When Glee hit screens in 2009, it became a global sensation. From tragic losses to award-winning success, here’s where the original cast members are now just as a reboot has been confirmed
When Glee burst onto our singing onto our screens in 2009, it became a cultural staple. Mixing dramatic musical theatre numbers and classic pop songs with teenage drama and memorable characters.
The show introduced a talented cast who won hearts all over the world. It was recently confirmed by Disney that a reboot is on the way, more than a decade after it all came to an end. Nothing is known about the plot or the cast at present.
But where are those original stars now? Some have faced tragic losses, others have forged new careers, and a few have stepped away from the spotlight altogether.
From Cory Monteith’s heartbreaking death to Darren Criss’s award-winning success, the journeys of the Glee cast since the show ended in 2015 have been as varied as the series itself. Let’s take a look at what the original cast members are doing today since their days at William McKinley High.
Cory Monteith (Finn Hudson)
Cory Monteith’s death in 2013 shocked fans and the entertainment world. The actor, who played the football captain turned glee club leader Finn Hudson, was found dead from a drug overdose at the age of just 31. Cory’s passing highlighted the darker side of fame and addiction, and his absence was deeply felt both on set and among fans.
Lea Michele (Rachel Berry)
Lea Michele has been in the business since she was a child, appearing on Broadway in Les Miserables and Spring Awakening. Her career really took off when she was cast in Glee, and after starring in productions such as Funny Girl, Lea’s focus has shifted in recent years towards her personal life.
She married businessman Zandy Reich in 2019 and welcomed her first child in 2020. Lea has described motherhood as “the greatest blessing”. She continues to perform, recently starring in the acclaimed revival of Chess.
Amber Riley (Mercedes Jones)
Amber was initially rejected by American Idol before landing her breakthrough role on Glee. Riley once refused a scene where Mercedes lost her virginity, saying it didn’t fit her character’s devout Christian beliefs.
Since the show, she’s won an Olivier Award for Dreamgirls on the West End, and starred in The Preacher’s Wife musical. In 2023, she was on the judging panel for Mamma Mia! I Have A Dream alongside Alan Carr, Samantha Barks and Jessie Ware. In 2025, she began voicing the role of Disney villain Ursula in the TV series Ariel, based on The Little Mermaid.
Darren Criss (Blaine Anderson)
Darren Criss, the charming Blaine Anderson, has gone from Glee favourite to critically acclaimed actor.
He’s one of the biggest breakout stars from the cast, earning an Emmy, Golden Globe and more for his chilling portrayal of Andrew Cunanan in Ryan Murphy’s The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story. Darren recently starred in the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical Maybe Happy Ending as one of two robots who fall in love.
Matthew Morrison (Will Schuester)
Prior to landing the part of teacher and glee club leader Will Schuester, Matthew Morrison starred in Broadway smash Hairspray and originated the part of Link Larkin before Zac Efron took the role for the Hollywood film.
Since Glee came to an end, Matthew returned to Broadway for Finding Neverland and Just In Time and has also served a judge on So You Think You Can Dance. Earlier this year, he starred in the sports drama Test opposite fellow Broadway star Tammy Blanchard.
Naya Rivera (Santana Lopez)
Naya Rivera’s death in 2020 was a devastating blow. The actress and singer, best known for her role as Santana Lopez, tragically drowned while boating with her son. Naya had worked steadily in TV and film since Glee and was also known for her advocacy work. She is fondly remembered by both the cast and fans.
Kevin McHale (Artie Abrams)
Kevin McHale, who played the wheelchair-bound Artie Abrams, has moved into producing and directing after Glee. While he occasionally returns to performing, much of his recent work has been behind the camera. In 2026, he made his Broadway debut starring as Brad in The Rocky Horror Show.
Jane Lynch (Sue Sylvester)
Jane Lynch’s sharp-tongued cheerleading coach, Sue Sylvester, became an iconic Glee character. Since the show’s end, Jane has built a strong career in comedy, hosting game shows like Hollywood Game Night, narrating series such as The Weakest Link, and appearing on shows including Only Murders in the Building.
At the height of her Glee fame, she made her Broadway debut as Miss Hannigan in Annie and guest-starred as Jenette McCurdy’s on-screen mother in the Nickelodeon sitcom iCarly. She returned to The Great White Way in 2022 to star alongside Lea Michele in Funny Girl.
Many other original cast members have gone on to varied careers, some in acting and music, others stepping back from the public eye. Though the series ended nearly a decade ago, Glee ’s impact remains undeniable. It launched careers and delivered anthems that are still to this day played on loop.
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