Gleeis an American musical-comedy series created by Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, and Ian Brennan. It ran from 2009 to 2015 on Fox, and centered around a Glee Club full of misfits at the fictional McKinley High School in Ohio. Each episode features the talented castsinging covers of various songs, which are available on any music streaming platform. The blend of comedy, drama, and music helpedGleestand out, and the show’s early seasons were both a critical and audience hit, even winning the Golden Globe Award for Best Comedy or Musical Series in 2010 and 2011.
The show’s later seasons, however, couldn’t maintain the joy or quality of its beginnings, stuffing the already large cast with even more performers andmajor celebrity guest stars, while losing sight of the quirkiness and sincerity that made the show such a beloved hit. The show and its fans also faced tragedy in the deaths of stars Cory Monteith and Naya Rivera. Despite this,Gleestill carries a large fanbase who continue to support the show and the performers who brought it to life. Here’s a look at where the core cast from the show’s first season are now.
Dianna Agron
Dianna Agronplays Quinn Fabray, a cheerleader who spends the first season dealing with her pregnancy. A stereotypical mean girl role, Agron brings depth to Quinn as she matures throughout the show, also producing great songs with her gentle vocals. After appearing in major films likeI Am Number FourandThe Family, she’s starred in several independent films, includingNovitiateandHollow in the Bone.According to Broadway World, she also had a residency at Café Carlyle earlier this year.
Chris Colfer
As Kurt Hummel, a gay boy dealing with bullying at school,Chris Colferoften steals the show with his emotional, and realistic performance.According to GLAAD, his role was essential to television at the time, bringing to life the struggles that many Queer teens face. Since the show ended, Colfer’s main focus has been writing; he wrote the children’s fantasy seriesThe Land of Stories, as well asStruck By Lightning,a coming-of-age novel he also turned into a movie in 2012.
Jane Lynch
Jane Lynchgives a commanding performance as Sue Sylvester, the cheerleading coach who served as the Glee Club’s villain. Lynch perfectly carries out Sue’s angry rants while still showing her softer moments with her sister. She was the best known member of the cast when the show started, with roles inTwo and a Half Men,The L Word, andRole Models, and remains the best known now, with her work hosting shows likeHollywood Game NightandThe Weakest Linkand her guest role inThe Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.
Kevin McHale
Kevin McHaleplays Artie, a strong singer who has to deal with bullying and the challenges of being in a wheelchair, remaining a heart of the show since the beginning. Since the show, he has released his own music and has also hosted a podcast with behind-the-scenes information about the show. Last year, he was also one of the main stars of theAmerican Horror StoryspinoffAmerican Horror Stories.
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Lea Michele
Lea Micheleplays Rachel Berry, a strong singer who saw herself as the club’s real star and often behaved like a diva in pursuit of success, with her time on the showmarked by recent controversy. Michele has a strong Broadway background, including roles inFiddler on the RoofandSpring Awakening. She has appeared in shows such asScream QueensandThe Mayor,along with releasing a cover album last year.
Heather Morris
Heather Morrisbrings great fun to the role of Brittany, a ditzy cheerleader who delivers some of the best dance performances. Her confused, deadpan deliveries produce some of the funniest lines on the show, but she also has a serious, emotional journey with her sexuality. Her background is in dance, and she appeared as a contestant onDancing With the Starsin 2017. She has had some minor TV and film roles sinceGlee, but is mostly focused on her family.
Matthew Morrison
Matthew Morrison, who hasalso faced scrutiny lately,plays Will Schuester, the Spanish teacher who runs the Glee Club and also faces ups and downs in his relationships. Morrison also has a strong performance background, appearing on Broadway inThe Light in the PiazzaandFinding Neverland.He has given several live performances, in addition to a role inAmerican Horror Storyin 2019.
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Amber Riley
As Mercedes, one of the club’s best singers,Amber Rileyshines when she can show off her talents and her impressive voice. While she struggles to find that often in the club, she makes every moment and performance count. Riley’s talent led her to win her season ofDancing With the Starsand also won her several awards for her starring role inDreamgirlsin London’s West End. She also appeared on the live telecast ofThe Wizand released her own EP.
Harry Shum Jr.
Harry Shum Jr.turned the quiet role of Mike Chang into a memorable one with outstanding dance performances and a sweet romance with Tina. He has taken his dance skills to several dance movies, such as theStep Upfranchise. He played Magnus Bane in Freeform’sShadowhuntersfrom 2016 to 2019, and has appeared this year in the well-receivedEverything Everywhere All at Once.
Jenna Ushkowitz
Jenna Ushkowitzbrings heart and relatability as Tina Cohen-Chang, a shy girl who wants to be popular. She works to go from a quiet member to one who has a more active role and more songs. She has experience in the theatre world, performing inWaitressand producing musicals likeOnce on This IslandandBe More Chill. She has also hosted theGleepodcast with co-star McHale.
