Rachel Anne Zegler, who is making waves these days on the internet for her role of Lucy Gray Baird in The Hunger Games prequel, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, comes from a rich ethnic background. Born on May 3, 2001 — this actress and singer has previously starred in West Side Story which she won a Golden Globe for, as well as DC’s Shazam! Fury of the Gods. The multiple-times award-winning actress is also a singer.
Zegler, however, has more to her than her impressive talents, beauty, and soprano voice. Her rich heritage and upbringing play a significant role in her story. This guide unveils Zegler’s ethnicity and background to better help you understand the tapestry of her heritage and how it’s shaped the accomplished actress and singer she is today.
Rachel Zegler Is Half-Colombian and Half-Polish
Rachel Zegler is of a rich and diverse heritage. Her mother hails from Colombian roots, tracing back to Zegler’s maternal grandmother who immigrated from Colombia to the United States back in the 1960s. On the other side, her father is of Polish descent. This blend of Latin American and European lineage has also deeply influenced her understanding and portrayal of characters — as she has grown up absorbing a little bit of both cultures.
This unique background places Zegler at an intersection of two different worlds. She’s a Gen-Z kid who grew up in America and had less competition and more opportunities to tap into. Her diverse traditions and viewpoints within her family settings paved the way for her to really tap into musical theater and get the best out of it. This paved the way for her unique talents to be fostered in rich settings and she eventually caught the attention of a major filmmaker early in her journey.
She Plays the Puerto Rican Maria in West Side Story
Zegler’s role as Maria in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story mirrors her real-life ethnic background. As Maria, she plays a girl who has a soprano voice and is a Puerto Rican immigrant, which directly resonates with her own Latin roots. So she was naturally able to make it all appear all the more authentic. The Spielberg remake of the classic musical drama is set against the backdrop of gang rivalries in 1950s New York.
Zegler, fully embracing her character Maria, depicted the dreams and challenges of a young Latina who was caught up in a passionate romance amidst cultural tensions. Her own connection to Latino culture helped her better understand and play the role even better. The performance was so compelling that it earned her a Golden Globe for Best Actress.
Rachel Zegler’s Background and Career
Rachel Zegler was born and raised in Clifton, New Jersey, and during her formative years, she attended St. Philip the Apostle Preparatory School. Growing up, her surroundings nurtured her artistic pursuits, fostering a love for performance arts. This passion led her to the world of musical theater, where she honed her craft as both a singer and an actress.
Fortunately, her dedication and talent did not go unnoticed and she was soon discovered by Spielberg. She debuted with the coveted role of Maria in West Side Story, earning her immense acclaim. Following this breakthrough, Zegler was cast as Lucy Gray Baird in The Hunger Games prequel and is now even set to portray Snow White in Disney’s upcoming film.
Rachel Zegler is Playing a Latina Snow White in Her Upcoming Film
Zegler is set to redefine the tale of Snow White in Disney’s upcoming remake. While the original Grimm Brothers‘ fairy tale describes Snow White with “skin as white as snow,” the new adaptation presents a departure from that imagery. Zegler, with her Latina, Colombian roots, is the new face for the character and is all set to revitalize a classic. Of course, the unconventional news does not come without its share of stirred conversations.
In a 2022 interview, Zegler shared her perspective on her character, remarking, “She [Snow White] is not gonna be saved by the Prince, she’s not going to be dreaming about true love, she’s dreaming about the leader she can be.” This perspective garnered attention and criticism, revealing how the new adaptation may intertwine modern feminist ideas with the traditional narrative. By implying a shift in the story, Zegler hints at challenging outdated notions and potentially offers a Snow White who dreams beyond true love.
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