“I auditioned for 'Hamilton' and the 'West Side Story' Broadway revival and so many different stage musicals... It was never right, and I think it was just getting me ready for the opportunity of a lifetime, which was to play one of the most iconic musical characters in a Steven Spielberg movie.”

American actress and singer

Rachel Anne Zegler is an American actress and singer. She rose to prominence with her role as María in Steven Spielberg’s 2021 film adaptation of West Side Story, a performance that brought her the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy. Her work is best known through that breakthrough role, which placed her among a new generation of screen performers. As a singer and actress, she is identified with musical performance and with the visibility that came from bringing a classic stage role to film.