Actress Lea Michele recently reflected on the dramatic shift in her career, moving from her initial passion for Broadway to becoming a global television star on the hit musical series Glee.
Michele began her career on the stage, notably starring in Spring Awakening. However, she achieved worldwide recognition after being cast as the ambitious lead, Rachel Berry, in Ryan Murphy’s series in 2009. Speaking to Glamour, the actress shared that while the transition was unexpected, she remains “proud” of her time on the musical show.
“I love Glee, I love Rachel Berry. I’m so proud of the work,” she said. “But nothing could really prepare anyone for what that experience was like—massive, and it occurred during your most memorable years.”
The 39-year-old star revealed that she “never tried to be on television.” She explained that she met creator Ryan Murphy while she was in Los Angeles during her Spring Awakening run, and he subsequently wrote the character of Rachel Berry specifically for her.
“I never expected it,” Michele stated. “I only ever wanted to do Broadway, and then I was in California for 15 years.”
Having starred in Glee from 2009 until its conclusion in 2015, Michele expressed her gratitude for the journey that eventually brought her “back home” to the stage. She noted that her return to Broadway, particularly with the 2022 revival of Funny Girl and her recent appearance in Chess, felt like a destined connection.
“I’m beyond grateful for that journey… and the fact that it was Funny Girl that really kind of solidified my return back to Broadway,” she concluded. “It’s all connected.”
