Rachel Zegler Bio, News, Age, Height, Ethnicity, Movies, Net Worth

Rachel Zegler Biography

Rachel Zegler is an American actress, singer and stage performer flourishing in film and theatre. Born May 3, 2001 in Hackensack, New Jersey, she blends Colombian and Polish heritage. She discovered musical theatre early and performed in school shows throughout childhood.

Rachel starred in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story (2021) as María. She earned a Golden Globe Award and became the youngest Latina winner in that category at age 20. Then she played Anthea in Shazam! Fury of the Gods (2023) and Lucy Gray Baird in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (2023).

Next, she took the lead in Disney’s Snow White (2025). This casting marked her as one of the first Latina actresses starring in a live‑action Disney princess role. Critics praised her vocals and presence despite mixed reviews and behind‑the‑scenes controversy.

Moreover, she made her Broadway debut playing Juliet in Romeo + Juliet (2024) and her West End debut as Eva Perón in Evita (2025) to widespread acclaim. However, she abruptly exited a July 24 Evita performance due to illness, as announced mid‑show.

She previously dated actor Josh Andrés Rivera until late 2024. Recently, she was spotted with dancer Nathan Louis‑Fernand, sparking romance speculation. Meanwhile, she champions optimism, rejects victim mentality, and advocates equal representation on stage and screen.

Through awards, magazine covers, and inclusion in Forbes, Time100Next, Variety, and The Hollywood Reporter lists, she continues emerging as a major entertainment force.

Rachel Zegler Age – How Old Is Rachel Zegler?

Rachel Anne Zegler was born on May 3, 2001, in Hackensack, New Jersey. She is 24 years old as of July 2025. Her age fits her milestone career began in her early 20s. Moreover, she debuted in West Side Story at age 20. Consequently, Rachel now balances major film and stage roles while still just 24.

Rachel Zegler Height – How Tall Is Rachel Zegler?

Rachel Zegler stands 5 feet 2 inches (157.5 cm) tall. She personally confirmed this height through her official X (Twitter) account. At the 2025 Oscars, her petite frame stood out beside Gal Gadot, highlighting their notable height difference. Despite her smaller stature, Rachel Zegler brings powerful presence and confidence to every red carpet and film appearance.

Rachel Zegler Ethnicity

What ethnicity is Rachel Zegler?

Rachel Zegler has a rich mixed heritage combining Colombian and Polish descent. Her mother is of Colombian origin and her grandmother emigrated from Barranquilla to the U.S. in the 1960s. Her father has Polish ancestry, contributing to her multicultural identity. Moreover, she proudly claims her Colombian heritage, despite industry scrutiny over her Latina authenticity during her audition for West Side Story. Consequently, she identifies as a White Latina, embracing both European and Latin American cultures in her public narrative. Furthermore, her ethnicity informs her advocacy for representation and inclusion in Hollywood storytelling. Her mixed identity shaped early challenges and later shaped her message of cultural pride.

Rachel Zegler Race & Nationality

Rachel Zegler is American by nationality, born in Hackensack, New Jersey. She holds U.S. citizenship and lived in Clifton, NJ. Moreover, she identifies as a White Latina, blending European (Polish) and Latin American (Colombian) heritage. Her mother hails from Colombia, and her father traces roots to Poland.

Furthermore, she distinguishes race from ethnicity. She explains she is white but also Latina by ethnicity. While auditioning for West Side Story, she had to repeatedly prove her Latina identity to casting executives. Consequently, she emphasizes cultural pride and inclusivity in Hollywood narratives.

Today, Rachel uses her mixed identity to advocate for more equitable representation across film and theater.

Rachel Zegler Parents | Family

Rachel Zegler was born to Gina Zegler and Craig Zegler in Hackensack, New Jersey, on May 3, 2001. Her mother, Gina, worked in special education and supported Rachel on the West Side Story set, even quitting her job to accompany her daughter as a minor. Her father, Craig, works in construction and helped build notable New York landmarks like Yankee Stadium and the rebuilt World Trade Center. Moreover, Rachel has one older sister, Jacqueline, born in 1999. Together, her parents raised Rachel in Clifton, New Jersey, nurturing her early love for theater and singing. Furthermore, they remain proud and fiercely supportive of her acting career. Consequently, both Gina and Craig serve as central figures in Rachel Zegler’s personal and professional journey, embodying cultural pride and family dedication.

Rachel Zegler Boyfriend & Dating – Nathan Louis‑Fernand Romance

Rachel Zegler is now dating Nathan Louis‑Fernand, a professional dancer in her Evita cast. They met during rehearsals in early May 2025 and began dating in early summer. The couple confirmed their romance on July 8, 2025, sharing affectionate Instagram photos. Before this, Zegler dated actor Josh Andrés Rivera, whom she met on West Side Story, but they split by the end of 2024.

Moreover, they were spotted kissing and holding hands at a Sabrina Carpenter concert in Hyde Park, London in early July. They also enjoyed a public stroll through London accompanied by their dog, sparking fan excitement.

Additionally, fans and media remark on their instant connection and supportive public displays. This new relationship highlights Rachel’s personal happiness during her thriving stage career. Nathan’s background includes performances in Hamilton, Magic Mike Live, The Lion King, and the film Wonka. Together they represent a romantic pairing balancing public and theatrical life.

Rachel Zegler Controversy – Snow White Backlash & Political Fallout

Rachel Zegler sparked a major controversy over her casting as Snow White, a classic European role. Critics claimed she wasn’t “white enough” for the fairy‑tale princess, prompting racist backlash over her Latina heritage.

Moreover, she faced intense scrutiny for her political views. When promoting Snow White in August 2024, she tweeted “and always remember, free Palestine,” which ignited further polarized reactions, especially contrasting with co-star Gal Gadot’s pro‑Israel stance.

Additionally, statements critical of the original 1937 Snow White earned backlash. She described the prince as a “literal stalker” and called the traditional love story outdated.

Consequently, the film flopped at the box office. Some insiders blamed her public comments for undermining promotion efforts. Jonah Platt, son of producer Marc Platt, went as far as blaming Zegler for hurting ticket sales.

Meanwhile, she also revealed that studio executives asked her to prove her Latina identity during the West Side Story casting process, a painful experience she publicly addressed.

Despite this whirlwind of backlash, Zegler credits therapy and medication for helping her persevere. She continues advocating for inclusive casting and cultural representation in Hollywood.

Rachel Zegler Movies & TV Shows – Full Filmography

Rachel Zegler has starred in several major films and stage productions since her breakout debut in 2021. Her career highlights include:

Films:

• West Side Story (2021) as María – earned a Golden Globe win
• Shazam! Fury of the Gods (2023) as Anthea
• The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (2023) as Lucy Gray Baird
• Y2K (2024) as Laura in an ensemble comedy about millennium chaos
• Spellbound (2024) voice of Princess Ellian in animated musical
• Snow White (2025) as Snow White in Disney’s live-action remake

Stage & Theatre:

• Broadway debut in Romeo + Juliet (2024) as Juliet
• West End debut in Evita (2025) as Eva Perón at London Palladium

Upcoming Projects:

• Rachel stars in She Gets It From Me (2026) alongside Marisa Tomei as Nicky in a comedic drama adapted from a true story

Rachel currently has no confirmed TV credits, as her work centers on film and musical theatre.

Consequently, her filmography showcases versatility across musical romance, fantasy and dystopian genres, along with dynamic live performances.

Rachel Zegler Songs – Hit Singles & Musical Performances

Rachel Zegler showcases her vocal talents across original soundtrack songs and musical covers. Key highlights include:

🎬 Spellbound Soundtrack (2024, Netflix):

• My Parents Are Monsters (with John Lithgow & Jenifer Lewis)
• Step by Step (with Lithgow & Lewis)
• The Way It Was Before (solo by Zegler)
• Look for the Light (with Lithgow & Tituss Burgess)
• Remembering (with Javier Bardem & Nicole Kidman)
• What About Me (solo)
• What About Us / The Way It Was Before (reprise, with Bardem & Kidman)
• My Monsters Are Parents (solo)

🎥 The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (2023):

• The Hanging Tree (Lucy Gray’s version) (released Oct 20, 2023)
• Pure as the Driven Snow
  Both tracks display her Appalachian‑folk style singing in character

🎥 Snow White (2025 live‑action soundtrack):

• Waiting on a Wish (lead single, recorded March 2025)
• Featured new musicals: Good Things Grow, A Hand Meets a Hand, Whistle While You Work (ensemble), and more

🎤 Live Performances & Covers:

• Performed a Sondheim medley at the 2022 Grammys including Somewhere in tribute to Stephen Sondheim
• Covered Joni Mitchell’s classic A Case of You in 2025 on her Instagram channel

Moreover, Rachel performed the iconic Don’t Cry for Me Argentina from Evita live on a balcony at the London Palladium. The studio and live versions released on streaming platforms quickly went viral, earning the title “Song of the Summer”.

Consequently, her discography reveals versatility—from original musical tracks to heartfelt live tributes. Her songs across film and stage reflect both artistic range and deep emotional resonance.

Rachel Zegler Snow White – Role & Reaction

What happened to Rachel Zegler and Snow White?

Rachel Zegler stars as Snow White in Disney’s 2025 live‑action remake. She attempts a modern feminist reinterpretation of the classic fairy tale. However, critics and audiences reacted strongly to her casting and public statements. The film underperformed at box office, earning about $205 million worldwide on a $240–270 million budget.

Her Colombian‑Polish heritage sparked backlash when fans objected to her playing a traditionally white princess. She also criticized the original story as sexist, calling Prince Charming a “stalker” and calling the film “dated”. Moreover, she posted “free Palestine” on X amid promotion, spurring further controversy.

Despite criticism, reviewers praised Zegler’s performance; Rotten Tomatoes called it a “luminous star turn” amid a mixed film. Box office analysts blamed marketing and narrative issues more than politics for the flop. Zegler later said therapy and medication helped her cope emotionally.

Rachel Zegler Oscars – Presenter Role & Red Carpet Moments

Rachel Zegler first attended the Oscars in 2022, presenting the award for Best Visual Effects alongside Jacob Elordi. She appeared in a custom Dior Haute Couture gown, embracing the moment while filming Snow White in London.

Moreover, she returned to the 97th Academy Awards in 2025 with her Snow White costar Gal Gadot, presenting again for Best Visual Effects. She also shined on the red carpet, drawing praise for her elegant princess energy. For instance, Entertainment Weekly noted a mix-up when another actress was misidentified as Zegler during the pre-show.

Despite early backlash over her casting in Snow White, critics applauded her performance even amid controversy, underscoring her star appeal.

Rachel Zegler Instagram

Rachel Zegler’s Instagram, @rachelzegler, has over 2.59 million followers as of 2025. She regularly shares behind-the-scenes content, personal moments, and musical clips. Her bio reads “fearless, fair, brave, and true.” Fans engage actively with her posts, averaging thousands of likes. Instagram allows Rachel to connect directly with her audience and highlight her authentic personality and artistry.

Rachel Zegler Net Worth

Rachel Zegler’s estimated net worth stands at approximately $3 million as of mid‑2025. She earned this wealth through major film roles like West Side Story, Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, and Snow White. Moreover, her Broadway and West End theater appearances add income. She also earns from endorsements and music-related projects. Consequently, her net worth reflects early-career success and rising star power.