The musical comedy-drama Glee captivated audiences for six seasons with its catchy tunes, relatable characters, and heartwarming storylines. Focusing on the underdog glee club at William McKinley High School, the show launched the careers of many talented actors and actresses. Fans worldwide became invested in the lives of Rachel Berry, Finn Hudson, Santana Lopez, and the rest of the New Directions. But what happened to the stars of Glee after the final curtain call? Let’s catch up with the cast and see where their paths have taken them, including the remarkable journey of actress Amber Riley, known for her powerful portrayal of Mercedes Jones.
Lea Michele as Rachel Berry
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Lea Michele, renowned for her role as the ambitious Rachel Berry in Glee, has continued to shine in the entertainment industry. Her portrayal of the determined diva earned her an Emmy nomination in 2010, solidifying her status as a leading actress. Following Glee, Michele reunited with creator Ryan Murphy for the horror-comedy series Scream Queens. She further expanded her television credits with a role in ABC’s The Mayor in 2017.
Off-screen, Michele’s personal life has also been in the public eye. Her relationship with Glee co-star Cory Monteith was widely followed until his tragic passing in 2013. She later dated actor Matthew Paetz and Dimension 404 co-star Robert Buckley. Michele found lasting love with Zandy Reich, a clothing company president. They announced their engagement in April 2018, married in March 2019, and welcomed their first child in August 2020.
In 2020, Michele faced controversy when former Glee co-star Samantha Ware publicly shared allegations of on-set bullying. Michele issued an apology addressing these accusations. Despite the challenges, Michele’s career continued to flourish. In a career highlight, she took on the iconic role of Fanny Brice in Broadway’s Funny Girl in 2022, stepping into the production after Beanie Feldstein’s departure.
Jane Lynch as Sue Sylvester
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Jane Lynch, who brilliantly played the acid-tongued cheerleading coach Sue Sylvester in Glee, was already a successful actress before the show, but Glee catapulted her to even greater fame. The role earned her widespread acclaim and opened doors to numerous opportunities. She starred in her own series, Angel from Hell, and took on roles in Criminal Minds and The Stinky and Dirty Show.
Lynch’s comedic talents extended beyond acting. She became the host of Hollywood Game Night, earning two Emmy Awards for her hosting duties. Her versatility was further showcased in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, for which she received another Emmy in 2019. Adding voice acting to her repertoire, Lynch voiced Donna in the HBO Max series Velma. Like Lea Michele, Lynch also graced the Broadway stage in Funny Girl, but departed the production in August 2022, clarifying that her exit was unrelated to Michele’s arrival.
In her personal life, Lynch married Dr. Lara Embry in 2010, but they divorced in 2013. She later found happiness with Jennifer Cheyne, whom she married in 2021, revealing the news publicly in 2022.
Matthew Morrison as Will Schuester
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Matthew Morrison, beloved for his portrayal of the enthusiastic glee club teacher Will Schuester in Glee, has continued to work steadily in television after the series concluded. He took on roles in popular shows such as The Good Wife, Grey’s Anatomy, and American Horror Story, demonstrating his range as an actor.
Morrison, with his Broadway background, returned to the stage in the musical adaptation of Finding Neverland. In 2022, he briefly served as a judge on season 17 of So You Think You Can Dance. However, he was dismissed from the show due to allegations of sending inappropriate messages to a contestant.
On a personal note, Morrison married Renee Puente in 2014. The couple has since welcomed two children: a son, Revel, born in 2017, and a daughter, Phoenix, born in 2021, embracing family life alongside their professional pursuits.
Chris Colfer as Kurt Hummel
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Chris Colfer’s portrayal of Kurt Hummel, the stylish and witty member of the glee club, remains a defining role in his acting career. While he continued acting after Glee, including an appearance on Hot in Cleveland, Colfer found a significant outlet for his creativity in writing. He authored the successful Land of Stories children’s book series, spanning five volumes, showcasing his talent beyond acting.
Colfer generated media attention in 2022 when he was asked about supporting Lea Michele in Funny Girl. His humorous response, indicating he would rather avoid the potential “triggering” experience, made headlines.
In his personal life, Colfer celebrated a decade of partnership with Will Sherrod in January 2023, marking a significant milestone in their relationship.
Kevin McHale as Artie Abrams
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Before his role as Artie Abrams, the guitar-playing and wheelchair-using member of New Directions in Glee, Kevin McHale was part of the boy band NLT, highlighting his early musical background. While he hosted Virtually Famous and appeared in American Horror Stories, McHale has largely maintained a lower profile since Glee.
McHale returned to his musical roots, releasing his debut album Boy in 2019 and contributing songwriting to the children’s musical TV show The AlphaBeatZ.
In 2018, McHale publicly came out as gay, after sharing a photo with actor Austin P. McKenzie. McHale and McKenzie, who met while filming When We Rise in 2016, have been in a relationship since 2018.
Naya Rivera as Santana Lopez
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Naya Rivera, who played the fiercely talented and complex cheerleader Santana Lopez in Glee, continued her acting career with roles in Devious Maids and Step Up: High Water.
Rivera’s personal life often made headlines, including her engagement and subsequent breakup with rapper Big Sean, followed by her surprise marriage to Ryan Dorsey. Rivera and Dorsey welcomed a son, Josey Hollis, in 2015, experienced divorce proceedings and reconciliation, before ultimately separating. In 2017, Rivera faced legal issues after an altercation with Dorsey.
Tragically, in July 2020, Rivera went missing at Lake Piru in California. After a search, her body was recovered, and authorities confirmed her death as a drowning accident. Her untimely passing was a profound loss to her Glee family and fans worldwide.
Jenna Ushkowitz as Tina Cohen-Chang
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Jenna Ushkowitz, known for her role as Tina Cohen-Chang, the initially shy but ultimately confident member of the glee club, has continued to act in projects like Yellow Fever, Hello Again, and Rosé All Day.
In a nostalgic move for Glee fans, Ushkowitz and Kevin McHale launched a podcast, And That’s What You Really Missed, on iHeartRadio in 2022. The podcast revisits their time on Glee, sharing memories and behind-the-scenes stories, providing fans with insights into the show’s creation and legacy.
Ushkowitz married David Stanley in 2021, and they welcomed their first child in June 2022. Notably, she participated in season 2 of RuPaul’s Secret Celebrity Drag Race while pregnant, keeping her pregnancy a secret during filming.
Amber Riley as Mercedes Jones
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Amber Riley, the powerhouse vocalist who portrayed Mercedes Jones in Glee, has seen continued success in both music and television. Often referred to as “Mercedes Actress Glee” by fans searching for updates on her, Riley’s career has blossomed since her time on the show. She showcased her dancing skills on Dancing with the Stars, winning season 17 and the coveted Mirrorball Trophy. Riley further displayed her musical talents in NBC’s The Wiz and London’s Dreamgirls, cementing her place as a versatile performer. She also starred in the Lifetime film Single Black Female in 2022.
In 2022, Riley achieved another victory, winning season 8 of The Masked Singer, reaffirming her vocal prowess. She also appeared in the docuseries The Black Beauty Effect, highlighting her perspectives within the beauty industry.
In her personal life, Riley announced a split from her fiancé Desean Black in April 2022, marking a change in her personal journey while her professional career continued to flourish. Amber Riley, the “mercedes actress glee” fans admire, remains a vibrant and dynamic force in entertainment.
Mark Salling as Noah “Puck” Puckerman
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Mark Salling, who played the rebellious Noah “Puck” Puckerman in Glee, faced a dark turn in his life after the show. While he gained recognition for his role and dated co-star Naya Rivera, Salling’s life took a tragic trajectory. In 2015, he was arrested and charged with receiving and possessing child pornography. He pleaded guilty in 2017 and was facing a prison sentence.
In January 2018, Salling was found dead in an apparent suicide, shortly before his scheduled sentencing. Prior to the child pornography charges, he had also been accused of sexual battery in 2013, settling out of court in that case. Salling’s story is a somber reminder of the personal struggles that can occur behind the scenes of fame.
Heather Morris as Brittany S. Pierce
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Heather Morris, known for her portrayal of the endearingly ditzy Brittany S. Pierce in Glee, brought her professional dance background to the show. Prior to Glee, she toured with Beyoncé in 2007. Morris showcased her dance skills again on season 24 of Dancing with the Stars in 2017, generating debate due to her extensive dance experience. She returned to reality competition in 2022, winning season 2 of The Masked Dancer.
Morris shared a close bond with her late co-star Naya Rivera and has openly grieved her loss, honoring Rivera on social media, including on what would have been her 36th birthday.
Since 2015, Morris has been married to Taylor Hubbell, and they have two children, Elijah and Owen.
Cory Monteith as Finn Hudson
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Cory Monteith, who starred as Finn Hudson, the quarterback and heartthrob of Glee, was a central figure in the show for four seasons. His on-screen and off-screen relationship with Lea Michele captivated fans. However, Monteith battled substance abuse issues throughout his life. Tragically, in July 2013, at the age of 31, he was found dead in a Vancouver hotel room due to a drug overdose.
Monteith’s death was a devastating loss to the Glee cast and audience. Two films he completed before his passing, All the Wrong Reasons and McCanick, premiered posthumously at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2013, serving as a final testament to his talent.
Darren Criss as Blaine Anderson
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Darren Criss joined Glee in its second season and quickly became a fan favorite as Blaine Anderson, known for his charming personality and vocal talent. Following Glee, Criss returned to his Broadway roots, starring in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying and Hedwig and the Angry Inch. He also released his album Human in 2010 and embarked on a solo tour.
Criss reunited with Ryan Murphy for The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story, earning critical acclaim and winning a Golden Globe, Emmy, and SAG Award for his portrayal of Andrew Cunanan. He collaborated with Murphy again on the Netflix series Hollywood.
Criss married Mia Swier in 2019 after dating for eight years, and they welcomed their daughter, Bluesy Belle, in 2022. Criss showed his support for Lea Michele by attending Funny Girl and posing for backstage photos with her and his wife, showcasing the enduring bonds formed during their time on Glee.
Dianna Agron as Quinn Fabray
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Dianna Agron played Quinn Fabray, the head cheerleader who undergoes significant character development throughout Glee. After the series, Agron starred in Luc Besson’s The Family alongside Robert De Niro. Her film credits also include Shiva Baby, The Laureate, As They Made Us, and Acidman. Agron expanded her creative endeavors by directing and starring in Berlin, I Love You in 2019. She has also established a singing residency at the Café Carlyle in New York City.
Agron married Mumford & Sons musician Winston Marshall in 2016, but they reportedly separated in 2020 after three years of marriage.
Jonathan Groff as Jesse St. James
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Jonathan Groff, a close friend of Lea Michele off-screen, made a memorable guest appearance in Glee as Jesse St. James. He continued his television career with roles in Looking and Mindhunter. Groff is also widely recognized as the voice of Kristoff in the Frozen franchise and appeared in The Matrix Resurrections in 2021.
Prior to Glee, Groff was known for his Broadway roles in Spring Awakening and Hair. After the show, he starred as King George III in the original production of Hamilton, solidifying his Broadway stardom. Groff continues to work in theater, film, and television, and starred in M. Night Shyamalan’s thriller Knock at the Cabin in 2023.
The cast of Glee left an undeniable mark on popular culture. From Broadway stages to television screens and beyond, the actors and actresses who brought these beloved characters to life have continued to evolve and pursue diverse paths in their careers and personal lives, leaving a lasting legacy for fans around the world. And as we see with Amber Riley, the “mercedes actress glee”, their talent and impact continue to resonate.
