Who Is Rachel Zegler? 15 Facts About the West Side Story and Hunger Games Star

15 Things You Didn't Know About Rachel Zegler—From Hollywood Stardom to Hidden Talents

Rachel Zegler has taken Hollywood by storm with her incredible voice, undeniable talent, and refreshingly unfiltered personality. From her breakout role in West Side Story to playing Snow White and Lucy Gray Baird in The Hunger Games prequel, she’s proving she’s a Gen Z star to watch.

But beyond the movie roles and red carpets, Rachel is funny, outspoken, and unapologetically herself. Whether she’s calling out Hollywood, geeking out over Marvel, or sharing unfiltered moments on Twitter, she’s one of the most relatable stars out there.

So, if you think you know Rachel Zegler, think again. Here are 15 things you need to know about this rising star.

1. She Was Cast in West Side Story Straight Out of High School

Rachel Zegler’s rise to fame is straight-up movie material. In 2018, she saw an open casting call for Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story and submitted a self-tape—while still in high school. Out of 30,000 auditionees, Rachel landed the lead role of Maria, marking her big-screen debut in the most iconic way possible.

Reflecting on the surreal experience, she said:

"This was my first movie, and it was with Steven Spielberg. That’s not normal!" (Harper’s Bazaar, 2021)

Rachel’s performance was so powerful that she won a Golden Globe at just 20 years old, making history as the first Latina to win in that category. Not bad for a first role, right?

🎬 Fun Fact: Rachel recorded her audition tape in the middle of a snowstorm—and still crushed it.

2. Rachel Zegler is Colombian and Polish

Rachel has always been vocal about her Latina and Polish heritage and the importance of authentic representation in Hollywood.

Growing up in New Jersey, she didn’t see many Colombian actresses in major roles, which made her West Side Story casting even more meaningful. She’s proud to bring more Latina representation to mainstream films and hopes to inspire young actors.

"As a Colombian-American woman, I am proud to be playing Maria, a role that means so much to the Hispanic community." (Twitter, 2019)

But Rachel also acknowledges the problems with Hollywood’s past representation of Latinos, especially in the 1961 version of West Side Story where most of the Puerto Rican characters were played by white actors in brownface. She’s determined to break that cycle.

💬 She said: "I’m so excited to be a part of a film that’s making strides in representation and inclusion." (Variety, 2021)

3. She Started Out on YouTube

Before making it big, Rachel was posting Broadway and pop song covers on her YouTube channel, where her voice quickly gained attention. One of her most viral covers? Lady Gaga’s “Shallow” from A Star Is Born—which racked up over 14 million views.

Looking back on her YouTube days, she said:

"I was just a girl in her bedroom, singing her heart out. Now, I get to do that on movie screens? It’s surreal." (Vogue, 2021)

Even after getting famous, she still uploads casual singing videos, proving she’s just as real as ever.

4. She's Playing Snow White in Disney's Live-Action Remake

Rachel is literally becoming a Disney princess. She was cast as Snow White in Disney’s upcoming live-action remake, alongside Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen.

Her reaction to getting the role?

"I never thought this would happen to me. Snow White was my childhood favorite, and now I get to be her?" (Deadline, 2021)

She also revealed that the film will feature new songs and a modernized story:

"It’s not about waiting for a prince. Snow White’s story is one of bravery and self-discovery." (Variety, 2022)

🎬 Fun Fact: Rachel found out she got the role while on set for West Side Story—and had to keep it a secret for months!

5. She's Also in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes

Rachel is adding dystopian queen to her résumé by playing Lucy Gray Baird, the lead in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, a prequel to the hit series.

She was a huge fan of the original books, so this was a dream role for her:

"I grew up reading The Hunger Games, and now I get to be part of this world? It’s insane." (Entertainment Weekly, 2022)

🔥 Why It’s a Big Deal: She’s singing original songs in the film, just like she did in West Side Story.

🎬 Fun Fact: Rachel got a Mockingjay tattoo while filming to celebrate the role.

6. She's Besties With West Side Story Co-Star Josh Andrés Rivera

What started as on-screen chemistry turned into a real-life romance—Rachel is dating Josh Andrés Rivera, who played Chino in West Side Story.

They’ve been together since 2021, and Rachel has called him her best friend and biggest supporter.

"Josh has been my rock through everything. I’m so lucky to have him." (Instagram, 2023)

The two are constantly hyping each other up on social media, proving they’re one of Hollywood’s cutest Gen Z couples.

7. She's a Huge Swiftie

Rachel is one of us. She’s an open Taylor Swift fan, constantly tweeting about her love for Tay’s music.

"You ever just sit there and cry to folklore? Because same." (Twitter, 2020)

🎶 Fave Taylor Album? She’s hinted at Red and folklore being top-tier for her.

8. She Wasn't Afraid to Call Out Hollywood’s Hypocrisy

Despite starring in an Oscar-winning film, Rachel wasn’t even invited to the 2022 Academy Awards. She publicly called it out on social media, and the internet went wild defending her.

"I will root for West Side Story from my couch and be proud of the work we did." (Instagram, 2022)

After the backlash, she finally got invited and even presented an award.

🔥 Moral of the story? Speak up, and Hollywood will listen.

9. She's a Huge Nerd (And Proud of It!)

Rachel isn’t just a performer—she’s deep into geek culture, and she’s not afraid to show it. She loves Marvel, Star Wars, The Lord of the Rings, and The Hunger Games. In fact, she’s so obsessed with Marvel that she once tweeted:

“This is a Marvel stan account now.” (Twitter, 2020)

She’s also a die-hard Star Wars fan and has geeked out over the franchise multiple times:

“One day, I will get to hold a lightsaber in a Star Wars movie, and that will be the day I ascend.” (Twitter, 2021)

Rachel even had her nerd dreams come true when she got to attend the Star Wars premiere and meet Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker himself!).

🦸‍♀️ Dream Role? She once said she’d love to play a superhero in a Marvel or DC film. Hollywood, take notes!

10. She's an Open Advocate for Mental Health

Rachel is one of the most unfiltered celebs when it comes to mental health, and she regularly speaks about anxiety, imposter syndrome, and burnout.

"Some days, I wake up and feel like I don’t deserve any of this. But I have to remind myself that I worked for it. And I am enough." (Instagram, 2022)

She’s also been open about setting boundaries online, especially with social media negativity:

"Muting words on Twitter is self-care." (Twitter, 2023)

Rachel has encouraged fans to prioritize their mental well-being and take breaks when needed:

"Your mental health matters more than any job, any movie, any award. Take care of yourself first." (Interview with Teen Vogue, 2022)

💙 Biggest Message? Mental health isn’t something to be ashamed of, and talking about it helps normalize the conversation.

11. She's a Feminist and Activist

Rachel isn’t just about glamorous red carpets—she’s using her platform to speak up on major issues. She’s outspoken about feminism, LGBTQ+ rights, racial equality, and workers’ rights in Hollywood.

"If you have a platform, use it for good. Speak up. Fight for others. Be loud." (Twitter, 2022)

When the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes happened in 2023, Rachel was one of the first big stars to stand in solidarity with the unions. She called out Hollywood’s treatment of actors:

"If I’m going to be promoting movies that make millions, I should be paid fairly. And so should everyone else." (Variety, 2023)

She also consistently amplifies marginalized voices, using her social media to raise awareness for important causes.

👊 Why It Matters: Rachel proves that being a Hollywood star doesn’t mean staying silent.

12. She Loves Writing & Storytelling

Besides acting and singing, Rachel is also a talented writer. She’s been journaling since childhood and has hinted that she’d love to write a screenplay, poetry, or even a book someday.

"Writing is my first love. Even before I was singing, I was creating stories." (Instagram, 2021)

She often shares personal essays and poetry on social media, and fans love her raw, introspective writing style. In fact, she once tweeted:

"One day, I’ll write a book. And when I do, it’ll be for the 14-year-old version of me who needed it." (Twitter, 2022)

📖 What’s Next? She’s mentioned wanting to co-write a movie script someday—so don’t be surprised if Rachel ends up behind the camera, too.

13. She Has a Tattoo Inspired by The Hunger Games

Rachel lives and breathes her roles—so much so that she got a Mockingjay tattoo while filming The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes!

The tattoo is on her wrist and serves as a permanent reminder of her role as Lucy Gray Baird.

"This movie changed me in so many ways, and I wanted something to carry with me forever." (Instagram, 2023)

🔥 Why It’s Special? The Mockingjay is a symbol of resistance and rebellion in The Hunger Games—something that Rachel, as an activist, deeply connects with.

She even joked:

"I’m officially a Tribute now." (Twitter, 2023)

Rachel Zegler is Just Getting Started

Rachel isn’t just a talented singer and actress—she’s authentic, outspoken, and totally relatable. Whether she’s belting out Broadway hits, standing up for what she believes in, or geeking out over Marvel, she’s showing the world what it means to be a Gen Z star who does it all.

Which fact surprised you the most? Drop a comment and let’s talk all things Rachel! 💖✨

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