The Glee Cast: Where Are They Now In 2025? Shocking Broadway Wins, New Babies, And The 'Curse' Explained
It has been a decade since the final curtain call for the New Directions, but the cast of Ryan Murphy's iconic musical-comedy series, Glee, continues to dominate headlines in 2025, proving that the show's legacy is anything but quiet. The journey of the actors who brought Rachel Berry, Kurt Hummel, and Finn Hudson to life has been a rollercoaster of high-profile Broadway triumphs, major career pivots into best-selling authorship, and, inevitably, the persistent, dark cloud of the 'Glee Curse' that continues to fascinate and haunt fans. We're diving deep into the current lives and latest projects of the original William McKinley High crew, revealing who is winning major awards, who is returning to their musical roots, and the unexpected reunions happening right now, as of December 10, 2025.
The show, which aired from 2009 to 2015, launched a generation of talent, transforming its young ensemble into global superstars. Now, a full ten years after the finale, the cast is experiencing a major resurgence, with 2025 becoming a landmark year for new projects and public appearances, from the stage to the screen and beyond.
The New Directions: Star-Making Turns and 2025 Triumphs
The main ensemble of Glee has dispersed into wildly different career paths, yet many of the biggest stars are currently enjoying a spotlight as bright as their McKinley High days. Their current projects show a clear evolution from their breakout roles, but the musical theatre roots remain strong.
Lea Michele (Rachel Berry)
- Role: Rachel Berry, the ambitious, Broadway-bound diva of the Glee Club.
- Birth Date: August 29, 1986.
- Current Status (2025): Broadway star, concert performer, mother of two.
- Recent Updates: In 2025, Lea Michele is set to return to the Broadway stage in the highly anticipated revival of the musical Chess. This follows her acclaimed run as Fanny Brice in Funny Girl, a role that mirrored her character Rachel Berry's ultimate dream. Furthermore, she announced a 2025 North American concert tour, where she will be performing songs from both Glee and Funny Girl. She also recently welcomed her second child, expanding her family with husband Zandy Reich.
Darren Criss (Blaine Anderson)
- Role: Blaine Anderson, Kurt's love interest and a star vocalist from the Dalton Academy Warblers.
- Birth Date: February 5, 1987.
- Current Status (2025): Tony Award-winning actor, musician.
- Recent Updates: Darren Criss achieved a major career milestone in 2025, winning the Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical for his work in the romantic comedy *Maybe Happy Ending*. He has also continued his music career, releasing new songs and music videos, and remains the co-founder of Elsie Fest, New York City's outdoor music festival celebrating stage and screen tunes.
Chris Colfer (Kurt Hummel)
- Role: Kurt Hummel, the fashion-forward countertenor and one half of the iconic 'Klaine' couple.
- Birth Date: May 27, 1990.
- Current Status (2025): Bestselling author, screenwriter, actor.
- Recent Updates: Colfer has successfully transitioned into a full-time, million-selling author. His long-running fantasy series, *The Land of Stories*, continues to be a global phenomenon. In 2024, he launched a new book series for young people, starting with the novel *Roswell Johnson Saves the World!* He is also actively working as a screenwriter, including writing a TV show for Disney, solidifying his role behind the camera.
Jane Lynch (Sue Sylvester)
- Role: Sue Sylvester, the formidable, track-suit-clad cheerleading coach and Glee Club nemesis.
- Birth Date: July 14, 1960.
- Current Status (2025): Emmy-winning host, actress.
- Recent Updates: Lynch remains a prominent figure on television, continuing her role as the host of the popular game show *Celebrity Weakest Link*. Her distinctive comedic persona, reminiscent of her Sue Sylvester days, keeps her in high demand for various TV projects, with her name appearing in the FOX 2025 fall line-up discussions.
The Lingering Shadow of the 'Glee Curse' and Lasting Tributes
The immense success of Glee was tragically intertwined with a series of high-profile scandals and deaths that led to the pervasive "Glee Curse" narrative. This curiosity-driven aspect of the show's history remains a key part of its legacy, with a recent docuseries, *The Price of Glee*, exploring the events surrounding the cast's troubles.
Cory Monteith (Finn Hudson) and Naya Rivera (Santana Lopez)
The loss of two core cast members, Cory Monteith (Finn Hudson) in 2013 and Naya Rivera (Santana Lopez) in 2020, continues to deeply impact the cast and fan community. Monteith, who played the beloved quarterback Finn Hudson, is regularly honored by his former co-stars, particularly Lea Michele, who pays tribute to the impact he had on her life.
Naya Rivera's legacy, particularly through her groundbreaking portrayal of the lesbian character Santana Lopez, is celebrated for its profound impact on LGBTQ+ representation. Her family and co-stars, including Amber Riley, consistently share tributes to keep her memory and powerhouse legacy alive.
Other Controversies
The "curse" narrative also encompasses other serious controversies, including the legal troubles and subsequent death of Mark Salling (Noah "Puck" Puckerman), and the domestic violence allegations against Blake Jenner (Ryder Lynn). These events cemented the perception of a troubled production, though many cast members have publicly dismissed the idea of a literal "curse," instead focusing on the intense pressure and scrutiny of instant fame.
The Next Generation: Podcasts, Musicals, and Directing
Beyond the primary leads, many other members of the Glee ensemble have established successful and diverse careers, often returning to their roots in music and theatre or finding new success in the world of podcasting.
Kevin McHale (Artie Abrams) and Jenna Ushkowitz (Tina Cohen-Chang)
The duo has found a unique way to keep the Glee spirit alive and connect with the fanbase through their popular rewatch podcast, "And That's What You REALLY Missed." The podcast, which was actively releasing new episodes and Q&As into 2024, offers behind-the-scenes stories and interviews with former cast and crew, effectively serving as an unofficial, ongoing reunion.
Amber Riley (Mercedes Jones)
A powerhouse vocalist, Riley has continued to shine on stage and screen. She is set to star in and co-executive produce the NBC musical comedy *Dream*, which is currently in development. She is also part of the cast for the Lifetime movie *Single Black Female 3: The Final Chapter*, slated for 2025. Her career is a testament to her vocal talent, having previously won *Dancing with the Stars* and starred in West End productions.
Dianna Agron (Quinn Fabray)
Agron has focused heavily on independent film and music projects. She starred in the 2023 psychological horror film *Clock* and the drama *Acidman*. Agron has also developed a career as a cabaret-style singer, performing self-titled concerts at venues like the Café Carlyle in New York City, demonstrating her versatility beyond her role as the head cheerleader Quinn Fabray. Her recent photo with Lea Michele and Darren Criss sparked significant fan excitement over a potential mini-reunion.
Matthew Morrison (Will Schuester)
The former Glee Club director, Mr. Schue, has returned to his Broadway roots. Morrison has appeared in numerous stage productions since the show wrapped, including *Finding Neverland* and *The Grinch Musical!* He also served as a judge on the BBC show *The Greatest Dancer* and released his fourth studio album, *Disney Dreamin' with Matthew Morrison*, showcasing his enduring passion for musical performance.
The enduring popularity of the Glee cast, a decade after its conclusion, highlights the indelible mark the show left on pop culture. From the ongoing musical triumphs of Lea Michele and Darren Criss to the poignant tributes to Naya Rivera and Cory Monteith, the story of the New Directions is a complex, compelling narrative that continues to unfold in 2025.
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