Glee Cast List

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Updated May 15, 2020 101.0K views 31 items

Glee cast list, including photos of the actors when available. This list includes all of the Glee main actors and actresses, so if they are an integral part of the show you'll find them below. You can various bits of trivia about these Glee stars, such as where the actor was born and what their year of birth is. This cast list of actors from Glee focuses primarily on the main characters, but there may be a few actors who played smaller roles on Glee that are on here as well.

This list features Jane Lynch Dianna Agron and more.

If you are wondering, "Who are the actors from Glee?" or "Who starred on Glee?" then this list will help you answer those questions.

In most cases you can click on the names of these popular Glee actors and actresses to find out more information about them. If you're looking for a particular Glee actor or actress, then type their name into the "search" bar to find them directly. Missing Glee? Watch more shows like Glee here.

  • Cory Monteith
    Glee, The Assistants, Kaya
    Cory Allan Michael Monteith (May 11, 1982 – July 13, 2013) was a Canadian actor, singer, and musician, known for his role as Finn Hudson on the Fox television series Glee. As an actor based in British Columbia, Monteith had minor roles on television series before being cast on Glee. Following his success in that show, Monteith's film work included the movie Monte Carlo and a starring role in Sisters & Brothers. Monteith had a troubled adolescence involving substance abuse from age 13; he left school at age 16. After an intervention by family and friends, he entered drug rehabilitation at age 19. In a 2011 interview with Parade magazine, he discussed his history of substance abuse as a teen, and in March 2013, he again sought treatment for addiction. On July 13, 2013, he died of a toxic combination of heroin and alcohol in a Vancouver hotel room.
  • Dorothy-Marie Jones (born January 4, 1964) is an American actress and retired athlete who has had multiple roles in television. She attended California State University, Fresno, where she set records for shot put. Jones is also a 15-time world arm wrestling champion. She was a recurring guest star starting in the second season of the musical television series Glee as Coach Beiste, and appeared through the show's sixth and final season, when she was promoted to starring status. She was nominated for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series in 2011, 2012, and 2013 for her portrayal of Coach Beiste.
  • Gwyneth Paltrow
    Thomas Jefferson
    Gwyneth Paltrow, an American actress, singer, and businesswoman, is one of the most recognized faces in Hollywood. Born in 1972 to actress Blythe Danner and film producer-director Bruce Paltrow, her entry into the world of entertainment was almost predestined. She made her acting debut in 1991 with the film High, but it wasn't until her performance in Se7en in 1995 that she began to turn heads in the industry. Paltrow's career took a decisive turn when she won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in Shakespeare in Love in 1998. Her portrayal of Viola De Lesseps not only won her critical acclaim but also established her as a leading lady in Hollywood. Over the years, she has demonstrated her versatility by taking on varied roles in films such as The Royal Tenenbaums, Iron Man, and Contagion. Beyond her acting prowess, she also showcased her singing talent in the musical-drama film Country Strong. However, Paltrow's ambition didn't stop at acting and singing. In 2008, she launched Goop, a lifestyle brand that started as a weekly newsletter. Despite initial skepticism, Goop expanded into e-commerce, fashion, and even a print magazine, solidifying Paltrow's status as a successful entrepreneur. The multitalented Paltrow deftly balances her work in the entertainment industry with her business ventures, proving that she is not just a star on screen, but also a force to be reckoned with in the world of business.
  • Jane Lynch
    Glee, Two and a Half Men, Married... with Children
    Jane Lynch, an acclaimed actress, comedian, and author, is known for her diverse roles in both television and film. Born on July 14, 1960, in Evergreen Park, Illinois, she developed an affinity for acting at a young age. Lynch's journey to stardom was not straightforward; after graduating from Illinois State University and later earning a Master's degree in Theater from Cornell University, she spent many years honing her craft in various theater productions and comedy troupes. Lynch has etched her name in the annals of entertainment history through her portrayal of Sue Sylvester in Fox's musical comedy series Glee. This role brought her widespread recognition and earned her numerous accolades, including an Emmy Award and a Golden Globe Award. Her other notable television appearances include roles in series like The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and Criminal Minds. Lynch's talent isn't confined within the small screen, as her filmography boasts of critically acclaimed movies such as Best in Show, A Mighty Wind, and The 40-Year-Old Virgin. Apart from her acting pursuits, Lynch has made significant contributions as an author. She has penned down her memoir Happy Accidents, which delves into her personal life and struggles with alcoholism and sexuality, providing an introspective look at her journey. She is also recognized for her humanitarian efforts, especially for LGBTQ+ rights. A boisterous personality, Jane Lynch's impact extends beyond the realm of entertainment, making her a pivotal figure in contemporary culture.
  • Jayma Mays
    Glee, The Millers
    Jamia Suzette "Jayma" Mays (born July 16, 1979) is an American actress and singer. She is known for playing Emma Pillsbury on the Fox musical series Glee, her recurring role as Charlie Andrews on the NBC sci-fi serial Heroes, and for starring in the films Paul Blart: Mall Cop and The Smurfs. From October 2013 until November 2014, she played the role of Debbie on the sitcom The Millers. Most recently she starred as prosecutor Carol Anne Keane in the NBC sitcom Trial & Error, which ran for two seasons before being canceled in 2018.
  • Jessalyn Gilsig
    Vikings, Boston Public, Snoops
    Jessalyn Sarah Gilsig (born November 30, 1971) is a Canadian actress known for her roles in television series, e.g. as Lauren Davis in Boston Public, Gina Russo in Nip/Tuck, Terri Schuester in Glee, and as Siggy Haraldson on the History Channel series Vikings.
  • Dijon Talton is an actor.
  • Kristin Chenoweth
    Pushing Daisies, GCB, Sit Down
    Born in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, Kristin Chenoweth has forged an extraordinary path in the world of entertainment. Known for her distinctive voice and remarkable acting prowess, her career spans the realms of stage, television, film, and music. A Southern Baptist choir member turned Broadway sensation, Chenoweth's body of work is as multifaceted as it is impressive. She began her career with a Bachelor's degree in Musical Theater and a Master's degree in Opera Performance from Oklahoma City University. Following this, she won a scholarship to study at the Academy of Vocal Arts in Philadelphia, establishing her foundation in the performing arts. She earned her first Tony Award in 1999 for her performance as Sally Brown in You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown. However, perhaps her most iconic role lies in the blockbuster musical Wicked, where she portrayed Glinda the Good Witch, earning her another Tony nomination. Beyond Broadway, her star continued to shine brightly. She managed to captivate audiences through various other roles including a notable stint on the hit television series, The West Wing, and her Emmy-winning role in Pushing Daisies. In addition to her acting credentials, Chenoweth has also made significant strides in the recording industry. With albums ranging from country to Christian music, and even a Christmas collection, her discography showcases her versatility as an artist. For her contributions to the arts, Chenoweth was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Her advocacy work, particularly for LGBTQ+ rights and animal welfare, further underlines her compassionate spirit. With her talent, charisma, and heart, Kristin Chenoweth has become a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.
  • Lea Michele, born Lea Michele Sarfati, is an American actress, singer, and author known for her dynamic versatility across various entertainment platforms. Born on August 29, 1986, in The Bronx, New York, Michele is the only child of Mark David Sarfati, a former deli owner and currently real estate agent, and Edith Thomasina, a retired nurse. The actress comes from a mixed religious and ethnic background, with Sephardic Jewish roots from her father's side and Italian ancestry from her mother's side. Michele gained prominence for her role as Rachel Berry on the Fox television series Glee, which aired from 2009 to 2015. Her portrayal of the ambitious and talented high school student won her critical acclaim and recognition, including an Emmy nomination and two Golden Globe nominations. However, Michele's introduction to acting came much earlier. At just eight years old, she started her career on Broadway, playing Young Cosette in Les Misérables. Throughout her teenage years, she continued to perform in numerous Broadway shows, such as Ragtime and Fiddler on the Roof. Apart from acting, Lea Michele also made her mark in the music industry. She released her debut studio album, Louder, in 2014, which included the hit single "Cannonball." Her subsequent albums, Places (2017) and Christmas in The City (2019), further showcased her vocal prowess and musical versatility. As an author, she has penned a New York Times bestselling book, Brunette Ambition, published in 2014, and its sequel, You First: Journal Your Way to Your Best Life, in 2015. Despite facing numerous personal and professional challenges, Lea Michele's unswerving dedication to her craft has solidified her status as an enduring figure in the entertainment industry.
  • Matthew Morrison
    Glee, The Oaks
    Matthew Morrison is a versatile performer whose career is marked by a successful fusion of stage, television, and music. Born on October 30, 1978, in Fort Ord, California, his passion for arts began at an early age. It was his high school years at the Orange County School of the Arts that truly shaped his future, propelling him towards a successful career in performing arts. Morrison's breakthrough came with his role on the hit Broadway musical Hairspray, wherein he played the character Link Larkin. His impressive performance earned him significant acclaim and paved the way for further opportunities in the theater world. This included roles in other prominent productions such as The Light in the Piazza, for which he received a Tony nomination, and South Pacific. However, it was his role as Will Schuester on the popular television series Glee that catapulted Morrison into mainstream fame. The show's blend of comedy, drama, and music resonated with audiences worldwide, and Morrison's portrayal of a passionate high school glee club director earned him both critical and popular acclaim. In parallel to his acting pursuits, Morrison also ventured into the music industry, releasing several albums showcasing his vocal talents.
  • Mike O'Malley
    Yes, Dear, Figure It Out
    Michael Edward O'Malley (born October 31, 1966) is an American actor and writer who has appeared in films and television series. Born in Boston and raised in New Hampshire, O'Malley hosted the early 1990s children's game show Nickelodeon Guts before moving to Los Angeles later that decade to star in his own sitcom for NBC called The Mike O'Malley Show. He is best known for his role as Jimmy Hughes on Yes, Dear, a CBS series which aired from 2000 to 2006. He was nominated for an Emmy Award for his role as Burt Hummel on the Fox series Glee. O'Malley has also guest-starred in series including My Name Is Earl, Raising Hope, Parenthood and Parks and Recreation, and has appeared in films including 28 Days, Deep Impact, Leatherheads, Eat, Pray, Love, R.I.P.D., Concussion and Sully. O'Malley is a published playwright whose plays include Three Years From Thirty and Diverting Devotion. He adapted another play called Searching for Certainty for Peter Askin's film Certainty, which premiered at the Boston Film Festival in 2011. O'Malley is also a writer on Showtime's hit drama Shameless. O'Malley was the creator and an executive producer of the Starz series Survivor's Remorse, which ran for four seasons between 2014 and 2017.
  • Idina Menzel
    The Wonder Pets, Hercules
    Idina Menzel, a name synonymous with Broadway brilliance and vocal virtuosity, has carved out an indelible legacy in the world of performing arts. Born on May 30, 1971, in Queens, New York, Menzel's journey to stardom began in earnest with her breakthrough role in the original production of Rent, where she originated the character of Maureen Johnson. Her performance was widely acclaimed, netting her a nomination for the prestigious Tony Award in 1996. This early success set the stage for a career filled with illustrious roles and accolades. Menzel's star continued to ascend as she landed the iconic role of Elphaba in the musical phenomenon Wicked. This role not only showcased her exceptional vocal range but also highlighted her nuanced acting skills. Her portrayal of the misunderstood witch earned her a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical in 2004, solidifying her status as a Broadway legend. Beyond the theater, Menzel's talent transcended mediums as she ventured into film and television, with notable roles in projects such as Disney's Enchanted and the television series Glee. However, it was Menzel's vocal performance as Elsa in Disney's animated blockbuster Frozen that introduced her to a new generation of fans. Her rendition of the film's anthem, "Let It Go," won the Academy Award for Best Original Song, and became a cultural phenomenon. This achievement added another feather to her cap, making her one of the few artists to have both a Tony and an Academy Award. Furthermore, Menzel's commitment to philanthropy is evident through her work with 'A BroaderWay Foundation', an organization she co-founded, which aims to provide arts-centered programs for young girls. Idina Menzel's career, characterized by her vocal prowess and her passion for the arts, continues to inspire performers worldwide.
  • Vanessa Lengies
    Are You Afraid of the Dark?, Caillou, Mixology
    Vanessa Lengies (born July 21, 1985) is a Canadian actress, dancer and singer. She is known for starring in the drama American Dreams as Roxanne Bojarski. She appeared as Charge Nurse Kelly Epson on the TNT medical drama HawthoRNe, and has appeared in the recurring role of Sugar Motta in the third, fourth, and sixth seasons of the Fox series Glee.
  • Jenna Noelle Ushkowitz (; Hangul: 제나 우슈코비츠; born April 28, 1986) is an American Tony Award-winning producer, actress, singer, podcast host. She is known for her performances in Broadway musicals such as The King and I, and Waitress; and in the role of Tina Cohen-Chang on the Fox comedy-drama series Glee.
  • Christopher Paul Colfer (born May 27, 1990) is an American actor, singer, and author. He gained international recognition for his portrayal of Kurt Hummel on the television musical Glee (2009–15). Colfer's portrayal of Kurt received critical praise for which he has been the recipient of several awards, including Best Supporting Actor in a Series, Miniseries or Television Film at the 2011 Golden Globe Awards and three consecutive People's Choice Awards for Favorite Comedic TV Actor in 2013, 2014 and 2015. In April 2011, Colfer was named one of the 2011 Time 100, Time's list of the 100 most influential people. Colfer wrote, starred in, produced, and novelized his first film, Struck by Lightning, which debuted at the 2012 Tribeca Film Festival. He is also a New York Times number-one bestselling author of The Land of Stories: The Wishing Spell, the first novel in his middle-grade reader series.
  • Naya Rivera
    Glee, The Royal Family
    Naya Marie Rivera (January 12, 1987 - July 13, 2020) was an American actress and singer. She began her career as a child actress and model, appearing in national television commercials before landing the role of Hillary Winston on the short-lived CBS sitcom The Royal Family at the age of 4 (1991–1992), for which she received a nomination for a Young Artist Award. After a series of recurring television roles and guest spots as a teenager, Rivera received her breakthrough role as an adult as Santana Lopez on the Fox television series Glee (2009–2015), for which she received nominations for numerous accolades. Rivera made her feature film debut as Vera in the horror film At the Devil's Door (2014), and recurred as Blanca on the third season of the Lifetime television series Devious Maids in 2015. In 2016, she published a memoir with TarcherPerigee, Sorry Not Sorry: Dreams, Mistakes, and Growing Up.
  • Heather Elizabeth Morris (born February 1, 1987) is an American actress, dancer, singer and model. She is best known for her role as Brittany S. Pierce in the Fox musical comedy-drama series Glee (2009–2015).
  • Iqbal Theba (pronounced ; born December 20, 1963) is a Pakistani-American actor. Theba is known for his recurring role as Principal Figgins in the show Glee.
  • Harry Shum, Jr.
    Glee, Rita Rocks, The Fran Drescher Show
    Harry Shum Jr. (born April 28, 1982) is a Costa Rican-American actor, singer, dancer, and choreographer. He is best known for his roles as Mike Chang on the Fox television series Glee (2009–2015), and as Magnus Bane on the Freeform television series Shadowhunters (2016–2019). He was nominated for four Screen Actors Guild Awards for his performance in Glee, winning once and he won the award for The Male TV Star of 2018 in the E! People's Choice Awards for Shadowhunters. He has appeared in the films Step Up 2: The Streets (2008), Step Up 3D (2010), White Frog (2012), Revenge of the Green Dragons (2014), Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny (2016), Crazy Rich Asians (2018), the Hulu web series The Legion of Extraordinary Dancers (2010–2011) and the YouTube Red series Single by 30 (2016).
  • John Stamos
    Full House, ER, General Hospital
    Born and raised in Cypress, California, John Stamos entered the world of showbiz at a young age, demonstrating a knack for mesmerizing audiences that soon catapulted him into the limelight. Stamos's journey to stardom began with the role of Blackie Parrish on the soap opera General Hospital. However, it was his portrayal of Jesse Katsopolis on ABC's sitcom Full House that truly established him as a household name. His character's heartthrob status and comedic timing endeared him to audiences, setting the stage for a successful career spanning decades. Moreover, Stamos's work extends beyond acting; he has showcased his musical talents as a touring drummer for the Beach Boys, further reinforcing his multifaceted artistic prowess. Away from the glittering lights of Hollywood, Stamos is known for his philanthropic commitments. He is a staunch supporter of Project Cuddle, a charitable organization focused on preventing child abandonment. His dedication to uplifting societal issues has earned him admiration beyond his professional achievements, making him an inspiring figure both on and off screen.
  • Kevin Michael McHale

    Kevin Michael McHale

    Glee
    Kevin Michael McHale (born June 14, 1988) is an American actor, singer, dancer and radio personality. Formerly of the boy band NLT, McHale is known for his role as Artie Abrams in the Fox comedy-drama series Glee. From 2014 to 2016 he hosted the British panel show Virtually Famous on E4. McHale is currently one of the four hosts of Sick of My Own Voice on Dash Radio.
  • Dianna Agron
    Glee, It's a Mall World
    Dianna Agron, an American actress, singer, and dancer, has made quite a mark in the entertainment industry. She was born on April 30, 1986, in Savannah, Georgia, and was raised in Texas and California. Her artistic journey began in high school when she discovered a deep passion for storytelling and performance art. She dove into theater at a young age and started teaching dance classes to fund her acting dreams. Agron's breakthrough came in 2009 when she was cast as Quinn Fabray on the hit musical television series Glee. Her portrayal of the cheerleader-turned-singer garnered significant praise and led to a devoted fanbase. The role not only showcased her acting abilities but also her singing and dancing talents. Following her success on Glee, Agron continued to build her acting resume with roles in films such as The Family alongside Robert De Niro and Michelle Pfeiffer, and Bare where her performance was critically acclaimed. Beyond acting, Agron has established herself as a director, making her debut with the music video for "Body" by Thao & The Get Down Stay Down. She's also co-founded a performing arts charity, You, Me & Charlie, which aims to provide a platform for creative expression. Despite her rise to fame, Agron remains grounded and committed to her roots in the performing arts. Her journey exemplifies the rewards of passion, hard work, and resilience, marking her as a truly influential figure in the entertainment world.
  • Darren Criss
    Glee, Eastwick, Little White Lie
    Darren Everett Criss (born February 5, 1987) is an American actor, singer and songwriter. He received Emmy and Golden Globe acting awards for his leading role in The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story (2018). He has also appeared on Broadway and in film, and has released several recordings as a soloist and in a band. A founding member and co-owner of StarKid Productions, a musical theater company based in Chicago, Criss first garnered attention playing the lead role of Harry Potter in, and writing most of the music and lyrics for, StarKid's musical production of A Very Potter Musical. The theater troupe made Billboard history when their original album, Me and My Dick, became the first charting student-produced musical recording, debuting at number eleven on the Top Cast Albums chart in 2010. Criss has also starred on Broadway in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying and Hedwig and the Angry Inch. In 2015, Criss co-founded Elsie Fest which is touted as "New York City's first outdoor music festival celebrating tunes from the stage and screen".Criss is best known for his portrayal of Blaine Anderson on the Fox musical comedy-drama series Glee from 2010 until 2015. Initially appearing as the lead vocalist of Glee's Dalton Academy Warblers, Criss' first number, a cover version of "Teenage Dream", became the fastest-selling Glee single, reached number eight on the Billboard Hot 100, and was certified gold in the US. The Warblers have sold over 1.3 million tracks, and the soundtrack album, Glee: The Music Presents the Warblers (2011), peaked at number two on the US Billboard 200. He was nominated for an Emmy Award in 2015 for writing the song "This Time" for the Glee finale. In March 2017, Criss debuted his indie pop band Computer Games along with his brother Chuck Criss. Their first album, Lost Boys Life EP features 4 songs written by the duo. The lead single "Every Single Night" debuted at #2 on Billboard's "Hot Singles". In December 2017, Criss released a 5-track solo EP titled Homework. The EP debuted #1 on Billboard's Heatseekers Chart and #7 on Billboard's Independent Albums Chart.In addition to his music endeavors, Criss starred in the second installment of Ryan Murphy's American Crime Story. Subtitled The Assassination of Gianni Versace (2018), Criss's portrayal of spree killer Andrew Cunanan received acclaim from critics, and earned him an Emmy win for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie and a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Miniseries, or Television Film.
  • Josh Sussman
    Warren the Ape
    Josh Sussman (born December 30, 1983) is an American actor, best known for his role as Hugh Normous in Wizards of Waverly Place and his role as Jacob Ben Israel in Glee.
  • Chord Paul Overstreet (born February 17, 1989) is an American actor and singer. He is known for his role as Sam Evans on the Fox television series Glee (2009–2015). On August 26, 2016, he released his debut single, "Homeland", through Island Records and Safehouse Records.
  • Amber Patrice Riley (born February 15, 1986) is an American actress, singer and author. She is best known for her portrayal of Mercedes Jones on the Fox comedy-drama series Glee (2009–2015). For her performance on the series, she won a Screen Actors Guild Award, and has been nominated for three Teen Choice Awards, three NAACP Image Awards, and a Grammy Award. In November 2016, Riley led the West End debut of Dreamgirls, playing the lead role of Effie White. She won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical in 2017 for her role in Dreamgirls.Riley won season 17 of Dancing with the Stars in 2013. In 2017, Riley appeared as a judge on BBC One musical theatre talent show Let It Shine and formed a musical theatre supergroup with Beverley Knight and Cassidy Janson, known collectively as Leading Ladies and signed to East West Records/Warner. Their debut album, Songs from the Stage, was released on November 17, 2017.
  • Alex Newell

    Alex Newell

    The Glee Project
    Alex Eugene Newell is an American actor and singer. He is best known for his recurring role as transgender student Wade "Unique" Adams on Fox's musical comedy-drama Glee.
  • Samuel Larsen

    Samuel Larsen

    The Glee Project
    Samuel Peter Acosta Larsen is an American actor and singer. On August 21, 2011, Larsen won the reality competition program The Glee Project on the Oxygen network, which led him to have a recurring role as Joe Hart on the Fox television show Glee. Larsen was also a member of the band Bridges I Burn. He is pursuing his solo career, and released his debut EP, "Vices," on October 27, 2014.
  • Patrick Gallagher
    Endgame, Da Vinci's City Hall
    Patrick Gallagher (born February 21, 1968) is a Canadian actor.