Glee was one of the most popular musical shows that hit the television ten years ago.
Not only did it pave the way for music-oriented TV series like ABC’s Nashville and Fox’s Empire, it also helped launch the careers of stars, including Darren Criss, Naya Rivera, Jenna Ushkowitz, Dianna Agron, Chris Colfer, and, of course, the show’s female lead and star singer, Lea Michele.
The cast of Glee during The Gleek Tour at Hot Topic in Hollywood on August 28, 2009
Lea Michele is known for her role as Rachel Berry in the award-winning TV series.
Her portrayal of the character has gained her critical praises and earned her several awards and nominations, including two Golden Globe nominations for Best Actress in a Television series and a Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress.
Lea Michele in an Oscar de la Renta gown at the 68th Annual Golden Globe Awards held at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 16, 2011
It has been four years since the show ended, and the cast went their separate ways, pursuing their own career endeavors.
Many are wondering what’s next for the lead star. Where is Lea Michele now and what is she up to following her breakout role in Glee?
Lea Michele on coping with Cory Monteith’s tragic death
Cory Monteith played Finn Hudson, the love interest of Lea Michele’s character, on Glee.
The on-screen couple dated in real life until the actor’s death in 2013. Although they were never engaged, a source told People that Cory and Lea had been discussing marriage plans and were close to tying the knot.
Cory Monteith and Lea Michele post together at The PaleyFest Icon Award on February 27, 2013 months before Cory’s passing
While mourning the death of the love of her life, Lea Michele gave herself some time and postponed some of her projects, including her solo album.
“It’s very hard… And you have to be very strong to come out of this alive, but I think by doing the best for myself, by showing that you don’t have to lose yourself, maybe someone else will feel some sort of strength or comfort,” she told Elle.
Who has Lea Michele dated after Cory Monteith?
Almost a year following Cory’s death, Lea Michele began dating actor/model Matthew Paetz. They met on the set of her music video, On My Way, in 2014. But after two years, Matthew reportedly dumped Lea because of being “negative.”
A source told Hollywood Life, “After Glee finished, Lea spent a lot of time complaining about not getting enough work. She was incredibly difficult to be around, very negative and took it out on Matthew. There was only so much he could endure. Eventually, he just had enough.”
Matthew Paetz and Lea Michele watch the Los Angeles Lakers game on January 5, 2016
While filming the sci-fi TV show Dimension 404, Lea Michele dated her co-star Robert Buckley in May 2016 but called it quits in July of the same year. “[They] just found they were better off as friends and wanted to support each other’s careers,” a source told US Weekly.
Lea Michele’s ex-boyfriend Robert Buckley at the iZombie photocall during the San Diego Comic Con on July 21, 2017
A year later, Lea Michele dated her long-time friend and AYR president Zandy Reich. A few months into dating, on April 28, 2018, Lea announced her engagement via Instagram, with a photo showing her newly ringed finger.
Zandy and Lea tied the knot in Napa, California in March 2019.
Lea Michele’s acting career
The 33-year-old actress made her film debut in the 2011 ensemble rom-com New Year’s Eve.
Lea Michele in Valentino Spring 2012 dress at the Los Angeles premiere of New Year’s Eve on May 12, 2011
She then voiced the main character, Dorothy Gale, in the animated film, Legends of Oz: Dorothy’s Return in 2014.
She also guest-starred in other TV series, including Sons of Anarchy in 2014.
Lea Michele in a Juan Carlos Obando dress at the Legends of Oz: Dorothy’s Return premiere in Westwood, California on May 3, 2014
After wrapping up six seasons on Glee, Lea Michele starred in another Ryan Murphy series, Scream Queens, which aired from September 22, 2015, to December 20, 2016.
Lea Michele in a David Koma dress and Giuseppe Zanotti heels at the Scream Queens premiere in Los Angeles on September 21, 2015
She then headlined the first episode of the sci-fi anthology series, Dimension 404, in 2017, where she met her ex-boyfriend Robert Buckley.
Following the six-episode series, Lea Michele starred as campaign manager Valentina Barella in the sitcom, The Mayor, which ABC canceled after just one season.
In December 2019, ABC released an original holiday movie, Same Time, Next Christmas, with Lea Michele in the lead role. It is currently available for streaming on ABC.com, ABC app, and Hulu.
Lea Michele has established herself as an author
In 2013, she signed a deal with Harmony Books and Random House for an autobiographical book, titled Brunette Ambition, which you can buy on Amazon. The memoir/how-to book, which was released in May 2014, placed at number three on The New York Times Best Seller list.
Lea Michele’s book, Brunette Ambition, at Barnes & Noble in New York City on May 21, 2014
A year later, in September 2015, Lea Michele released her second book, You First: Journal Your Way to Your Best Life, published by Crown Archetype. It’s also available on Amazon.
Lea Michele’s successful singing career
Lea Michele began working on her first solo album in 2012, but it wasn’t until 2014 that the album, called Louder, was released.
It debuted at number 4 on the Billboard 200, while the album’s first single, Cannonball, debuted at number 75 on the Billboard Hot 100, making her the first main Glee star to do so as a lead soloist.
Lea Michele talks to Daybreak’s Tiffany Royce about her album, Louder on March 18, 2014
When Glee came to an end, Lea Michele began recording for her second studio album, which was released two years later in 2017. Called Places, the album debuted at number 28 on the Billboard 200 albums chart.
Lea Michele outside ITV Studios after promoting her single Love Is Alive from her second studio album, Places, on April 24, 2017
Her third studio album and her first holiday album, Christmas in the City, was released last October. It features an original track, Christmas in New York, and three duets, including White Christmas with her Glee co-star Darren Criss.
A busy December for Lea Michele
December has been a busy month for Lea Michele. While out on a promotional trail for her first-ever Christmas album, Christmas in the City, she has also been attending several holiday festivities in New York City.
On December 8, Lea Michele attended the New York Stage and Film Winter Gala at the Ziegfeld Ballroom in Midtown Manhattan.
She walked the red carpet in a Markarian Brick House fringe coat, which features notched lapels and a tie at the waist. Underneath her coat was a pair of Brock Collection wide-leg trousers. She then styled the look with a Markarian ‘Emmeline’ bag, Colette jewelry earrings, and a pair of black pumps.
Lea Michele in a Markarian coat at the 2019 New York Stage and Film Winter Gala held at the Ziegfeld Ballroom on December 8, 2019
She later took her coat off and showcased her svelte figure in a Brock Collection Resort 2020 velvet cami top with a plunging V-neckline, a ribbon tie around the waist, and peplum detail.
Lea Michele removes her Markarian coat to show off her figure in a Brock Collection top and pants
On December 5, Lea Michele dropped by Good Morning America, Live With Kelly & Ryan, and Strahan, Sara & Keke, to talk about her holiday album.
She dressed the part in a festive red and green ensemble, consisting of a Duncan tartan coat and a red Novis button-front halter dress. The Glee actress paired the holiday outfit with a red Chanel bag and red Giuseppe Zanotti ‘Samia’ pumps.
Lea Michele promotes her new album in Novis red dress and Duncan tartan coat on December 5, 2019
These pumps feature embellished buckles, slingback straps, and 4-inch heels.
Lea Michele completes her festive look with Giuseppe Zanotti pumps
Giuseppe Zanotti ‘Samia’ Pumps, $895 at Giuseppe Zanotti
Lea Michele launched her Christmas album at Barnes & Noble later that day.
For the occasion, she traded her Chrismassy outfit for a lady boss look, wearing a beige Zeynep Arcay wrapped wool blazer and a pair of leather pants.
Lea Michele launches her holiday album in Zeynep Arcay blazer and leather pants at Barnes & Noble on December 5, 2019
She paired her outfit with Stuart Weitzman pumps in white leather with clear lucite heels.
Lea Michele slips into a pair of Stuart Weitzman pumps with clear lucite block heels
That evening, she changed into a power suit by Brandon Maxwell for her appearance on BUILD Series. The festive white outfit included a cady blazer and a pair of straight-leg pants ($438 at Net-A-Porter). She layered a gray coat over her top for extra warmth.
Lea Michele stops by BUILD Series in Brandon Maxwell pantsuit and blazer on December 5, 2019
Showing off her foot tattoos, Lea Michele slipped into a pair Stuart Weitzman pumps. The ‘Anny’ pumps feature the iconic V-cut vamps, low-cut sides, pointed toes, and 4.15-inch heels.
Lea Michele shows off her foot tattoos in Stuart Weitzman pumps
Stuart Weitzman ‘Anny’ Pumps, $199 at Zappos
Gracing another holiday event, Lea Michele attended the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting ceremony on December 4.
She wore an oxblood Sally LaPointe ensemble, which included a striped sequined chiffon blouse ($1,290 at Net-A-Porter), satin pants, and a shawl-collared shearling coat from the Fall 2019 collection.
Lea Michele in Sally LaPointe oxblood outfit at the 87th Annual Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 4, 2019
She tucked her wavy locks behind her ears to showcase her Material Good earrings.
To complete her head-to-toe oxblood look, she wore a pair of Stuart Weitzman ‘The Laney’ pumps in chile red.
Lea Michele all smiles while performing at the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting event
Stuart Weitzman ‘The Laney’ Pumps, $395 at Nordstrom
On December 3, Lea Michele made an early morning guest appearance on the Today Show. She talked about her latest album and also performed It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year off of her album.
For the show, the Scream Queens star opted for a Markarian Resort 2020 dress. The baby pink number features a criss-cross beadwork pattern, a feminine trumpet silhouette, an open back, bishop sleeves, and a ruffled hem.
Lea Michele in a Markarian dress on the Today Show on December 3, 2019
She wore her brunette locks down in voluminous waves and accessorized with Jemma Wynne diamond earrings.
Following her performance, Lea stepped out in a camel-colored coat by St. John. She then completed her look stylish look with a pair of Rene Caovilla ‘Stephia’ pumps, which feature crystal embellishments and 4-inch sculpted heels.
Lea Michele wore a St. John coat over her Markarian dress outside the Today Show studios
Rene Caovilla ‘Stephia’ Pumps, $1,790 at Farfetch
That evening, Lea Michele attended the 2019 Holiday Light Show at the Empire State Building in New York City.
She looked winter-chic in a black Wolford pullover ($300 at Matches Fashion) worn underneath a striped belted vest dress ($766 at Farfetch) from Ulla Johnson’s Fall 2019 collection.
Lea Michele in Ulla Johnson vest coat at the 2019 Holiday Light Show at the Empire State Building in New York City on December 3, 2019
The actress rounded out her look with a couple of rings, a Chanel vanity case bag, and a pair of Veronica Beard ‘Wyn’ boots.
Lea Michele teams her coat with Veronica Wyn boots
Veronica Beard ‘Wyn’ Boots, $595 at Veronica Beard
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