Rachel Zegler burst onto the scene in 2021 with her starring role as Maria in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story. At just 20 years old, she gave an incredible breakthrough performance that earned her numerous awards and nominations.
But how did Rachel Zegler movies succeed so early in her career? Let’s take a look back at Rachel’s journey so far in Hollywood.
Rachel’s Early Life and Career Beginnings:
Born in 2001, Rachel Zegler’s upbringing in Clifton, New Jersey fostered her love for performing. In her youth, she actively participated in school plays and musicals, honing her acting skills. In high school, Zegler earned lead roles in productions like Shrek, The Little Mermaid, and Beauty and the Beast, standing out with her exceptional vocal range and innate stage presence.
Outside of school, she began posting YouTube videos in 2017 showcasing her singing voice, belting out impressive covers of artists like Adele, Jonas Brothers, and more. Though only intended for fun at the time, these viral videos displaying Zegler’s vocal prowess would prove pivotal in her discovery. Before landing her breakout role in West Side Story, the New Jersey native had over 100K YouTube subscribers who knew of her immense talent that had yet to be fully unleashed.
Breakout Role in West Side Story (2021):
In the highly anticipated 2021 remake of West Side Story, director Steven Spielberg conducted a nationwide search for the perfect Latina actress to play the iconic role of Maria. After an extensive audition process, the role ultimately went to the relatively unknown 17-year-old Rachel Zegler. As Maria, Zegler lit up the screen with her stunning vocals, from her moving rendition of “I Feel Pretty” to her powerful duets with co-star Ansel Elgort.
Critics praised Rachel Zegler movies for her magnetic screen presence and her ability to convey Maria’s fierce, determined spirit as well as her vulnerability in the face of love and loss. Zegler’s moving performance led to Golden Globe and Critics Choice Award nods for Best Actress in a Musical/Comedy. Her breakthrough in West Side Story catapulted her to stardom and showcased her potential to shine in Hollywood.
Upcoming Projects
Snow White 2024:
On the heels of her breakout success in West Side Story, Rachel Zegler scored another major role when she was cast as Snow White in Disney’s upcoming live-action remake. She will star opposite Gal Gadot, who plays the Evil Queen, in the highly anticipated musical expected to be released in 2024. Zegler beat out many competitors for the coveted part of the fairytale princess, once again winning over producers with her vocal talents and screen presence during auditions.
The Colombian-American actress’ casting brings diversity and representation to the classic Snow White role. With her proven singing and acting abilities, Zegler has all the makings of a perfect Snow White. This blockbuster marks another career-defining project for the young performer that further solidifies her status as a rising A-list star.
The Hunger Games Prequel
Rachel Zegler will expand her acting repertoire by portraying the character Lucy Gray Baird in the highly anticipated Hunger Games prequel film The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. Lucy Gray is described as a cunning, charismatic singer who becomes an unlikely ally to the young Coriolanus Snow.
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As Katniss was the heroine in The Hunger Games, Lucy Gray takes center stage in this origin story occurring decades earlier. Zegler’s vocal talents will be showcased through Lucy Gray’s performances in the movie. And her acting range will be tested in portraying Lucy’s grit, intelligence, and complicated relationship with Coriolanus. Landing this key role in an established blockbuster franchise demonstrates Zegler’s ability to bring her skills to a variety of genres.
I.S.S
Demonstrating incredible versatility for such a young performer, Rachel Zegler is attached to two very different forthcoming projects – the romantic drama Kaleidoscope and the action thriller I.S.S. In Kaleidoscope, she will showcase her dramatic acting chops in a love story about two teens fighting to be together as one battles a terminal illness. This heartfelt film will rely heavily on Zegler’s ability to portray complex emotions.
Meanwhile, I.S.S. will feature Zegler in her first action-oriented role, playing an expert survivalist onboard a space station attacked by mysterious intruders. The contrast between these two movies exemplifies Zegler’s range and willingness to take on diverse material. Her talent and work ethic have clearly impressed directors who entrust her with demanding lead roles across genres.
Rachel Zegler Net Worth
As a new Hollywood starlet, Rachel Zegler movies has already amassed her impressive net worth at 21 years old. While her exact net worth is not publicly disclosed, estimates put it between $1-2 million dollars following her breakout success in West Side Story. The massive blockbuster exposed her to a global mainstream audience and provided a huge boost to her earning potential for future films.
Her continued success in the film industry is propelling her toward becoming a multi-millionaire A-list actress, possibly in her mid-20s or even sooner. Her early accomplishments position her as a potential top earner among young Hollywood stars.
Rachel Zegler Movies & Future in Hollywood:
Given Rachel Zegler movies and her astonishing early successes, she appears to have a very bright future ahead of her in Hollywood. At just 21 years old, she has already shown immense talent and versatility that many more experienced actresses struggle to achieve. After leading blockbuster musical West Side Story, Zegler proved she can carry major films with her charisma and abilities.
As she takes on diverse roles across genres like sci-fi, action, and romance, Zegler has the chance to grow even more as a performer. If she continues to choose projects wisely and avoid industry pitfalls, there is no limit to how far her budding career can soar. With studios and audiences already in love with her, Rachel Zegler has all the makings of a reliable A-list actress who could even potentially win an Oscar down the line.
