The musical-comedy drama season Glee premiered on Fox in 2009 and ran for six seasons with 121 episodes, creating breakthrough roles for many young, talented triple-threat actors. Though it’s been almost a decade since the series ended in 2015, Glee still gets rewatched and watched often thanks to its popularity on streaming services and its lasting prevalence in pop culture. As a musical show, the Glee cast covered hundreds of songs and even sang 25 original songs written for the series.

Someone who might have never seen the series might have heard Glee’s most famous performance, “Don’t Stop Believing,” or seen one of the many viral social media posts including performances and comedic clips. Glee has become somewhat of a meme in and of itself, thanks to over-the-top characters and a truly hilarious, sometimes twisted script. Yet, at the heart of it is a strong ensemble full of relatable characters, and some viewers love to hate or hate to love. There are always questions about a potential Glee remake or reboot, but it wouldn’t work without the original cast and characters.

Notable Glee Cast & Characters

Actor

Character

Lea Michele

Rachel Berry

Matthew Morrison

Will Schuester

Jane Lynch

Sue Sylvester

Cory Monteith

Finn Hudson

Chris Colfer

Kurt Hummel

Amber Riley

Mercedes Jones

Kevin McHale

Artie Abrams

Jenna Ushkowitz

Tina Cohen-Chang

Dianna Agron

Quinn Fabray

Naya Rivera

Santana Lopez

Heather Morris

Brittany S. Pierce

Mark Salling

Noah Puckerman

Chord Overstreet

Sam Evans

Darren Criss

Blaine Anderson

Harry Shum Jr.

Mike Chang Jr.

Jayma Mays

Emma Pillsbury

Dot-Marie Jones

Coach Beiste

Lea Michele As Rachel Berry

August 29, 1986

  • Active Since: 1996

Actor: Lea Michele was born in New York City and began her career as a performer as a child in a series of Broadway musicals. Michele’s breakthrough stage performance was in 2006’s biggest musical, Spring Awakening. This led her to her first starring television role in Glee. Michele continued working with Glee creator Ryan Murphy on his show Scream Queens once Glee ended. After Scream Queens, Michele continued to work onscreen and on her solo music. After controversy regarding her onset behavior in 2020, Michele returned to Broadway in 2022 in Funny Girl.

Notable Movies & TV Shows:

Title

Character

New Year’s Eve (2011)

Elise

Legends of Oz: Dorothy’s Return (2014)

Dorothy Gale (voice)

Scream Queens (2015-2016)

Hester Ulrich

The Mayor (2017-2018)

Valentina Barella

Same Time, Next Christmas (2019)

Olivia Henderson

Spring Awakening: Those You’ve Known (2022)

Herself

Character: Lea Michele played Rachel Berry, the self-appointed New Directions’ glee club captain and lead singer. She had big ambitions to go to New York and be on Broadway, a dream she played out over all six seasons.

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Matthew Morrison As Will Schuester

October 30, 1978

  • Active Since: 1997

Actor: Matthew Morrison was born in California and, like other fellow Glee cast members, got his start in Hairspray, originating main roles in Hairspray (2002) and The Light in the Piazza (2005), earning him a Tony Award nomination. Glee was Morrison’s breakthrough television role and it helped launch his recording career. Following Glee, Morrison returned to Broadway in Finding Neverland (2015). In 2019, he reunited with Murphy for American Horror Story: 1984. Morrison has been a coach/judge on the dance competition show The Greatest Dancer and continues to perform onstage and onscreen in musical roles.

Notable Movies & TV Shows:

Title

Character

As The World Turns (2006)

Adam Munson (#4)

What To Expect When You’re Expecting (2012)

Evan Webber

The Good Wife (2016)

Connor Fox

Grey’s Anatomy (2017-2018)

Paul Stadler

American Horror Story: 1984 (2019)

Trevor Kirchner

The Greatest Dancer (2019-2020)

Himself/Judge

Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch Musical! (2020)

The Grinch

Paris Christmas Waltz (2023)

Leo Monroe

Character: Morrison played New Directions head coach Will Schuster, who was once a member of the club in high school and wanted to help return it to its glory days. Many viewers hate Glee’s Will Schuester as he continually overstepped boundaries with his students, even if he was well-meaning.

Jane Lynch As Sue Sylvester

July 14, 1960

  • Active Since: 1988

Actor: Jane Lynch was born in Illinois and was one of the cast members with a strongly established filmography before Glee thanks to movies like Best In Show and 40-Year-Old Virgin and the television series Two and a Half Men and The L Word. After winning an Emmy Award for Glee, Lynch has hosted shows and had many voice-acting roles, including for the Wreck-It Ralph franchise. Lynch won another Emmy for The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel in 2019 and was nominated again for Only Murders in the Building in 2022.

Notable Movies & TV Shows:

Title

Character

Best In Show (2000)

Christy Dummings

Two and a Half Men (2004-2014)

Dr. Linda Freeman

The 40-Year-Old Virgin (2005)

Paula

The L Word (2005-2009)

Joyce Wischnia

Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (2006)

Lucy Bobby

Criminal Minds (2006-2020)

Diana Reid

Wreck-It Ralph Franchise (2012-2018)

Sergeant Tamora Jean Calhoun (voice)

Hollywood Game Night (2013-2020)

Herself/Host

The Good Fight (2017-2022)

Madeline Starkey

The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (2017-2023)

Sophie Lennon

Only Murders In The Building (2021-2023)

Sazz Pataki

Weakest Link (2020-present)

Herself/Host

Character: Jane Lynch played Sue Sylvester, the coach of the Cheerios, William McKinley High School’s cheerleading squad, in all six seasons of Glee. She had a mission to “destroy the glee club” and the life of her nemesis Will Schuester, though she occasionally saved them as well.

Split Image of Sue Sylvester in Glee

Related

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Cory Monteith As Finn Hudson

May 11, 1982

  • Acting Debut: 2004

Actor: Canadian actor Cory Monteith started his career with minor film roles, television guest roles, and a recurring role in Kyle XY. He first got to show his drumming skills in MTV’s Kaya. Glee was Monteith’s breakthrough role and the role for which he is best remembered. In 2011, he starred in Monte Carlo and Sisters & Brothers. Monteith died of an overdose during production of Glee season 4 in 2013, leading to a touching tribute episode to him and his character. His final television appearance came as a guest on MasterChef, and he had two posthumously released films.

Notable Movies & TV Shows:

Title

Character

Killer Bash (2005)

Douglas Waylan Hart

Final Destination 3 (2006)

Kahill

Kyle XY (2006)

Charlie Tanner

Kaya (2007)

Gunnar

Monte Carlo (2011)

Owen Andrews

Sisters & Brothers (2011)

Justin Montegan

All the Wrong Reasons (2013)

James Ascher

McCanick (2013)

Simon Weeks

Character: Cory Monteith played Finn Hudson in Glee, the star football player who became the New Directions’ co-captain. He was depicted as a jock susceptible to peer pressure who had a true heart of gold and untapped talent and potential.

Chris Colfer As Kurt Hummel

May 27, 1990

  • Active Since: 2009

Actor: Chris Colfer had just graduated from high school in California when he booked Glee. He had only one prior acting credit, the short film, Russel Fish: The Sausage and Eggs Incident. Colfer earned multiple awards for his Glee performance. In 2012, Colfer wrote, produced, and starred in Struck by Lightning. After Glee, Colfer appeared in Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie and had a few other minor onscreen roles. The same year as Struck by Lightning, Colfer started publishing his Land of Stories YA book series. He has published over 20 books and focuses primarily on being an author.

Notable Movies & TV Shows:

Title

Character

Russel Fish: The Sausage and the Eggs Incident (2009)

Russel Fish

Struck by Lightning (2012)

Carson Phillips

8 (2012)

Ryan Kendall

Hot In Cleveland (2014, 2015)

Tony Chase

Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie (2016)

Christopher

Ridley Jones (2021)

Kosy

Character: Chris Colfer played Kurt Hummel, who was bullied for being gay but found a place of acceptance in the glee club. Kurt’s powerful coming-out story in Glee helped change the landscape for LGBTQ+ representation onscreen.

Amber Riley As Mercedes Jones

February 15, 1986

  • Active Since: 2002

Actor: Californian Amber Riley made her television debut in Glee and had major singing appearances throughout its run. Riley later won season 17 of Dancing with the Stars in 2013 and season 8 of The Masked Singer in 2022. In 2023, she was a judge on Mamma Mia! I Have a Dream. More notably, Riley won an Olivier Award for her performance in a Dreamgirls revival in the West End in 2017. She has mainly focused on her singing and theatre career since Glee ended, but she has many television credits.

Notable Movies & TV Shows:

Title

Character

Dancing with the Stars (2013)

Herself/Contestant

The Wiz Live! (2015)

Addaperle

Nobody’s Fool (2018)

Kalli

A Black Lady Sketch Show (2019-2021)

Various characters

Infamous (2020)

Elle

Single Black Female (2022)

Simone Harris

The Masked Singer (2022)

Harp

Mamma Mia! I Have a Dream (2023)

Herself/Judge

Single Black Female 2: Simone’s Revenge (2024)

Simone Harris

Disney Junior’s Ariel (2024-)

Ursula (voice)

Character: Amber Riley played Mercedes Jones in Glee, a self-proclaimed diva known for “parking and barking,” or standing center stage and hitting huge notes at the end of songs. Mercedes was often pitted against Rachel for glee club competition solos.

Kevin McHale As Artie Abrams

June 14, 1988

  • Active Since: 2005

Actor: Kevin McHale was born in Texas and started his career as a lead singer of the boy band NLT (“Not Like Them”), with whom he appeared in Bratz. His other acting experience was limited to guest roles before he landed Glee. McHale was signed to Capital Records/Roc Nation in 2014 and makes original music in his spare time. In 2019, he released his first solo album, Boy, and competed in The X Factor: Celebrity. McHale often works with former co-star Jenna Ushkowitz. Together, they host a Glee rewatch podcast, And That’s What You Really Missed, on iHeartRadio.

Notable Movies & TV Shows:

Title

Character

Bratz (2007)

Boy Band Member

Boychoir (2014)

Wooly

Virtually Famous (2014-2016)

Host

When We Rise (2017)

Robert Boyle “Bobbi” Cambpell Jr.

The X Factor: Celebrity (2019)

Himself/Contestant

American Horror Stories (2021)

Barry

The Alphabeatz (2021)

Ross (voice)

RuPaul’s Secret Celebrity Drag Race (2022)

Chic-Li-Fay/Contestant

Character: Kevin McHale played Artie, one of five characters who was a series regular throughout all six seasons. As a smooth-singing wheelchair user, McHale’s Glee casting as Artie is considered controversial, as he isn’t a wheelchair user, and has said he’d never return for a Glee reboot as Artie for this reason.

Jenna Ushkowitz As Tina Cohen-Chang

April 28, 1986

  • Active Since: 1989

Actor: Jenna Ushkowitz was born Min Ji in South Korea before being adopted by a New York family. At 3, Ushkowitz started appearing in commercials and Sesame Street, making her Broadway debut in The King and I (1996). She was in the ensemble of Spring Awakening with Michele before Glee. In 2015, Ushkowitz produced the documentary Twinsters. The following year, she appeared on Broadway in Waitress and The 24 Hour Plays. Ushkowitz has two Tony Awards for producing, Once On This Island (2018) and The Inheritance (2020). As aforementioned, she and McHale host a Glee rewatch podcast on iHeartRadio.

Notable Movies & TV Shows:

Title

Character

Educated (2001)

Wendy

Celebrity Name Game (2014-2015)

Herself

Hello Again (2017)

Marie (The Nurse)

1 Night in San Diego (2020)

Hannah

The Dinner Party (2022)

Cassidy (also director)

RuPaul’s Secret Celebrity Drag Race (2022)

Milli von Sunshine

Princess Power (2023-2024)

Queen Ryung (voice)

Character: Jenna Ushkowitz played Tina Cohen-Chang, who underwent some of Glee’s most dramatic character shifts, starting as a goth girl who faked a stutter. Her character’s changes in personality even became a running joke in the series, with Tina getting the short end of Glee’s writing stick.

Dianna Agron As Quinn Fabray

April 30, 1986

  • Active Since: 2006

Actor: Dianna Agron had her first notable television performances in 2006 and 2007 in recurring roles in Veronica Mars and Heroes. The same year Glee premiered, in 2009, Agron wrote, directed, produced, and starred in her first short film, A Fuschia Elephant. While on Glee and after Glee, she mainly appeared in films, including I Am Number Four, The Family, Novitiate, Shiva Baby, and Clock. In 2023, she had her first starring television role post-Glee in Netflix’s The Chosen One.

Notable Movies & TV Shows:

Title

Character

Veronica Mars (2006-2007)

Jenny Budosh

Heroes (2007)

Debbie Marshall

I Am Number Four (2011)

Sarah Hart

The Family (2013)

Belle Blake

Novitiate (2017)

Sister Mary Grace

Ralph Breaks The Internet (2018)

News Anchor

Shiva Baby (2020)

Kim Beckett

Clock (2023)

Ella Patel

The Chosen One (2023-)

Sarah

Character: Dianna Agron played the head cheerleader and mean girl Quinn Fabray in Glee, though she had a smaller role after graduating in season 4. Quinn’s character went through great character development, though sometimes not always for the better.

Related

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Naya Rivera As Santana Lopez

January 12, 1987

  • Acting Debut: 1991

Actor: Naya Rivera was born in California and started as a child actor in 1991 in The Royal Family and appeared in many other series, including Family Matters, Smart Guy, and The Bernie Mac Show. She started Glee in a recurring role before being upgraded to the main cast in season 2. After the series ended, Rivera starred in Devious Maids, Mad Families, and Step Up: High Water. Rivera died by drowning in 2020, and her final project, Batman: The Long Halloween, was released posthumously and dedicated to her memory.

Notable Movies & TV Shows:

Title

Character

The Royal Family (1991-1992)

Hillary Winston

Family Matters (1992-1993)

Gwendolyn

Smart Guy (1997-1999)

Tanya Kelly

The Bernie Mac Show (2002-2006)

Donna

At the Devil’s Door (2014)

Vera

Devious Maids (2015)

Bianca Alverez

Mad Families (2017)

Felipa Jonas

Step Up: High Water (2018-2019)

Collettte Jones

Batman: The Long Halloween (2021)

Selina Kyle/Catwoman (voice)

Character: Naya Rivera played the groundbreaking Santana Lopez in Glee, embodying her character’s journey of coming out as a lesbian. Santana is one of Glee’s most beloved characters for her quotable witty remarks and rants, smooth singing voice, and strong character development.

Heather Morris As Brittany S. Pierce

February 1, 1987

  • Active Since: 2006

Actor: Heather Morris was born in California and raised in Arizona, and drew attention as a dancer on So You Think You Can Dance season 2. The following year, she began dancing with Beyoncé, which helped get her cast in Glee and further pursue acting. During Glee’s run, she appeared in Ice Age: Continental Drift and Spring Breakers. Following Glee, she appeared in movies like Most Likely to Die, Folk Hero & Funny Guy, competed in Dancing with the Stars season 24, won The Masked Dancer, and recurred in So Help Me Todd.

Notable Movies & TV Shows:

Title

Character

So You Think You Can Dance (2006)

Herself/Contestant

The Beyoncé Live Experience (2007)

Herself/Dancer

Ice Age: Continental Drift (2012)

Katie (voice)

Spring Breakers (2013)

Beth

Most Likely to Die (2015)

Gaby

Folk Hero & Funny Guy (2016)

Nicole

Dancing With The Stars (2017)

Contestant

Santa Fake (2019)

Emily

The Masked Dancer (2022)

Scissors (Winner)

So Help Me Todd (2023)

Judy Maxon

Character: Heather Morris played Brittany S. Pierce, a talented dancer and popular cheerleader who, at first, was labeled “stupid.” Brittany followed a similar trajectory to Santana with her character development and being part of one of Glee’s best couples.

Mark Salling As Noah Puckerman

August 17, 1982

  • Acting Debut: 1996

Actor: Texan Mark Salling was a musician and guitar teacher who occasionally acted, with his film debut coming in Children of the Corn IV: The Gathering. His only other credits before Glee were an episode of Walker, Texas Ranger and the film The Graveyard. Outside his Glee-related projects, he appeared in 2014’s Rocky Road. Salling released two albums (2008 and 2010). Shortly after Glee ended, Salling was arrested, charged, and eventually pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography. On January 30, 2018, Salling died by suicide with about a month to go before his sentencing date.

Notable Movies & TV Shows:

Title

Character

Children of the Corn IV: The Gathering (1996)

James Rhodes

Walker, Texas Ranger (1999)

Billy

The Graveyard (2006)

Eric

Rocky Road (2014)

Harrison Burke

Character: Mark Salling played Noah “Puck” Puckerman, a bad-boy football player who learns to embrace his talent and others through the New Directions in Glee. Like many others, his Glee had many changes over the six seasons, some of which were seen as a regression of important, positive development.

Blaine singing and Sue looking pensive

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Chord Overstreet As Sam Evans

February 17, 1989

  • Active Since: 2009

Actor: Chord Overstreet was born in Nashville, Tennessee to country music singer-songwriter Paul Overstreet. Overstreet grew up playing instruments and began modeling as a teenager for advertisements. He made his film debut in 2009’s The Hole and, a year later, joined Glee season 2 in a recurring role before being promoted to the main cast in season 4. Other credits following Glee include 4th Man Out, The Swing of Things, Falling for Christmas, and Acapulco. Since 2017, Overstreet has released three albums.

Notable Movies & TV Shows:

Title

Character

The Hole (2009)

Adam

iCarly (2009)

Eric

4th Man Out (2015)

Nick

The Swing of Things (2020)

Tom

The Bold Type (2020)

Evan Sloan

Falling for Christmas (2022)

Jake

Acapulco (2021-present)

Chad Davies

Character: Chord Overstreet played Sam Evans, who first appeared in Glee season 2 as a foil to Finn, as he challenged his role as the football star, Quinn’s love interest, and most beloved male glee club member. Sam was the subject of multiple Glee plot twists that occasionally helped or hurt the show and his character.

Darren Criss As Blaine Anderson

February 5, 1987

  • Active Since: 1997

Actor: Californian performer Darren Criss first gained online attention at the University of Michigan, where he co-founded StarKid Productions. He starred in original shows like A Very Potter Musical (2009), having made his professional stage debut in 42nd Street Moon’s production Fanny (1997). The company still produces shows and has reunion concerts. He had a recurring television role in Eastwick before being cast in Glee season 2. Following Glee, he appeared on Broadway in shows including Hedwig and the Angry Inch (2015). In 2018, Criss won an Emmy and a Golden Globe for The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story.

Notable Movies & TV Shows:

Title

Character

Eastwick (2009)

Josh Burton

Girl Most Likely (2012)

Lee

American Horror Story: Hotel (2015)

Justin

Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015-2017)

Sideswipe (voice)

The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story (2018)

Andrew Cunnan

Midway (2019)

Commander Eugene E. Lindsey

Superman: Man of Tomorrow (2020)

Clark Kent/Superman (voice)

Hollywood (2020)

Raymond Ainsley (also executive producer)

Royalties (2020)

Pierce (also executive producer)

Green Eggs and Ham (2022)

Looka

Character: Darren Criss joined the Glee season 2 cast as Blaine Anderson, sometimes affectionately called “Blaine Warbler,” as he was the Dalton Academy Warblers’ lead singer before transferring to McKinley High. Blaine’s relationship with Kurt was also seen as groundbreaking for the time.

Glee Cast and Rachel

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Harry Shum Jr. As Mike Chang Jr.

April 28, 1982

  • Active Since: 2000

Actor: Harry Shum Jr. was born in Limón, Costa Rica to Chinese immigrant parents who moved to San Francisco when he was 6. Shum Jr. started his career as a backup dancer for performers Kaci, Alicia Keys, Missy Elliot, and Beyoncé. He first appeared onscreen as a background dancer in popular dance films like You Got Served before getting a larger role in Step Up 2: The Streets. In addition to Glee, where he played another dancer, Shum Jr. is known for Shadowhunters, Crazy Rich Asians, and Everything Everywhere All at Once. He joined the main cast of Grey’s Anatomy in 2022.

Notable Movies & TV Shows:

Title

Character

Step Up 2: The Streets (2008)

Cable

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny (2016)

Wei-Fang

Shadowhunters (2016-2019)

Magnus Bane

Crazy Rich Asians (2018)

Charlie Wu

Broadcast Signal Intrusion (2021)

James

Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)

Chad

Legion of Super-Heroes (2023)

Brainiac 5 (voice)

Kung Fu Panda 4 (2024)

Scott the Fire-Breathing Croc (voice)

Grey’s Anatomy (2022-present)

Benson “Blue” Kwan

Character: Harry Shum Jr. first appeared as Mike Chang, a quiet football player who joined New Directions, where he showed his surprising dance talent. Over time, Mike became one of the most likable male characters in a teen drama show, with his storyline growing in episodes like Glee season 3, episode 3, “Asian F.”

Jayma Mays As Emma Pillsbury

July 6, 1979

  • Active Since: 2004

Actor: Jayma Mays was born Jamia Suzette Mays in Bristol, Tennessee. Mays’ first feature film was Red Eye, with her next notable project being Blind Dating. Her most famous television roles before Glee were recurring in Heroes and Ugly Betty. While doing Glee, Mays also appeared in The League, The Millers, and the Paul Blart: Mall Cop and The Smurfs films. After Glee, Mays has added to her extensive filmography with The Adventures of Puss in Boots, Trial & Error, Disenchanted, and more.

Notable Movies & TV Shows:

Title

Character

Red Eye (2005)

Cynthia

Heroes (2006-2010)

Charlie Andrews

Ugly Betty (2007-2008)

Charlie

Paul Blart: Mall Cop (2009-2015)

Amy Anderson

The Smurfs Franchise (2011-2013)

Grace Winslow

The League (2012-2014)

Trixie Von Stein

The Millers (2013-2015)

Debbie

The Adventures of Puss in Boots (2015-2018)

Dulcinea (voice)

Trial & Error (2017-2018)

Carol Anne Keane

Disenchanted (2022)

Ruby

Character: Jayma Mays played guidance counselor Emma Pilsbury, who had a long will they/won’t they relationship with Will Schuester in Glee. Her journey with OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder) represented an important growth for her character and the series, moving from her being the butt of the joke to strong representation.

Dot-Marie Jones As Coach Beiste

January 4, 1964

  • Active Since: 1992

Actor: Dorothy-Maria Jones, known as Dot-Marie, was born in Turlock, California, and at 6 feet, 3 inches was a 15-time world arm wrestling champion who set college records for shot put. Jones made her acting debut in 1992 as a female warrior in Knights and Warriors. From there, Jones was often typecast for her size and sexuality in films like Patch Adams and smaller television roles. Glee represented a change for Jones, earning her Emmy nominations. After Glee, she appeared in two seasons of American Horror Story, episodes of Killing It, and the movie Bros.

Notable Movies & TV Shows:

Title

Character

Knights and Warriors (1992)

Lady Battleaxe

Patch Adams (1998)

Miss Meat

Lizzie McGuire (2001-2003)

Coach Kelly

Nip/Tuck (2009)

Tess

Venice: The Series (2010-2012)

Stella

American Horror Story: Cult (2017)

Butchy May

American Horror Story: Double Feature (2021)

Trooper Jan Remy

Bros (2022)

Cherry

Weird: The Al Yankovic Story (2022)

Mama Bear

Killing It (2023)

Jackie Boone

Character: Dot-Marie Jones started Glee as Coach Beiste, the misunderstood female McKinley High football team coach in season 2. In Glee season 6, Jones became a main cast member for the first time, with Coach Beiste transitioning to male character Sheldon Beiste, becoming Glee’s second main transgender character.

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Glee Cast Supporting Cast & Characters

Glee Amassed A Large Ensemble Over Its Six Seasons

The New Directions performing at nationals in Glee season 3

New Directions final performance in the Glee finale

The cast of Glee dressed in white and black and are singing emotionally

The Glee club sings an MCR song.

Cast Of Glee Season 1 in a promotional image

Jessalyn Gilsig As Terri Schuester – Canadian actor Jessalyn Gilsig was known for Chicks with Sticks, Prom Night, Boston Public, Nip/Tuck, and more before playing Terri Schuester in Glee. Will’s first wife became an enemy of New Directions, as she was jealous of how much time her husband spent working with the glee club. Since Glee, she’s been in Vikings, Scandal, Spree Big Shot, and 1923.

Mike O’Malley As Burt Hummel – American actor, writer, and TV producer Mike O’Malley hosted the 1990s children’s game shows Get the Picture and Nickelodeon Guts and, before Glee, was best known for playing Jimmy in Yes, Dear. He was Emmy-nominated for playing Kurt’s single father, Burt, who takes on a larger role throughout the Glee seasons thanks to his relationship with Finn’s mother. He has since starred in Snowpiercer and appeared in Heels, Abbot Elementary, and the films Concussion, Sully, and 3 Days with Dad.

Romy Rosemont As Carole Hudson Hummel – American actor Rosemy Rosemont had guest and recurring roles on CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Ally McBeal, and Grey’s Anatomy, and had parts in multiple feature films and TV movies, including My Life, Friends with Money, and The Rockford Files: If It Bleeds… It Leads. Starting in the Glee pilot, Rosemont recurred as Finn’s single mother and Burt’s love interest. During and after Glee, Rosemont appeared in episodes of The Fosters, American Crime Story, Beyond, A Million Little Things, Doubt, and Big Sky.

Iqbal Theba As Principal Figgins – Pakistani actor Iqbal Theba had small TV roles in Sour Grapes, Birdseye, Blind Dating, The George Carlin Show, Married… with Children, Family Matters, ER, and played a character who shared his name in Kitchen Confidential. For 58 Glee episodes, Theba played the incompetent and hilarious Principal Figgins. Outside Glee, he was featured in Lego Scooby-Doo! Blowout Beach Bash, Green Book, Community, The Brink, Voltron: Legendary Defender, and Messiah.

Lauren Potter As Becky Jackson – American actor Lauren Potter’s breakthrough role was Glee’s Becky, who like Potter has Down syndrome, was Sue’s soft spot, helping her become a popular Cheerios squad member throughout the series. Since Glee, Potter has focused on disability advocacy and appeared in Veep, Switched at Birth, and Chicago Med. She executive produced the short film Guest Room and was featured in the reality show Born This Way.

Max Adler As Dave Karofsky – American actor Mad Adler had his breakthrough performance in Glee as Dave Karofsky, Kurt’s main homophobic bully who was also revealed to be gay. Though his character wasn’t always handled well, his coming out journey was another important storyline. Post-Glee TV credits for Adler include Switched at Birth, The Young and the Restless, The Flash, and The Guardians of Justice. He is also in the films Sully, The Trial of the Chicago 7, and Scrambled.

Glee Bisexuality depiction

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Glee is cited as a trailblazing show for LGBTQ+ representation, but Glee struggled to represent a particular sexuality within the queer community.

Ashley Fink As Lauren Zizes – Houston-born actor Ashley Fink starred in the 2006 Tribeca Film Festival hit Fat Girls. Lauren Zizes, the tech-savvy bully who joins New Directions as a favor to Puck in Glee season 2, is considered her most notable role. She’s also appeared in Huge, Trip Tank, and Criminal Minds. She has two short films she associate produced in the early 2010s, Olivia and Sweethearts.

Jonathan Groff As Jesse St. James – American actor Jonathan Groff was Michele’s co-star in Spring Awakening, for which he was Tony Award-nominated. He recurred in Glee as Jesse St. James, one of Rachel’s romantic interests, and the rival Carmel High Vocal Adrenaline lead singer, who briefly worked with New Directions. Groff’s biggest onscreen credits are the Frozen franchise, Looking, and Mindhunter. After earning a Tony nomination for originating King George in Hamilton, he finally won a Tony in 2024 for a revival of Merrily We Roll Along.

Josh Sussman As Jacob Ben Israel – American actor Josh Sussman first became known for Wizards of Waverly Place before playing Glee’s Jacob Ben Israel, the school’s biggest gossip who had an unhealthy obsession with Rachel. His other projects include Star vs. the Forces of Evil, Meeple People, Glitch Techs, and Mr. Mayor.

Idina Menzel As Shelby Corcoran – Before playing Rachel’s problematic biological mother and renowned glee club coach, Shelby Corcoran, in Glee, Idina Menzel was known as a Broadway legend thanks to her Tony-nominated performance in RENT and award-winning role in Wicked. Enchanted and Glee introduced many non-Broadway fans to Menzel, but her role as Elsa in the Frozen films is her most famous. She’s returned to Broadway since Glee and has worked with Adam Sandler in Uncut Gems and You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah.

Gwyneth Paltrow As Holly Holiday – Holly Holiday is one of the award-winning American actor Gwyneth Paltrow’s most beloved TV roles. Holiday was introduced in Glee season 2 as the fun, talented substitute teacher who became another one of Will’s love interests. Paltrow’s first role was as Young Wendy Darling in Hook. She won an Academy Award for Shakespeare in Love and an Emmy for Glee. Since Paltrow left the MCU as Pepper Potts and starred in The Politician, she’s taken an acting break to focus on her lifestyle company Goop.

Kristin Chenoweth As April Rhodes – Menzel’s Wicked co-star, American actor Kristin Chenoweth won a Tony Award for You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown, received acclaim for Wing, and won an Emmy for Pushing Daisies before Glee. She guest-starred as April Rhodes, Will’s former New Directions co-lead singer whom he invites to rejoin the club in Glee season 1 since she never graduated. Chenoweth’s biggest TV role since Glee was in Schmigadoon! She’s focused more on her stage and recording career but has continued acting in films like Descendants, The Witches, and Holidate.

Vanessa Lengies As Sugar Motta – Genderfluid Canadian actor Vanessa Lengies started her career in Canadian television, having her breakthrough American role in American Dreams. This was followed by The Perfect Man, Waiting… and its sequel, Stick It, and Monarch Cove before Lengies began recurring as Sugar Motta in Glee season 3. The tone-deaf spoiled rich girl originally served as an antagonist, as she headed the creation of The Troubletones before finally being accepted by New Directions. Lengies has since played Kordi Freemaker in the Lego Star Wars franchise and starred in Turner & Hooch.

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20 Things That Make No Sense About Glee

For all its positives, there are some things on Glee that have never made any sense at all. Sometimes the show ignores all logic.

Alex Newell As Unique Adams – Nonbinary American actor Alex Newell was introduced to Glee through the Glee Project, a reality show designed to find new cast members. They were the season 1 runner-up and first appeared in Glee season 3 as closeted transwoman Unique Adams, the new star of Vocal Adrenaline. She transferred to McKinley High in Glee season 4, finding more freedom and acceptance with The New Directions. Newell starred in another musical comedy, Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist, and won a Tony Award in 2023 for Shucked.

Blake Jenner As Ryder Lynn – American actor Blake Jenner won The Glee Project season 2 and joined Glee in season 4 as Ryder Lynn, the new McKinley High quarterback who wants to perform and not be bullied for his dyslexia and being part of New Directions. Jenner starred in The Edge of Seventeen and wrote and produced Billy Boy. In October 2020, Jenner confirmed his ex-wife and former Glee co-star Melissa Benoist’s claims of domestic violence. He stepped away from acting briefly, and in 2022, Paradise City became his first project since 2020.

Jacob Artist As Jake Puckerman – Before Glee, American actor Jacob Artist’s most notable project was Lifetime’s Blue Lagoon: The Awakening. From Glee seasons 4 through 6, he played Jake Puckerman, the secret younger half-brother of Puck who was trying not to be like his older brother and father. After Glee, Artist recurred in Quantico, The Arrangement, and Now Apocalypse. He’s also starred in the movies Blood Money, Haunting on Fraternity Row, and The Get Together.

Melissa Benoist As Marley Rose – American actor Melissa Benoist began performing in musical theater and had her breakthrough onscreen role in Glee season 4 as “the New Rachel. She had a beautiful, big voice but was bullied for her awkwardness, susceptibility to peer pressure, and her mom being a lunch lady. During Glee, Benoist starred in the films Whiplash and The Longest Ride, but her most popular role, the titular character in CW’s Supergirl, came just after she left Glee. In 2024, she had her first main post-Supergirl TV roles in Masters of the Universe: Revolution and The Girls on the Bus.

Becca Tobin As Kitty Wilde – Like many others, Kitty Wilde in Glee was Becca Tobin’s breakthrough role. She was the last recurring character to join Glee season 4 as one of the new glee club members when the original core group graduated. The head Cheerio idolized Quinn and followed a similar growth trajectory. Tobin is a staple of the Hallmark Channel with films like A Song for Christmas, Love at First Dance, and The Wedding Contract. She recurred in Turner & Hooch and has co-hosted the popular podcast-turned-E! Network talk show The Ladygang since 2015.

Glee Santana and rachel

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Rachel & Santana Totally Saved Glee’s Later Seasons

As Glee transitioned with the graduation of original characters, it was the friendship between Santana and Rachel that saved the later seasons.

The Season 6 Glee Club Members – Glee season 6 was the show’s final abridged season, where Rachel and Kurt took over New Directions. The final iteration of the glee club consisted of Kitty and seven eclectic students whom the original New Directions recruited as a callback to season 1. The Glee season 6 cast included:

  • Samantha Marie Ware (Jane Hayward) – She’s also known by her singer stage name Sameya. She’s appeared in Barry, What/If, Doom Patrol, and All Rise.
  • Finneas O’Connell (Alistair) – He is a Grammy and Academy Award-winning producer with his younger sister Billie Eilish, who also releases solo music as FINNEAS and producer for other artists.
  • Laura Dreyfuss (Madison McCarthy) – She originated the role of Zoe Murphy in the Broadway production of Dear Evan Hansen, was featured in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, and starred in The Politician.
  • Billy Lewis Jr. (Mason McCarthy) – He appeared in Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert, multiple productions of Bat Out of Hell, and national tours of various other shows. He also releases original music.
  • Josie Totah (Myron Mushkovitz) – The former child actor publicly came out as a transwoman in 2018, changing her name. She has been in Jessie, Spider-Man: Homecoming, Champions, and Moxie. Totah starred in and produced the Saved by the Bell TV reboot, and stars in The Buccaneers on Apple TV+.
  • Marshall Williams (Spencer Porter) – The Canadian actor and model is known for How to Build a Better Boy, When Hope Calls, Stand!, and Exile.
  • Noah Guthrie (Roderick Meeks) – The Americana singer-songwriter makes solo music and has a band, Good Trouble. Guthrie was a semi-finalist on America’s Got Talent season 13.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

Glee Poster

Glee

TV-14
Comedy
Drama
Musical

Where to Watch

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In order to escape the stressful reality of high school, a group of misfits decides to join William McKinley’s glee club. Fox’s Glee was created by Ian Brennan, Brad Falchuk, and Ryan Murphy, with Leah Michele, Jane Lynch, and Matthew Morrison leading the cast. The series ran for six seasons between 2009 and 2015 and won six Primetime Emmys.

Cast

Dianna Agron
, Chris Colfer
, Jessalyn Gilsig
, Jane Lynch
, Jayma Mays
, Kevin McHale
, Lea Michele
, Cory Monteith
, Matthew Morrison
, Amber Riley

Release Date

May 19, 2009

Seasons

6

Network

FOX

Streaming Service(s)

Hulu

Showrunner

Ryan Murphy
, Brad Falchuk