Lea Michele is an American actress, singer, and author. Picture an eight-year-old from the Bronx stepping onto the Les Misérables stage, voice too big for her tiny frame, already hinting at the powerhouse she’d become. Fast-forward: she’s twenty, electrifying Broadway in Spring Awakening and earning award whispers. But the real super-nova moment arrives with Glee—Ryan Murphy literally scripts Rachel Berry around her relentless pipes and razor-sharp ambition, and suddenly Lea is snagging Emmy nods, stacking chart-topping cast albums, and redefining “triple threat” for a new generation. She doesn’t stop there: feature films, horror-comedy TV, four studio albums, two best-selling books, and—because goals matter—a record-smashing turn as Fanny Brice in Funny Girl that lands her on Time’s 100 list.
As of July 2025, Lea Michele is 38 years and 10 months old. Her estimated net worth is $110 million, and she is 5 feet 2 inches (159 cm or 1.59 m) tall.
Bio/Wiki
Full Name
Lea Michele Sarfati
Nickname
Lea Michele
Profession
Actress, Singer
Career
Debut
Film – Buster & Chauncey’s Silent Night (1988)
TV Show – “Spring Forward Fall Back”
Best Known for
Her performance as Rachel Berry on the Fox television series Glee
Awards
Teen Choice Award for Choice TV Actress: Comedy 2015, 2014, 2013 ….. Glee
Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance 2010 – Glee
People’s Choice Award for Favorite Comedic TV Actress 2013, 2012 – Glee
Satellite Award for Best Actress in a Television series 2009 – Glee
Glamour Award for US TV Actress 2012, 2010
Glamour Award for the Diva Next Door 2011
Personal Profile and Background Details
Date of Birth
August 29, 1986
Age
As of today, Lea is 38 years, 10 months, and 15 days old.
Zodiac sign
Virgo
Signature
Nationality
American
Birth Place
The Bronx, New York, United States
Residence
Tenafly
School / College / University
Lea Michele’s education was anything but typical—because her talent wouldn’t let it be. She started out at Rockland Country Day School in Congers, NY, before moving on to Tenafly High School in New Jersey, where she juggled volleyball, choir, and debate like a pro. But while most teens were stressing over science fair projects, Lea was busy working in Toronto, performing in Ragtime—so homeschooling filled the gaps.
Her real classroom, though? The stage. Every summer from 2000 to 2002, she sharpened her skills at Stagedoor Manor, a top-tier performing arts camp in the Catskills that’s basically Broadway boot camp. She later got accepted into NYU’s prestigious CAP21 program at Tisch, which many aspiring actors dream of—but Lea chose the spotlight over the lecture hall and never looked back.
Religion
Lea Michele grew up with a foot in two spiritual worlds—but her heart landed firmly in one. Her father is Sephardic Jewish, with deep roots tracing back to Thessaloniki, Greece, while her mother is Catholic. Ultimately, it was her mom’s faith that shaped Lea’s upbringing. She was raised Catholic, attended Mass regularly, and embraced the traditions as her own. Her dad? Totally supportive—he gladly joined them at church, no drama, just love.
Race / Ethnicity
On her mother’s side, she’s proudly Italian—think Rome, Naples, Sunday sauce, and fierce family bonds. Her father brings in Sephardic Jewish heritage, with family ties tracing back to Turkey and Thessaloniki, Greece. That line runs deep, all the way to the Sephardic Jews expelled from Spain, who carried their faith and Ladino language across borders and centuries.
Food Habits
Lea Michele doesn’t just eat—she curates her plate like she’s prepping for a photoshoot and a wellness retreat. She leans toward clean, mostly plant-based eating, but she’s not one to obsess over every calorie. Think leafy greens, roasted veggies, quinoa bowls, and lots of hydration (her water bottle might as well be a fashion accessory). She’s also big on organic, and if it’s locally sourced? Even better.
But let’s be clear—Lea isn’t living on kale alone. She’s got a soft spot for Italian food (hello, family roots!), and she won’t say no to a really good pasta dish. Indulgences? Sure, but always balanced. She’s mentioned her love for cooking and knows her way around the kitchen, especially when it comes to health-conscious twists on comfort food. Her vibe? Nourish your body, but enjoy what you eat. Because for Lea, wellness isn’t about restriction—it’s about feeling good from the inside out.
Hobbies
She’s big on fitness, often spotted hiking Runyon Canyon or sweating it out in hot yoga or SoulCycle. Music is her forever love, with stage performances and singing still fueling her soul. She’s also into wellness—think plant-based meals, meditation, and mindful breathing to keep her grounded. Add a dash of writing (she’s penned two books), a sprinkle of charity work,
Tattoo
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“I love you more” & “if you say so” (right rib cage): Heartbreaking and beautiful—these were the last words exchanged with her late fiancé Cory Monteith. They also inspired her emotional track If You Say So.
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Cross with “My Angel Now” (left rib cage): A tribute to her grandfather, blending faith and family into one intimate design.
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Music notes (left shoulder): Simple, classic, and oh-so-Lea. A nod to the rhythm that’s defined her life since Broadway days.
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“I Believe” (inside right wrist): A lyrical lift from Spring Awakening, the show that launched her—and a reminder to always believe in something bigger.
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Blue butterfly & “Our City / Our Love” (right foot): A delicate update of a former tattoo, symbolizing transformation and meaningful places.
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“Imagine” (left foot): Inked with her Glee co-stars—a shared moment frozen in time, honoring Lennon’s dream of a better world.
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“Finn” & jersey number 5 (outer left hip): A double tribute to Cory Monteith and his Glee character. It’s quiet, personal, and powerful.
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Coffee cup (ring finger): A charming mini-memoir to her grandma, who introduced her to the magic of coffee.
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Bird (left hip bone): Free-spirited and whimsical—an understated nod to letting go.
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Arrow (right middle finger): A symbol of direction, strength, and moving forward—straight to the point.
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Red heart (left middle finger): Simple love, right where everyone can see it.
Physical Attributes and Measurements
Height
- In feet – 5′ 2″
- In Centimeters – 159 cm
- In meters – 1.59 m
Weight
- In kilograms – 53 kg
- In Pounds – 117 lbs
Body Measurements
- Chest Size: 35 inches
- Waist Size: 25 inches
- Hip Size: 34 inches
Shoe size
7 (US)
Dress size
4 (US)
Bra size
32C
Eye color
Dark Brown
Hair color
Dark Brown
Family
Husband
Zandy Reich (2019-Present)
Father
Marc Sarfati (Delicatessen Owner)
Mother
Siblings
None
Children
Ever Leo Reich (Son) (Born on 20 August 2020)
Emery Sol Reich (Daughter) (born in August 2024)
Relationship & More
Marital Status
Married to Zandy Reich
Marriage Date
9th March 2019
Affairs or dating history
Matthew Morrison (2007)
Theo Stockman (2009-2011)
Cory Monteith (2009, 2011-2013)
Matthew Paetz (2014-2016)
Robert Buckley (2016)
Zandy Reich (2017-Present)
Favorite Things
- Favorite Food – Dark Chocolate, Vegan Cupcakes
- TV Programs – Reality Shows, Grey’s Anatomy (2005)
- Favorite Movie – Funny Girl (1968)
- Favorite Book – Girl with a Pearl Earring
Net worth 2025
$12 million
Let’s take a closer look at how Lea Michele has built her wealth, career by career, stream by stream. With a net worth estimated at $12 million as of July 2025, she’s more than just a Broadway baby turned TV star—she’s a full-blown multi-hyphenate with income pouring in from acting, music, books, endorsements, and live performances. Let’s break it down, professionally.
1. TV Stardom — Glee and Beyond
Breakout Role: Rachel Berry in Glee (2009–2015)
When Glee hit TV screens in 2009, Lea Michele wasn’t just another actress in a teen musical comedy—she was the show’s heartbeat. Cast as Rachel Berry, a role created specifically for her by Ryan Murphy, Michele brought vocal firepower and emotional intensity to millions of living rooms.
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Earnings: In the early seasons, she reportedly earned $45,000 per episode. By seasons 4 to 6, that number climbed to $75,000–$80,000 per episode. With 121 episodes total, she likely earned $5 to $6 million from Glee alone.
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Additional Royalties: The Glee soundtrack albums were massive hits. Michele’s vocals are featured on over 100 tracks, many of which hit Billboard charts. These contributions likely generated hundreds of thousands in royalties, especially during the show’s peak.
➤ Other TV Work
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Scream Queens (2015–2016) – As Hester Ulrich, she joined another Ryan Murphy series. Though the exact salary isn’t public, lead roles in network TV often command $30,000–$50,000 per episode.
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The Mayor (2017) – She played Valentina Barella in ABC’s political comedy. Again, likely earned a mid-range TV actor salary (~$40,000 per episode).
2. Music Career — Albums, Tours & Streaming
Lea Michele’s voice was never meant to be confined to the small screen. She launched a solo music career that, while not chart-dominating, still proved to be a solid source of income.
➤ Studio Albums
She’s released four studio albums:
Album | Year | Billboard 200 Peak | Estimated Earnings |
---|---|---|---|
Louder | 2014 | #4 | ~$500,000+ |
Places | 2017 | #28 | ~$150,000 |
Christmas in the City | 2019 | – | ~$75,000 |
Forever | 2021 | – | ~$60,000 |
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Total Estimated Album Revenue (sales + streaming + licensing): ~$900,000+
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Tours & Live Shows: Michele toured for her albums and co-headlined the LM/DC Tour with Darren Criss in 2018. Between ticket sales and merch, she likely earned over $1 million across these performances.
3. Broadway — Where It All Began (and Returned)
Before Glee, Lea Michele was already a Broadway darling (Les Misérables, Spring Awakening), but her return to the stage in 2022 sealed her legacy.
➤ Funny Girl (2022–2023 Revival)
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Michele stepped into the role of Fanny Brice, fulfilling a lifelong dream.
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Her arrival boosted ticket sales to record-breaking numbers, with the show grossing over $1.6 million during her debut week.
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Broadway stars of her stature typically earn $40,000–$100,000 per week, depending on their contract and box office cuts.
Estimated earnings over her run in Funny Girl (10+ months): ~$2–3 million.
She’s also announced a return to Broadway in 2025 with a revival of Chess, likely with a similarly high salary.
4. Books — Bestsellers and Branded Storytelling
Lea Michele has authored two books that blend personal memoir with lifestyle advice:
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Brunette Ambition (2014) – Debuted on the New York Times Best Seller list.
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You First: Journal Your Way to Your Best Life (2015) – A guided journal-style book for fans.
Estimated combined earnings from advances, royalties, and promotional events: ~$300,000+
5. Endorsements and Sponsorships
Michele has been the face of several high-profile brands—some of which tied directly to her personal brand of clean living and self-care.
➤ Key Deals:
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L’Oréal Paris (2012) – Signed a $1 million deal to become a brand ambassador.
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Candie’s, Dove, Zola, and HP also tapped her for campaigns.
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Her wholesome yet glamorous image made her a natural fit for personal care, beauty, and wellness brands.
Estimated endorsement income over the years: $2–3 million
6. Social Media & Online Influence
Lea Michele has built a loyal online following with 7+ million Instagram followers. Her content ranges from behind-the-scenes Broadway moments to wellness tips and family snapshots.
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With her reach, she can command $15,000–$30,000 per sponsored post.
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Annual income from Instagram partnerships and YouTube/streaming bonuses is likely $500,000–$900,000, depending on campaign frequency.
7. Merch, Licensing, and Appearances
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Branded merchandise from tours and shows adds another layer to her revenue.
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She also earns from licensing music for commercials, TV shows, and streaming platforms.
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Guest appearances, panels, and conventions (especially Glee-themed reunions) could earn her $10,000–$50,000 per event.
House
Pets
Social Media Profiles
Myspace
YouTube
youtube.com/channel/UCQ8R1nNideivkrqDvvdMT-A
Most Watched videos of Lea Michele