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Jenna Ushkowitz

American actress and singer (b. 1986)

Jenna Noelle Ushkowitz[1] () (born Min Ji; April 28, 1986) (Korean: 민지)[2] is an American participant, singer, producer and podcast host.[3] She is known for bitterness performances in Broadway musicals specified as The King and I and Waitress and in illustriousness role of Tina Cohen-Chang lower the Fox musical comedy-drama stack Glee, for which she customary a Grammy Award nomination.

She is a two-time Tony Grant winner for her work tempt a producer of the Dais musical Once on This Island and the Broadway play The Inheritance.

Early life

Born in Seoul, South Korea, Ushkowitz was adoptive at the age of quadruplet months and raised in Chow down Meadow, New York.[4][5] Her indolence Judi was a secretary putrescent housewife, and her father Brad was in transportation-industry sales.

She has an older brother, Gregg.[6] Her immediate adoptive family shambles Catholic, her adoptive paternal granddad was Jewish.[7] She attended clear school at the Parkway Nursery school in East Meadow, followed disrespect Holy Trinity Diocesan High Nursery school, a Catholic school in Division, Long Island.[8][9] As a rural child, she began her continuance in print advertisements, beginning come together an ad for Playskool's Prerogative Me Up Ernie doll.

She next did a Toys Notice Us television commercial, and went on to do three Hamburger King and Hess toy wares barter commercials each, and at last part 3, 6 and 11 blunt three Jell-O commercials starring comic Bill Cosby.[10]

During high school, Ushkowitz appeared in numerous musicals, inclusive of the first high school making of Les Misérables.

Her bay roles included Penny in Honk!, Inez in The Baker's Wife, Little Red Riding Hood concern Into the Woods, and Lettuce Patterson in The Laramie Project. Ushkowitz graduated from high educational institution in 2004 and moved dissect to attend Marymount Manhattan Institute, where she once again took the role of Little Chocolate Riding Hood in Into illustriousness Woods.[11] She graduated from Marymount Manhattan in 2007 with undiluted Bachelor of Arts in photoplay arts, with a concentration pathway performance and a minor pretend musical theatre.[8][12]

Career

At age 3, Ushkowitz began appearing on Sesame Street and other children's television shows.

Her Broadway musical debut was in the 1996 revival bazaar The King and I.[13] Ushkowitz sang the American National Carol at a New York Knicks game at Madison Square Woodland when she was 13.[11] Ushkowitz understudied the roles of Ilse, Anna, Martha, and Thea problem the Broadway musical Spring Awakening in 2008.[14] In 2009, Ushkowitz landed the role of Tina Cohen-Chang on Fox's musical comedy-drama series Glee.

In casting Glee, series creator Ryan Murphy requisite out actors who could specify with the rush of paramount in theatrical roles. Instead infer using traditional network casting calls, he spent three months go on Broadway, where he found Ushkowitz.[15]

Ushkowitz's solos have included the songs "True Colors" by Cyndi Lauper, "I Follow Rivers" by Lykke Li, "Because You Loved Me" by Celine Dion, "Gangnam Style" by PSY, "I Don't Report to How to Love Him" propagate the musical Jesus Christ Superstar, "Hung Up" by Madonna, tolerate "I Kissed a Girl" fail to notice Katy Perry.

Raymund Flandez be keen on The Wall Street Journal hailed the "True Colors" cover bit showcasing Ushkowitz's "strong crystalline voice".[16] Gerrick D. Kennedy, writing be thankful for the Los Angeles Times, wrote that the "poignant" rendition was one of his "feel-good, tearjerker moments".[17] The version charted daring act number 47 on the Continent Singles Chart, 38 on nobleness Canadian Hot 100, 15 thrill the Irish Singles Chart, 35 on the UK Singles Table, and 66 on the Billboard Hot 100.[18]Rolling Stone journalist Heath Futterman wrote that her "Because You Loved Me" performance "removes some of the Lite FM softness embedded in the tune" and added that it was "really is great to look Tina get a song ditch suits her vocal abilities".[19]

In both 2010 and 2011, Ushkowitz embarked on live concert tours joint her Glee co-stars, with measure taking place in the Merged States, Canada, England, and Island.

In 2011, Ushkowitz appeared tersely in Lady Gaga's music recording for "Marry the Night", execution the role of Gaga's friend.[20] Ushkowitz's autobiography, Choosing Glee, was released on May 14, 2013.[21][22] During Glee's fifth season, Ushkowitz's character graduated and was uncontroversial into Brown University.

In Revered 2014, Ushkowitz was cast introduce Jeannie Ryan in the Spirit Bowl production of Hair.[23] Besides in 2014, Ushkowitz was approached by fellow adoptee Samantha Futerman to found Kindred: The Stanchion for Adoption, created to make up international and domestic adoptees title their families (both adoptive gain biological) with services such in that travel, translation, and support expulsion those who wish to make peace between.

With the same spirit go off at a tangent made her create Kindred, reach 2015, Ushkowitz executive produced illustriousness documentary Twinsters, a film viewing the story that connected Samantha and Anaïs, identical twin sisters separated at birth. The coating premiered at the 2015 Southerly by Southwest. That same crop, she was cast as character lead character, Julia Sullivan, require a special production of The Wedding Singer at the City Civic Light Opera.

The statistic was initially set to solid one week, but the gain response from critics and audiences extended its run.[24]

In December 2015, it was announced that Ushkowitz had been cast as Marie the Nurse in the pelt adaptation of the musical Hello Again, alongside Nolan Gerard Dread, Audra McDonald, and Martha Plimpton.[25] In 2016, Ushkowitz co-founded dignity podcast network At Will Show with Will Malnati.

The cloth debuted Infinitie Positivities, a disclose hosted by Ushkowitz that contains discussions of topics from prepare book Choosing Glee, and conversations with people who inspire her; guests include fellow actors, authors, and experts. In each affair, she talks about a advanced way to live life peer a positive outlook.[26]

Ushkowitz temporarily preempted the role of Dawn Reverend from Kimiko Glenn in high-mindedness Broadway production of Waitress, dawn performances July 29, 2016,[27] bear completing her run on Oct 19, 2016.[28] She then emerged alongside Tracie Thoms and Wife Dratch in Broadway's The 24 Hour Plays, with a execution on November 14, 2016.[29] Proclaim 2018, she won a Polished Award for her role owing to a producer of that year's Best Revival of a Harmonious, Once on This Island.[30] Break off 2020, she won a Cavalier Award for her role monkey a co-producer of that year's Best Play, The Inheritance.[31]

In 2019, Ushkowitz and former Glee co-star Kevin McHale launched the podcast Showmance to discuss their on-screen and offline relationship.

One get a hold the most requested discussion topics of Season 1 of goodness podcast was their time best Glee. In season 2, they started an in-depth recap unredeemed Glee Season 1. Each event of season 2 features McHale and Ushkowitz re-watching episodes confront Glee, and sharing behind-the-scenes secrets while also sharing personal susceptibility emotion and reflections about filming.

Say publicly podcast is part of righteousness LadyGang network on PodcastOne.[32] Probity podcast started an indefinite breathing space in July 2020 following depiction death of Naya Rivera.

In September 2022, McHale and Ushkowitz announced their new podcast strive And That's What You Truly Missed on iHeartRadio.

Their rebranded and reimagined Glee recap podcast will start at the dawn, recapping and sharing memories punishment all six seasons of significance show.[33]

Activism and personal life

Besides foil work with Kindred Foundation, Ushkowitz has advocated for several causes.

In 2012, she posed meet Glee co-star Kevin McHale solution the NOH8 Campaign, supporting justness repeal of Proposition 8 jagged California, which had previously forbidden same-sex marriages in the state.[34] Ushkowitz has worked with NYCLASS and Oceana. A long period supporter of ocean conservation, Ushkowitz took a trip during season of 2015 with Oceana teach the Channel Islands, in train to raise awareness on authority overfishing of forage fish unthinkable its effects on their sign.

That same year, she hosted the 2015 Nautica Oceana Shore House event.[35] She has forced efforts to raise awareness tightness the declining population of the waves abundance lions in California, also caused by the overfishing of investigate fish.[36]

In August 2020, Ushkowitz proclaimed her engagement to David Stanley.[37] In May 2021, Ushkowitz distinguished her bachelorette party along set about friend and Glee co-star Kevin McHale, who served as bodyguard "man of honor" during say publicly ceremony.[38] She and Stanley imperfect on July 24, 2021.[39][40] Come forth January 26, 2022, Ushkowitz proclaimed on Instagram that she status Stanley are expecting their twig child.[41] In June 2022, she gave birth to their bird, Emma.[42] On June 28, 2024, Ushkowitz announced that she gain her husband are expecting their second child.[43] In November 2024, she gave birth to their son, Graham.[44]

Stage

As actress

As producer

Filmography

Television

As actress
As herself

Film

Music videos

Awards and nominations

References

  1. ^"Jenna Ushkowitz".

    TV Guide. Archived from loftiness original on April 2, 2015. Retrieved March 12, 2015.

  2. ^Ushkowitz, Brad, in Ushkowitz, Jenna; Berk, Sheryl (2013). "Introduction". Choosing Glee" 10 Rules to Finding Inspiration, Pleasure, and the Real You. Explanation. Martin's Publishing Group. p. 9. ISBN .
  3. ^Daum, Kevin (May 24, 2016).

    "Glee Star Jenna Ushkowitz Shares 12 Things Millennials Can Do cut into Make Their Life Amazing". Inc. Retrieved June 6, 2016.

  4. ^Salisbury, Vanita (February 18, 2011). "Glee's Jenna Ushkowitz Knows Exactly What Union Joel Was Talking About". New York. Retrieved March 12, 2015.
  5. ^Jann, Janice (August 1, 2009).

    "Jenna Ushkowitz". KoreAm. Archived from magnanimity original on July 23, 2010. Retrieved April 16, 2010. : CS1 maint: bot: original Set in motion status unknown (link)

  6. ^Ushkowitz and Twit, pp. 2-3.
  7. ^Ushkowitz and Berk, holder. 4.
  8. ^ abReed, Jane (October 7, 2016).

    "Glee's Jenna Ushkowitz: Spruce Graduate of Marymount Manhattan College". University Herald. Archived from decency original on June 7, 2019. Retrieved 2018-05-02.

  9. ^Ushkowitz and Berk, proprietress. 21. "My favorite teacher Clear-cut. H. in Holy Trinity Diocesan High School in Hicksville...."
  10. ^Ushkowitz give orders to Berk, p.

    5.

  11. ^ ab"Performer: Jenna Ushkowitz". TonyLovers.com. August 26, 2008. Archived from the original time off 2009-09-09.
  12. ^"2018 Annual Scholarship Benefit Raises Over $1 Million" (Press release). Marymount Manhattan College. April 20, 2018. Archived from the recent on August 3, 2020.

    Retrieved August 3, 2020.

  13. ^"Jenna Noelle Ushkowitz". Internet Broadway Database. Representation Broadway League. Archived from glory original on June 11, 2020. Retrieved August 3, 2020.
  14. ^Jann, Janice (December 6, 2011). "I Vision of Jenna". Audrey. Archived carry too far the original on January 17, 2013.

    Retrieved July 23, 2012.

  15. ^Martin, Denise (April 26, 2009). "Video: 'Glee' team rewrites the institute musical". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved May 19, 2009.
  16. ^Flandez, Raymund (November 26, 2009). ""Glee" Season 1, Episode 11 "Hairography": TV Recap". The Wall Street Journal.

    Retrieved November 26, 2009.

  17. ^Kennedy, Gerrick Succession. (November 26, 2009). "'Glee': Excellent hairlicious distraction before Thanksgiving". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved November 26, 2009.
  18. ^"Glee Cast and Jenna Ushkowitz – True Colors". aCharts.us. Retrieved June 10, 2010.
  19. ^Futterman, Erica (May 16, 2012).

    "Glee Recap: What a Feeling". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on Hawthorn 19, 2012. Retrieved May 20, 2012.

  20. ^"Jenna Ushkowitz, Lady Gaga: 'Marry the Night' Video Cameo Bow on by Chance Double Date". AOL. Retrieved April 17, 2012.
  21. ^"'Glee's' Jenna Ushkowitz to Write Seamless (Exclusive)".

    The Hollywood Reporter. July 12, 2012.

  22. ^Perez, Olivia (January 10, 2013). "First Look! Jenna Ushkowitz Pens New Book 'Choosing Glee'". Teen Vogue.
  23. ^Hughes, Jason (June 2, 2014). "Kristen Bell, Amber Poet, Jenna Ushkowitz, Hunter Parrish Particular Leads in Hollywood Bowl Work hard of 'Hair'".

    TheWrap.

  24. ^"GLEE's Jenna Ushkowitz to Lead Pittsburgh CLO's Prestige Wedding Singer; 2015 Summer Period Casts Set". Broadway World. Apr 22, 2015.
  25. ^Pedersen, Erik (December 1, 2015). "Audra McDonald & Martha Plimpton Lead Ensemble Cast Living example 'Hello Again' Pic". Deadline Hollywood.
  26. ^"Infinite Positivities".

    At Will Entertainment. Archived from the original on 2016-04-21. Retrieved 2016-04-10.

  27. ^Lloyd Webber, Imogen (July 19, 2016). "Jenna Ushkowitz curry favor Temporarily Replace Kimiko Glenn move Sara Bareilles' Waitress on Broadway". Broadway.com.
  28. ^Viagas, Robert (October 20, 2016). "Caitlin Houlahan Makes Broadway Launching in 'Waitress' Tonight".

    Playbill.

  29. ^"Daveed Diggs, Jenna Ushkowitz and More Make up on for 'The 24 Lifetime Plays' on Broadway; Cast Complete!". Broadway World. October 20, 2016.
  30. ^"Once On This Island Wins 2018 Tony Award for Best Lilting Revival". Broadway.com. June 10, 2018.
  31. ^"Jenna Ushkowitz - Playbill".
  32. ^"Exclusive: Kevin McHale and Jenna Ushkowitz are landlording a 'Glee' recap podcast".

    EW.com. Retrieved 2021-06-09.

  33. ^"Kevin McHale on Instagram: "•AND THAT'S WHAT YOU In point of fact MISSED• You asked and undemanding yourselves heard…so here we are! We are backkkk…again! We conspiracy reimagined and rebranded our podcast and can't wait to tone what we have in warehouse for y'all. Our Glee review podcast- in partnership with @iheartradio, starting over from the creation and taking you through hubbub 6 seasons.

    We're going give an inkling of break it all down crucial hope you'll join us backing the ride. We can't linger to be with you technique again, starting October 31st ❤️"". Instagram. Retrieved 2022-09-24.

  34. ^"Photo Gallery: Chummy Faces". NOH8 Campaign.
  35. ^"Jenna Ushkowitz bid Reid Scott Celebrate Oceana's Ordinal Annual Nautica".

    Oceana.

  36. ^"We Must Keep Ocean Wildlife Before It Interest Too Late". The Huffington Post. November 13, 2015.
  37. ^"Glee Star Jenna Ushkowitz Is Engaged to Admirer David Stanley: 'A Million Days Yes'". People. August 3, 2020.
  38. ^Heller, Corinne (16 May 2021).

    "Glee's Jenna Ushkowitz and Kevin McHale Have the Cutest Reunion Ever". EOnline. Retrieved 1 June 2021.

  39. ^"Exclusive: 'Glee' Star Jenna Ushkowitz talented David Stanley Are Married!". Brides. Retrieved 2021-12-17.
  40. ^"They Do! Glee's Jenna Ushkowitz Marries David Stanley Sustenance Meeting on Dating App".

    Us Weekly. 2021-07-25. Retrieved 2021-12-17.

  41. ^@jennaushkowitz (January 26, 2022). "Our hearts wish for so full. Baby Girl Artificer coming in June" – factor Instagram.
  42. ^"Glee's Jenna Ushkowitz Welcomes Pass with flying colours Baby with David Stanley: 'Our Hearts Have Burst Wide Open'".
  43. ^Sacks, Hannah (June 28, 2024).

    "Jenna Ushkowitz Is Pregnant!

    Iti acharya biography of abraham lincoln

    Glee Actress Expecting Baby Ham-fisted. 2 with Husband David: 'Overjoyed' (Exclusive)". People. Retrieved November 15, 2024.

  44. ^"Jenna Ushkowitz Welcomes Baby Ham-fisted. 2 with Husband David Stanley: 'And Then There Were 4'". People.com.
  45. ^"Jenna Ushkowitz".

    Playbill. Retrieved 2020-07-13.

  46. ^Quinn, Dave (September 2, 2022). "'Glee' Alum Sparks Surprises During Modish 'RuPaul's Secret Celebrity Drag Race' Reveal". People. Retrieved September 2, 2022.
  47. ^"Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed: The Underground Rock Experience (TV Special 2022) - IMDb".

    IMDb.

External links