Over a decade ago, Glee revolutionized television as one of the most influential musical series of its time. More than just a hit show, it paved the way for future music-driven series like Nashville and Empire while catapulting its cast to stardom.
Among its breakout stars were Darren Criss, Naya Rivera, Jenna Ushkowitz, Dianna Agron, and Chris Colfer—but at the heart of the show was Lea Michele, the powerhouse vocalist who brought Rachel Berry to life. Beyond her vocal talents, Michele quickly became a red carpet favorite, celebrated for her glamorous style and impeccable taste in footwear. From dazzling designer heels to statement-making pumps, her fashion evolution has been just as captivating as her career.
So, where is Lea Michele now, and how has her style—especially her love for high-fashion shoes—transformed over the years? Let’s take a closer look at her journey from Glee star to fashion icon.
The cast of Glee during The Gleek Tour at Hot Topic in Hollywood on August 28, 2009 (Credit: Instar / Eugene Powers / Rocky / Brian To / PNP / Ivan Nikolov / FayesVision / Joseph Marzullo / WENN)
Lea Michele rose to fame as Rachel Berry, the ambitious and talented lead in the award-winning TV series Glee.
Her portrayal received widespread critical acclaim, earning her two Golden Globe nominations for Best Actress in a Television Series and a Primetime Emmy nod for Outstanding Lead Actress.
Lea Michele in an Oscar de la Renta gown at the 68th Annual Golden Globe Awards held at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 16, 2011
It has been many years since the show ended, and the cast members have gone their separate ways, pursuing their own career endeavors.
Many are wondering what’s next for the lead star. Where is Lea Michele now, and what is she up to following her breakout role in Glee?
How Lea Michele Coped with the Tragic Loss of Cory Monteith
Cory Monteith played Finn Hudson, the love interest of Lea Michele’s character, on Glee.
The on-screen couple also dated off-screen until Cory Monteith’s tragic passing in 2013. Although they were never engaged, a source told People that Cory and Lea had been discussing marriage plans and were close to tying the knot.
Cory Monteith and Lea Michele posed together at the PaleyFest Icon Award on February 27, 2013, just months before his passing
While mourning the death of the love of her life, Lea Michele gave herself some time and postponed some of her projects, including her solo album.
“It’s very hard… And you have to be very strong to come out of this alive, but I think by doing the best for myself, by showing that you don’t have to lose yourself, maybe someone else will feel some sort of strength or comfort,” she told Elle.
Lea Michele’s Romantic Journey After Cory Monteith
Almost a year after Cory’s passing, Lea Michele began dating actor and model Matthew Paetz. They met on the set of her 2014 music video On My Way, but after two years, Matthew reportedly ended the relationship, citing Michele’s negativity.
A source told Hollywood Life, “After Glee finished, Lea spent a lot of time complaining about not getting enough work. She was incredibly difficult to be around, very negative and took it out on Matthew. There was only so much he could endure. Eventually, he just had enough.”
Matthew Paetz and Lea Michele watch the Los Angeles Lakers game on January 5, 2016
While filming the sci-fi TV show Dimension 404, Lea Michele dated her co-star Robert Buckley in May 2016 but called it quits in July of the same year. “[They] just found they were better off as friends and wanted to support each other’s careers,” a source told US Weekly.
Lea Michele’s ex-boyfriend Robert Buckley at the iZombie photocall during the San Diego Comic Con on July 21, 2017
A year later, Lea Michele dated her long-time friend and AYR president Zandy Reich. A few months into dating, on April 28, 2018, Lea announced her engagement via Instagram, with a photo showing her newly ringed finger.
Lea Michele married businessman Zandy Reich on March 9, 2019, in Napa, California. The couple has two children: their son, Ever Leo, born in August 2020, and their daughter, born in August 2024.
On August 25, 2024, Michele shared the joyful news on Instagram, announcing that she and Reich had welcomed their second child, officially making her a “girl mom.”
Lea Michele’s Evolution in Acting: From Glee to the Big Screen
The American actress, singer, and songwriter made her film debut in the 2011 ensemble rom-com New Year’s Eve.
Lea Michele in Valentino Spring 2012 dress at the Los Angeles premiere of New Year’s Eve on May 12, 2011
In 2014, she lent her voice to the iconic role of Dorothy Gale in the animated film Legends of Oz: Dorothy’s Return. That same year, she made a guest appearance on the hit drama series Sons of Anarchy.
Lea Michele in a Juan Carlos Obando dress at the Legends of Oz: Dorothy’s Return premiere in Westwood, California, on May 3, 2014
After wrapping up six seasons on Glee, Lea Michele starred in another Ryan Murphy series, Scream Queens, which aired from September 22, 2015, to December 20, 2016.
Lea Michele in a David Koma dress and Giuseppe Zanotti heels at the Scream Queens premiere in Los Angeles on September 21, 2015
She then headlined the first episode of the sci-fi anthology series Dimension 404 in 2017, where she met her ex-boyfriend Robert Buckley.
Following the six-episode series, Lea Michele starred as campaign manager Valentina Barella in the sitcom The Mayor, which ABC canceled after just one season.
In December 2019, ABC released an original holiday movie, Same Time, Next Christmas, with Lea Michele in the lead role.
Lea Michele: From Actress to Bestselling Author
In 2013, she signed a deal with Harmony Books and Random House for an autobiographical book, Brunette Ambition, which you can buy on Amazon. The memoir/how-to book, released in May 2014, placed at number three on The New York Times Best Seller list.
Lea Michele’s book, Brunette Ambition, at Barnes & Noble in New York City on May 21, 2014
A year later, in September 2015, Lea Michele released her second book, You First: Journal Your Way to Your Best Life, published by Crown Archetype. It’s also available on Amazon.
Lea Michele’s Music Career: From Glee to Chart-Topping Albums
Lea Michele began working on her first solo album in 2012, but it wasn’t until 2014 that the album, called Louder, was released.
It debuted at number 4 on the Billboard 200, while the album’s first single, Cannonball, debuted at number 75 on the Billboard Hot 100, making her the first main Glee star to do so as a lead soloist.
Lea Michele talks to Daybreak’s Tiffany Royce about her album, Louder on March 18, 2014
When Glee ended, Lea Michele began recording for her second studio album, which was released two years later in 2017. Called Places, the album debuted at number 28 on the Billboard 200 albums chart.
Lea Michele outside ITV Studios after promoting her single Love Is Alive from her second studio album, Places, on April 24, 2017
Her third studio album and her first holiday album, Christmas in the City, was released in October 2019. It features an original track, Christmas in New York, and three duets, including White Christmas with her Glee co-star Darren Criss.
Lea Michele’s Latest Style Moments: A Fashion Evolution
In recent years, Lea Michele has continued to captivate audiences with her impeccable style and received widespread acclaim for her performance as Fanny Brice in the Broadway revival of Funny Girl.
In February 2023, she turned heads at Michael Kors’ Fall/Winter 2023 show during New York Fashion Week, donning a stunning all-white ensemble highlighting her fashion-forward sensibilities.
Later that year, in May 2023, Lea graced the Met Gala red carpet in a dazzling sequined silver gown by Michael Kors, paying homage to the legendary Barbra Streisand. Her sartorial choices continue to reflect her evolving personal style and deep appreciation for fashion history.
Lea Michele’s Festive December: Performances, Events, and Style
December 2019 was a busy month for Lea Michele. While on a promotional tour for her first-ever Christmas album, Christmas in the City, she attended several holiday festivities in New York City.
On December 8, Lea Michele attended the New York Stage and Film Winter Gala at the Ziegfeld Ballroom in Midtown Manhattan.
She walked the red carpet in a Markarian Brick House fringe coat with notched lapels and a tie at the waist. Underneath her coat were Brock Collection wide-leg trousers. She styled the look with a Markarian ‘Emmeline’ bag, Colette jewelry earrings, and black pumps.
Lea Michele in a Markarian coat at the 2019 New York Stage and Film Winter Gala held at the Ziegfeld Ballroom on December 8, 2019
She later took her coat off and showcased her svelte figure in a Brock Collection Resort 2020 velvet cami top with a plunging V-neckline, a ribbon tie around the waist, and peplum detail.
Lea Michele removes her Markarian coat to show off her figure in a Brock Collection top and pants
On December 5, Lea Michele dropped by Good Morning America, Live With Kelly & Ryan, and Strahan, Sara & Keke, to talk about her holiday album.
She dressed the part in a festive red and green ensemble consisting of a Duncan tartan coat and a red Novis button-front halter dress. The Glee actress paired the holiday outfit with a red Chanel bag and red Giuseppe Zanotti ‘Samia’ pumps.
Lea Michele promotes her new album in a Novis red dress and Duncan tartan coat on December 5, 2019
These pumps, adorned with embellished buckles and slingback straps, boast elegant 4-inch heels.
Lea Michele’s affinity for Giuseppe Zanotti’s exquisite footwear is well-documented, with the actress frequently choosing the designer’s creations to complement her sophisticated ensembles.
Lea Michele completes her festive look with Giuseppe Zanotti pumps
Notably, at Elle’s Women in Comedy event, she paired her J. Mendel dress with the elegant ‘Darsey’ sandals, showcasing her impeccable style.
Additionally, during an appearance on Extra, Lea opted for Zanotti’s ‘Tania’ mules, which feature a distinctive cutout heel design, adding a modern touch to her ensemble. For a comprehensive look at her shoe preferences, explore Lea Michele’s shoe collection, highlighting how she uses heels to flaunt her 5ft 2 stature.
Giuseppe Zanotti ‘Samia’ Pumps, $895
Lea Michele launched her Christmas album at Barnes & Noble later that day. For the occasion, she traded her Christmassy outfit for a lady boss look, wearing a beige Zeynep Arcay-wrapped wool blazer and leather pants.
Lea Michele launches her holiday album in Zeynep Arcay blazer and leather pants at Barnes & Noble on December 5, 2019
She paired her outfit with Stuart Weitzman pumps in white leather with clear lucite heels.
Lea Michele slips into a pair of Stuart Weitzman pumps with clear lucite block heels
That evening, she changed into a power suit by Brandon Maxwell for her appearance in the BUILD Series. The festive white outfit included a cady blazer and straight-leg pants. She layered a gray coat over her top for extra warmth.
Lea Michele stopped by BUILD Series in a Brandon Maxwell pantsuit and blazer on December 5, 2019
Lea Michele slipped into a pair of Stuart Weitzman pumps, showing off her foot tattoos. The ‘Anny’ pumps feature the iconic V-cut vamps, low-cut sides, pointed toes, and 4.15-inch heels.
Lea Michele shows off her foot tattoos in Stuart Weitzman pumps
The Stuart Weitzman ‘Anny’ pumps have become a favorite among celebrities, gracing numerous red carpets and events. Notably, Serena Williams showcased these elegant heels, pairing them with a chic ensemble highlighting their timeless appeal.
Similarly, Hailey Bieber was spotted in Paris donning a pair of purple suede ‘Anny’ pumps, perfectly complementing her monochromatic outfit. These instances underscore the versatility and allure of the ‘Anny’ pumps, solidifying their status as a staple in many celebrities’ wardrobes.
Stuart Weitzman ‘Anny’ Pumps, $199
Gracing another holiday event, Lea Michele attended the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting ceremony on December 4.
She wore an oxblood Sally LaPointe ensemble, which included a striped sequined chiffon blouse, satin pants, and a shawl-collared shearling coat from the Fall 2019 collection.
Lea Michele in Sally LaPointe oxblood outfit at the 87th Annual Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 4, 2019
She tucked her wavy locks behind her ears to showcase her Material Good earrings.
Lea Michele all smiles while performing at the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting event
To complete her head-to-toe oxblood look, she wore a chile red pair of Stuart Weitzman ‘The Laney’ pumps.
Stuart Weitzman ‘The Laney’ Pumps, $395
On December 3, Lea Michele made an early morning guest appearance on the Today Show. She talked about her latest album and performed It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year off of it.
The Scream Queens star opted for a Markarian Resort 2020 dress for the show. The baby pink number features a criss-cross beadwork pattern, a feminine trumpet silhouette, an open back, bishop sleeves, and a ruffled hem.
Lea Michele in a Markarian dress on the Today Show on December 3, 2019
She wore her brunette locks down in voluminous waves and accessorized with Jemma Wynne diamond earrings. Following her performance, Lea stepped out in a camel-colored coat by St. John.
Lea Michele wore a St. John coat over her Markarian dress outside the Today Show Studios
She then completed her stylish look with Rene Caovilla’s ‘Stephia’ pumps, which feature crystal embellishments and 4-inch sculpted heels.
Rene Caovilla ‘Stephia’ Pumps, $1,790
That evening, Lea Michele attended the 2019 Holiday Light Show at the Empire State Building in New York City.
Lea Michele in Ulla Johnson vest coat at the 2019 Holiday Light Show at the Empire State Building in New York City on December 3, 2019
She looked winter-chic in a black Wolford pullover underneath a striped belted vest dress from Ulla Johnson’s Fall 2019 collection.
Lea Michele teams her coat with Veronica Beard’s Wyn boots
The actress rounded out her look with a pair of rings, a Chanel vanity case bag, and Veronica Beard ‘Wyn’ boots.
Veronica Beard ‘Wyn’ Boots, $595