Rachel Zegler is one of Hollywood’s brightest rising stars, best known for her role as María in West Side Story. With a background in music, theater, and film, she has captivated audiences worldwide. From her Colombian-Polish heritage to her upcoming projects like Snow White and The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, Rachel’s career is just getting started.
Rachel Zegler: Quick Facts
| Full Name | Rachel Anne Zegler |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | May 3, 2001 |
| Age | 23 years (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Hackensack, New Jersey, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Colombian & Polish |
| Profession | Actress, Singer |
| Years Active | 2015–present |
| Famous For | West Side Story, Snow White, The Hunger Games |
| Parents | Gina & Craig Zegler |
| Siblings | Jacqueline Zegler (Sister) |
| Height | 5 ft 2 in (157 cm) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $3 Million (2025) |
| Social Media | Instagram, YouTube, Twitter/X |
Early life and background
Rachel Anne Zegler was born on May 3, 2001, in Hackensack, New Jersey, and raised in Clifton. Her father, Craig, has Polish roots, while her mother, Gina, is of Colombian descent. Growing up in a culturally diverse household, Rachel developed a love for music and acting at an early age.
She attended Immaculate Conception High School, where she actively participated in musical theater. Her school performances, including Les Misérables, Shrek The Musical, and Beauty and the Beast, showcased her immense talent and prepared her for Hollywood.
Rise to Stardom with West Side Story
Rachel’s big break came in 2019 when she was cast as María in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story. At just 18 years old, she beat out 30,000 other actresses for the role. The film was released in 2021, and Rachel’s performance was widely praised, earning her a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture—Musical or Comedy.
Despite the success, Rachel faced challenges during the casting process. Studio executives reportedly questioned her Latina heritage due to her last name, leading to an industry-wide conversation about representation in Hollywood.
Upcoming movies and projects
Snow White (2025)
Rachel Zegler will star as Disney’s first-ever Latina Snow White in the live-action remake. The film has sparked conversations about modernizing the classic fairy tale, with Rachel emphasizing that her version of Snow White is more independent and empowering.
The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (2023)
In The Hunger Games prequel, Rachel played Lucy Gray Baird, the lead female character. Her performance was praised for bringing depth and emotion to the role.
Romeo & Juliet (TBA)
Rachel is set to portray Juliet in an upcoming film adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic play. Fans are excited to see her take on this legendary role.
Rachel Zegler’s Personal Life
Although Rachel maintains privacy about her relationships, she has previously been associated with her West Side Story co-star Josh Andrés Rivera. People spotted the two together. Observations of the two together at various events sparked dating rumors.
Hollywood, Rachel is passionate about advocating for diversity in the entertainment industry. She has spoken about the struggles of Latina representation in films and continues to use her platform to promote inclusivity.
Interesting Facts About Rachel Zegler
- Rachel’s first-ever YouTube video, where she covered The Greatest Showman’s “The Greatest Show,” went viral in 2018.
- She was discovered through a viral Twitter video of her singing Shallow from A Star Is Born.
- She has performed at the Oscars and Golden Globes.
- Despite her fame, Rachel still enjoys musical theater and often shares singing covers on YouTube.
- She was named one of Time’s “Next 100” Most Influential People.
FAQ About Rachel Zegler
Who has Rachel Zegler dated?
West Side Story co-star Josh Andrés Rivera has been associated with Rachel Zegler. The couple has attended several public events together, but Rachel prefers to keep her personal life private.
Is Rachel Zegler Indian?
No, Rachel Zegler is not Indian. She is of Colombian and Polish descent.
Is Rachel Zegler a Nepo Baby?
No, Rach. Her online singing performances led to her discovery, and she auditioned for West Side Story among thousands of actresses before landing the role. West Side Story among thousands of actresses before being cast.
What did Rachel Zegler actually say about Snow White?
Rachel Zegler stated that the live-action Snow White would focus on a more independent and modernized version of the character, rather than a traditional love story. Her comments sparked debates among fans of the classic Disney film.
Is Jenna Ortega replacing Rachel Zegler in Snow White?
No, Jenna Ortega is not replacing Rachel Zegler in Snow White. Rachel remains the confirmed lead actress for the film.
Conclusion
Rachel Zegler continues to inspire young artists worldwide with her incredible talent and advocacy for diversity in Hollywood. With multiple exciting projects lined up, she is set to become one of the most influential actresses of her generation.
