Who are Rachel Zegler's Parents?

Rachel Zegler’s parents are Gina Zegler and Craig Zegler.

Rachel Zegler hails from a diverse background, as her mother, Gina Zegler, traces her roots to Colombia while her father, Craig Zegler, has Polish heritage. The talented actress is not alone in her journey; she has an older sister named Jacqueline.

The Zegler family stands firmly behind Rachel's flourishing career, exemplified by their presence at the 2022 Golden Globes, where she clinched the coveted award for Best Actress – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy for her outstanding performance in West Side Story. Mr. Zegler, in particular, has taken to social media to express his boundless pride in his accomplished daughter.

Who is Rachel Zegler?

Born in Hackensack, New Jersey, in 2001, Rachel Zegler is a Colombian-American actress and singer who burst onto the scene with her unforgettable portrayal of María in Steven Spielberg's rendition of West Side Story (2021). This remarkable performance earned her the prestigious Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Motion Picture Comedy or Musical, making her the youngest recipient of this accolade.

From a young age, Zegler showcased her talent in musicals, commanding lead roles in school productions such as Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, 42nd Street, and Shrek the Musical. In 2018, she garnered attention for her rendition of Lady Gaga's "Shallow" on YouTube.

The pivotal moment in Zegler's career arrived in 2019 when she clinched the role of María in Spielberg's highly anticipated West Side Story. Furthermore, Zegler graced the screen in the superhero epic Shazam! Fury of the Gods (2023) is slated to take the lead in the live-action reimagining of Snow White (2025). Outside film, Zegler also starred in three separate theatre productions, including Romeo + Juliet, Trisha Paytas' Big Broadway Dream! and Evita.

How was Rachel Zegler raised, and how did she get into acting?

Born on May 3, 2001, in Hackensack, New Jersey, Rachel Zegler is the daughter of Gina and Craig Zegler. Her diverse heritage includes her mother's Colombian roots and her father's Polish ancestry. Zegler also has an elder sister named Jacqueline.

Her formative years were spent in Clifton, New Jersey, where she received her education at St. Philip the Apostle Preparatory School, followed by Immaculate Conception High School, an all-girls Catholic college-preparatory institution. In 2019, she proudly graduated from high school.

Zegler’s journey into the world of performance began early, taking on leading roles in acclaimed school productions like Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, 42nd Street, and Shrek the Musical. Additionally, she lent her voice to various occasions, singing at weddings and funerals in her hometown.

In 2018, Zegler's rendition of Lady Gaga's "Shallow" on YouTube caught the internet's attention, swiftly going viral. This captivating display of talent drew the eye of none other than Steven Spielberg, who was in the process of casting his rendition of West Side Story. Her audition for the role of María in West Side Story was nothing short of remarkable. Standing out from a pool of over 30,000 hopefuls, she secured the part at just 17, marking her impressive film debut.