Actress Lea Michele recently opened up about her career trajectory, highlighting a significant shift from her foundational love for Broadway to her rise as a global television icon through the musical series Glee. Michele, known for her performance in Spring Awakening, found international fame when she was cast as Rachel Berry in Ryan Murphy’s popular show, which premiered in 2009.
In an interview with Glamour, she fondly reflected on her time with Glee, expressing pride in both the series and her character. “I love Glee, I love Rachel Berry. I’m so proud of the work,” Michele stated. She acknowledged that the experience was both monumental and overwhelming, especially during her formative years in the industry. “Nothing could really prepare anyone for what that experience was like—massive, and it occurred during your most memorable years,” she added.
Michele shared that she never set out to become a television star, emphasizing her initial focus on theater. Her journey took an unexpected turn when she met Ryan Murphy while in Los Angeles for the run of Spring Awakening. Impressed by her talent, Murphy wrote the character of Rachel Berry specifically for Michele. “I never expected it. I only ever wanted to do Broadway, and then I was in California for 15 years,” she said.
Having been part of the Glee cast from its inception in 2009 until it wrapped up in 2015, Michele expressed gratitude for her unique journey, which eventually led her back to her theatrical roots. Her recent returns to Broadway, including a role in the 2022 revival of Funny Girl and her latest appearance in Chess, feel like a destined reconnection for her. “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 remarked. “It’s all connected.”
