Years after Fox’s musical comedy-drama Glee concluded its revolutionary six-season run, the lives and careers of its ensemble cast continue to capture the public imagination. Fans frequently wonder what happened to the actors who portrayed the members of the McKinley High New Directions glee club. While some cast members transitioned into major Hollywood blockbusters and Broadway stardom, others transitioned behind the camera, focused on family, or faced tragic personal trials that left an indelible mark on the fandom and television history.
The Genesis and Cultural Impact of Glee
When Glee premiered in May 2009 under the creative direction of Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, and Ian Brennan, it introduced a new archetype to network television. The series followed a disparate group of outcast high school students finding community, confidence, and identity through choral performance. Blending sharp satire with heartfelt covers of pop, rock, and Broadway standards, the show quickly transformed into a global pop-culture phenomenon.
The ensemble cast was a carefully curated mix of seasoned Broadway veterans, fresh-faced newcomers, and dynamic television performers. This unique combination propelled many of them into instant international stardom. However, navigating the intense scrutiny of early-social-media fame, grueling shooting schedules, and the unique pressures of teen drama stardom yielded vastly different career trajectories. Examining where the principal actors stand today reveals a tapestry of enduring artistic success, personal reinvention, and poignant remembrance.
The Core Cast: Musical Theater Stars and Film Leads
At the center of Glee were performers who carried the narrative weight of the show through powerhouse vocals and dramatic story arcs. Their post-show trajectories largely reflect the musical and theatrical foundations that originally landed them their roles.
Lea Michele (Rachel Berry)
Lea Michele played the fiercely ambitious, ultra-talented vocal captain Rachel Berry. Following the conclusion of Glee, Michele transitioned into other television projects, starring in Ryan Murphy’s horror-comedy anthology series Scream Queens from 2015 to 2016 and the sitcom The Mayor in 2017.
Beyond television, Michele solidified her status as a prominent recording artist, releasing studio albums such as Louder (2014) and Places (2017). Her ultimate career milestone arrived on Broadway when she stepped into the demanding lead role of Fanny Brice in the revival of Funny Girl at the August Wilson Theatre. Her critically acclaimed run in the production cemented her standing as a premier musical theater talent and marked a major professional triumph.
Matthew Morrison (Will Schuester)
As Spanish teacher and glee club director Will Schuester, Matthew Morrison served as the moral anchor and musical guide of the series. Morrison came to Glee with an established Broadway pedigree, having earned Tony and Drama Desk nominations for The Light in the Piazza and Hairspray.
Post-Glee, Morrison maintained a diverse career spanning stage, screen, and television. He starred in the British television series The Good Wife in 2016 and joined the cast of Grey's Anatomy in 2018 as Dr. Paul Stadler. Furthermore, Morrison expanded his mainstream profile by serving as a dance judge on the British reality competition series The Greatest Dancer and participating in Fox's celebrity singing competition The Masked Singer. He continues to perform in regional theater, concert tours, and symphonic engagements.
Chris Colfer (Kurt Hummel)
Chris Colfer earned international acclaim, a Golden Globe Award, and multiple Emmy nominations for his portrayal of the fashionable, barrier-breaking countertenor Kurt Hummel. Colfer used the platform provided by Glee to launch a highly successful multi-hyphenate career as an author and screenwriter.
Colfer established himself as a New York Times bestselling author through his fantasy book series The Land of Stories, which launched in 2012 and expanded across multiple successful volumes. He also wrote and produced the coming-of-age comedy film Struck by Lightning (2012), in which he also starred. While he has occasionally returned to acting projects, Colfer’s primary professional focus remains writing bestselling fiction for young adults.
The McKinley High Stalwarts and Breakout Stars
Beyond the absolute core leads, the ensemble featured breakout talents who built substantial television and film portfolios across streaming and network platforms.
Darren Criss (Blaine Anderson)
Darren Criss joined the cast in the second season as bow-tie-wearing Dalton Academy Warbler Blaine Anderson, quickly becoming a permanent fixture and fan favorite. Criss leveraged the musical dexterity honed on Glee into a prolific career across stage and screen.
In 2018, Criss delivered a tour-de-force performance as serial killer Andrew Cunanan in Ryan Murphy’s true-crime anthology series The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story. This role earned him both a Primetime Emmy Award and a Golden Globe Award. Criss has also maintained a steady presence on Broadway, starring in productions such as Hedwig and the Angry Inch, American Buffalo, and How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, alongside releasing independent music and touring globally.
Amber Riley (Mercedes Jones)
Amber Riley commanded the screen and airwaves as Mercedes Jones, possessing one of the most powerful vocal instruments in the entire series. After Glee, Riley pursued ambitious theatrical and television ventures.
In 2016, she originated the role of Effie White in the West End premiere of the musical Dreamgirls at the Savoy Theatre in London, winning the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical. Demonstrating her widespread performance versatility, Riley competed in and won the eighth season of The Masked Singer in 2022 and triumphed on the seventeenth season of Strictly Come Dancing in the United Kingdom. She continues to release soulful independent music under her own name.
Jenna Ushkowitz (Tina Cohen-Chang)
Jenna Ushkowitz portrayed Tina Cohen-Chang, an original member of the New Directions whose storylines evolved from quiet insecurity to powerhouse lead vocals.
Following Glee, Ushkowitz successfully transitioned behind the scenes into theatrical producing. She co-produced the groundbreaking Broadway revival of Once on This Island, which won the Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical in 2018. She followed this achievement by co-producing The Inheritance, which secured the Tony Award for Best Play in 2021. Ushkowitz balances her producing career with family life and co-hosting the popular podcast And That’s What You Really Missed, alongside fellow Glee alumnus Kevin McHale.
Summary of Principal Glee Cast Statuses
| Actor | Character | Notable Post-Glee Ventures | Current Professional Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lea Michele | Rachel Berry | Funny Girl on Broadway, Scream Queens | Musical theater, live concerts, recording |
| Darren Criss | Blaine Anderson | The Assassination of Gianni Versace, Broadway | Acting, music composition, touring |
| Amber Riley | Mercedes Jones | Dreamgirls in London's West End, The Masked Singer | Vocal performance, recording artist |
| Chris Colfer | Kurt Hummel | The Land of Stories book series, screenwriting | Bestselling author, literary projects |
| Matthew Morrison | Will Schuester | Grey's Anatomy, The Good Wife, West End | Stage performance, directing, television |
| Jenna Ushkowitz | Tina Cohen-Chang | Tony Award-winning Broadway producer | Theatrical production, podcasting |
Tragedy and Remembrance
While many cast members pursued thriving entertainment careers, the Glee legacy is profoundly intertwined with heartbreaking personal tragedies that deeply affected the cast, crew, and global fandom.
Cory Monteith (Finn Hudson)
Cory Monteith portrayed the quintessential football-player-turned-glee-club-leader Finn Hudson, serving as the emotional heart of the show's early seasons. Monteith's sudden passing in July 2013 at the age of 31 from a toxic combination of heroin and alcohol sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry.
The show addressed his passing in the emotionally devastating third episode of the fifth season, titled "The Quarterback," which allowed the cast and audience to process their grief in real time. Monteith is remembered fondly by his former castmates and fans through annual tributes, highlighting his genuine warmth, leadership on set, and lasting impact on television representation.
Mark Salling (Noah "Puck" Puckerman)
Mark Salling played the tough-talking delinquent Noah "Puck" Puckerman across all six seasons of the series. Following the conclusion of the show, Salling's life took a dark and legally catastrophic turn. In late 2015, he was arrested for the possession of child pornography.
In December 2017, Salling pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography involving a minor. Before his sentencing hearing could take place, Salling died by suicide in January 2018 at the age of 35. His crimes and subsequent death remain a deeply painful chapter in the history of the production, prompting complex discussions among fans regarding the separation of art from the actions of individuals.
Naya Rivera (Santana Lopez)
Naya Rivera delivered a star-making performance as the sharp-tongued, fiercely loyal, and groundbreaking queer cheerleader Santana Lopez. Rivera’s dynamic vocal performances and witty delivery made her an indispensable asset to the series.
In July 2020, Rivera tragically drowned at the age of 33 in Lake Piru, California, while boating with her young son, whom she successfully rescued before losing her own life. The entertainment community, her family, and her Glee castmates united in profound grief, establishing memorial funds and honoring her immense talent and maternal devotion. Her portrayal of Santana remains a watershed moment for LGBTQ+ representation on network television.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the surviving members of the Glee cast still in touch?
Yes, many members of the original ensemble maintain close personal friendships. Castmates frequently reunite for weddings, holiday gatherings, and charitable events. Alumni Kevin McHale and Jenna Ushkowitz created the recap podcast And That’s What You Really Missed, where they regularly host fellow cast members to share behind-the-scenes stories and discuss their current endeavors.
What happened to Heather Morris (Brittany S. Pierce)?
Heather Morris, who played the fan-favorite, endlessly quotable dancer Brittany S. Pierce, continued her career in entertainment through dance and acting. She competed on the twenty-fourth season of Dancing with the Stars in 2017 and has appeared in various independent films and television series. Morris is also an outspoken mental health advocate and dedicated mother.
Did any Glee cast members leave acting entirely?
While most of the principal cast stayed within the entertainment industry in some capacity, some supporting actors transitioned into different career paths. For instance, Dijon Talton, who played Matt Rutherford, expanded his work into music production and vocal coaching. Meanwhile, Harry Shum Jr., who played Mike Chang, achieved massive mainstream success as an actor, securing major roles in films like Crazy Rich Asians (2018), Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022), and joining the medical drama series Grey's Anatomy.
Where can I stream Glee today?
Streaming availability for Glee varies by region and platform licensing agreements. In the United States, the complete series has historically been available on streaming giants like Disney+ and Hulu, depending on current media rights distribution. Fans can also purchase individual episodes or full seasons digitally through major video-on-demand storefronts.
Next Steps for Fans
For enthusiasts wishing to stay connected with the ongoing projects of the Glee ensemble, tracking their current theatrical runs, literary releases, and podcast appearances offers the best window into their modern careers. Engaging with retrospective podcasts, supporting Broadway and West End productions featuring former cast members, and revisiting the original musical catalog remains the definitive way to celebrate the enduring legacy of McKinley High.
