Rachel Zegler, the 22-year-old American actress and singer of Polish descent, has been making waves in the entertainment industry with her talent and versatility. Born on May 3, 2001, in Hackensack, New Jersey, Zegler rose to prominence with her breakout role as María in Steven Spielberg’s acclaimed musical adaptation, West Side Story (2021).
From Clifton to Hollywood: Rachel Zegler’s Journey to Stardom
Zegler’s journey to stardom is as fascinating as her performances on screen. Growing up in Clifton, New Jersey, she attended St. Philip the Apostle Preparatory School before moving on to Immaculate Conception High School, where she graduated in 2019. It was during her formative years that Zegler’s passion for acting and singing began to flourish, setting the stage for her remarkable career ahead.
A Blend of Colombian and Polish Roots
Interestingly, Zegler’s multicultural background adds another layer to her identity. While her mother, Gina Zegler, hails from Colombia, her father, Craig Zegler, is of Polish descent.
Rachel Zegler’s paternal grandfather, Chester Joseph Zegler, was born in New Jersey. His father, Chester John Ziegler/Zegler, and mother, Stefanie/Stephanie Marie Zimnicki, were both of Polish descent. Rachel’s paternal grandmother, Maureen Teresa Porowski/Cahill, was also born in New Jersey. Her father, Martin Porowski, was the son of Polish parents, Frank Porowski and Agnes Lakowski.
Rachel Zegler: Beyond West Side Story – A Rising Star’s Diverse Talent on Display
In addition to her breakout role in West Side Story, Zegler has showcased her talent in other notable projects. Her stellar performance in the film not only captured hearts but also earned her the prestigious Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Motion Picture Comedy or Musical. In 2023, she took on the role of Anthea in Shazam! Fury of the Gods, demonstrating her ability to transition seamlessly between different genres and characters. She also portrayed Lucy Gray Baird in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, further solidifying her status as a rising star in Hollywood.
Check out Rachel’s Instagram, Twitter and YouTube channel!