Photo: Bennett Raglin/Getty
She’ll leave you wanting an encore performance.
Rachel Zegler, playing the role of Maria inSteven Spielberg’s upcomingWest Side Storyremake film, may have been cast as an undiscovered talent, but there’s much to know about the quickly rising star who’s now living out her theater-kid dream.
West Side Storymarks the 20-year-old’s first-ever movie, afterlanding the lead role in 2019. Prior to production, Spielberg put out an open casting call to find a fresh-faced talent to take on Maria. After the director auditioned more than 30,000 people from around the world, Zegler secured the coveted role.
For more onWest Side Storyand other top stories, listen below toour daily podcast on PEOPLE Every Day.
Though it’s her film debut, it’s not the New Jersey native’s first time playing Maria; she formerly played the character in her high school’s rendition of the classic musical.
Niko Tavernise
One prominent difference? Zegler will star alongsideAnsel Elgortas Tony,Ariana DeBose as Anita, David Alvarez as Bernardo, Josh Andrés Rivera as Chino, andRita Moreno(who played Anita in the 1961 film) asValentina.
If you haven’t heard Zegler’s vocals, they are pure magic – which is very befitting for her next big film, where she’ll star as the titular character in Disney’s live-action remake ofSnow White. The vocal powerhouse-turned-princess secured the role ahead ofWest Side Story’s release, although production forSnow Whiteisn’t expected to begin until 2022.
Keep scrolling for super fun facts about the rising star, between her wedding singer stint and her viral social media moment before fame!
Rachel put college on pause to filmWest Side Story
20th Century Studios
Prior to landing the role of Maria, Zegler was set on attending Montclair State University in New Jersey. However, when she was cast inWest Side Story, the drama-loving-theater kid’s plans…dramaticallychanged.
“I remember sending an email to the head of admissions at Montclair State University saying, ‘I know this sounds like a lie, but this is what happened, and this is why I can’t attend,'” she toldVogue.
Rachel worked as a wedding singer before fame
Rachel Zegler/instagram
When the singing sensation wasn’t rehearsing for leading roles in high school or at her local theaters, she picked up occasional work as a part-time wedding singer. Zegler even listed it inher YouTube channelbio before nabbing her movie role. (Her résumé has certainly leveled up!)
She even quote tweeted an account in 2015 that mentioned how Idina Menzel started as a wedding singer before fame, in which Zegler wrote, “there’s hope for me.” Five years later, the breakout star tweeted, “Wow 2015-wedding-singer-rachel! You had no idea.”
Rachel continued with a high school show, even after she was cast inWest Side Story
SeeingBeauty and the Beaston Broadway at age four started her love of theater. At 12, she made her community theater debut inFiddler on the Roof. Since then, she’s starred in a variety of on-stage productions, includingBeauty and the Beast,The Little Mermaid,Thoroughly Modern Millie.
At the time she was cast inWest Side Story, she was in the process of rehearsing asPrincess Fionafor her high school’s rendition ofShrek. She performed the role, took her bows, then headed straight toWest Side Storyrehearsal, finishing the rest of her senior year studies online,according to an interview with NorthJersey.com.
Rachel is recognized onForbes’ 30 Under 30 list
On Dec. 1,Forbesreleased its annual listhonoring the upcoming generation of talent in the categories of Music, Hollywood & Entertainment, Social Media, and more. Zegler earned a slot under the Hollywood & Entertainment section,alongside other talented honorees.
Zegler tweeted her reactionwhen she first found out — and we think it’s safe to say that she was shocked: “I MADE THE FORBES 30 UNDER 30?!?!?!?!?!?!??!!!?!?!”
Zegler also received theNational Board of Review’s top acting honorsfor her performance inWest Side Story, alongsideWill Smithwho was recognized for his role inKing Richard.
Ansel Elgort and Rachel Zegler as Tony and Maria inWest Side Story.20th Century Studios
Rachel wore Dior Haute Couture during her first Met Gala in 2021
The2021 Met Galawas held on Sept. 13, marking Zegler’s first major red carpet. She worea Dior Haute Couture Spring 2021 dress with “The Empress” motif in multicolored dévoré velvet.
Zegler also attended the brand’s Spring/Summer 2022 show at Paris Fashion Week later in September (and rocked aDior veiled denim beret and handbag). Sticking to the theme, Zegler looked “oh so pretty” when she stunned ina tulle Dior gown on the red carpetof theWest Side Storypremiereon Dec. 1.
Getty
Rachel is a huge Freddie Mercury fan
Zegler’s singing inspirations aren’t limited to Broadway stars — she’s also a huge fan of the groundbreaking late Queen frontman. Not only has she powerfullyperformed covers of his songs, but she even dressed as him for Halloween!
She went viral in 2018 after posting a video of herself singing
One of the first posts that caught the attention of many was herpitch-perfect coverofLady GagaandBradley Cooper’s “Shallow.” She was just 17 years old at the time she uploaded the video to her YouTube channel, and it’s received over 3 million views to date.
The video wowed viewers, but some suggested she might have been using Autotune. To clap back at the negativity, she posted another video singing “Shallow"live on her Twitterwith just a microphone in hand. (She may be singing to an empty auditorium, but the video received over 11.8 million views!)
source: people.com
