore a slinky black slip dress.
July 11, 2022, 2:06PM 14 of 19
Lea Michele At The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting
Christopher Smith/Invision/AP/Sh
Holiday cheer! Lea Michele performs during the 87th annual Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting ceremony, in New York on Dec. 4, 2019. She wore a fuzzy red coat.
July 11, 2022, 2:05PM 15 of 19
Lea Michele & Her Husband Walk Their Son
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Happy family! Lea Michele goes for a walk with her husband Zandy Reich and their new son Ever Leo Reich on Oct. 6, 2020.
July 11, 2022, 2:05PM 16 of 19
Lea Michele In 2021
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Lea Michele suits up in a tuxedo-inspired dress during the VIP launch of the CODE (RED) campaign to fight COVID on Oct. 12, 2021. Black heels and a little clutch completed her look.
July 11, 2022, 2:05PM 17 of 19
Lea Michele At The 2022 Tony Awards
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Lea Michele is radiant in a black off-the-shoulder design during the 75th Annual Tony Awards at Radio City Music Hall in New York on Jun. 12, 2022. She slicked her hair back into a low ponytail and smiled.
July 11, 2022, 2:05PM 18 of 19
Lea Michele at the 2023 Tony Awards
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Lea Michele looked stunning in this red & white floral pleated gown at the 76th Annual Tony Awards in New York City on June 11, 2023.
August 29, 2023, 10:58AM 19 of 19
“Chess” Broadway Opening Night
(Photo by Bruce Glikas/WireImage)
Lea Michele posing at the opening night after party for the musical “Chess” on Broadway at Pier 60 on November 16, 2025 in New York City.
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