Lea Michele and Idina Menzel are two of the most talented and successful stars in the musical world. They have both starred in Broadway shows, TV shows, and movies, and have won numerous awards for their performances. But are they related by blood? Many fans have noticed their striking resemblance and wondered if they are mother and daughter, sisters, or cousins. The answer is: none of the above.
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How Lea Michele and Idina Menzel Met
Lea Michele and Idina Menzel first met when they were cast as mother and daughter in the hit TV show Glee. Idina played Shelby Corcoran, the coach of the rival show choir Vocal Adrenaline, who later revealed that she was also Rachel Berry’s (Lea Michele) biological mother. The two actresses shared several scenes and songs together, including a duet of “I Dreamed a Dream” from Les Misérables.
According to PopBuzz, Idina said that the scene was the most memorable for her, but she also joked that she felt too young to play Lea’s mom. “She was 26, and I probably should’ve been her older sister but I don’t have a chip on my shoulder about that,” she said. Idina was 40 years old at the time, while Lea was playing a 16-year-old character.
Why Lea Michele and Idina Menzel Look Alike
Despite their age difference, Lea Michele and Idina Menzel share many physical features, such as their dark hair, brown eyes, fair skin, and prominent noses. They also have similar voices, which are powerful, expressive, and versatile. Many fans have commented on their resemblance on social media, calling them twins or doppelgängers.
The reason why they look alike is not because they are related by blood, but because they share a common ancestry. According to Your Next Shoes, both Lea and Idina are of Jewish descent, with roots in Eastern Europe. Lea’s father is a Sephardic Jew from Spain, while her mother is an Ashkenazi Jew from Italy. Idina’s parents are both Ashkenazi Jews from Russia and Poland.
What Lea Michele and Idina Menzel Have in Common
Besides their appearance and ancestry, Lea Michele and Idina Menzel have a lot in common in terms of their careers and personal lives. They both started as child actresses on Broadway, starring in shows like Les Misérables, Ragtime, Fiddler on the Roof, and Spring Awakening. They both rose to fame with their roles in Wicked, with Idina playing Elphaba and Lea playing Young Cosette. They both have won Tony Awards for their Broadway performances.
They both have also ventured into TV and film, with roles in Glee, Frozen, Enchanted, Rent, The Mayor, Scream Queens, Christmas in the City, Uncut Gems, and more. They both have released solo albums and performed at various events and concerts. They both have also been involved in philanthropy and activism, supporting causes like animal rights, LGBTQ+ rights, environmentalism, education, and women’s empowerment.
How Lea Michele and Idina Menzel Stay in Touch
Lea Michele and Idina Menzel have maintained a close friendship since their Glee days. They often praise each other on social media, share photos of their reunions, and attend each other’s events. They also support each other’s projects and collaborations.
For example, in 2019, Lea posted a video of her singing “Let It Go” from Frozen with her son Ever Leo on Instagram. She tagged Idina in the caption and wrote: “We love you @idinamenzel.” Idina replied: “OMG!! This just made my day!! Love you guys!!” In 2020, Idina invited Lea to join her for a virtual concert called “Idina’s Treehouse”, where they sang “Defying Gravity” from Wicked together.
According to Yahoo News , Idina said that she considers Lea as part of her family. “She’s like my niece,” she said. “She’s so special to me.”
