Lea Michele is reflecting on her Glee past — and she’s sharing the emotional story behind the last time she watched the hit musical series. The 39-year-old actress, currently starring in the Broadway production of Chess, spoke exclusively with PEOPLE about revisiting her iconic role as Rachel Berry, nearly a decade after the show ended in 2015.
Michele revealed that the last time she watched Glee was a special family moment she shared with her 5-year-old son, Ever Leo. She introduced him to the show through her performance of “Let It Go” from the Season 6 premiere — a song originally sung by Idina Menzel, who played Rachel’s mother on the series.
A Musical Introduction for Her Son
Michele says she played the clip for Ever because of his love for Frozen, the movie where “Let It Go” first became famous. The choice became the perfect entry point into her television past.
“He has started to know that mommy is a singer,” Michele said, explaining that Ever understood the performance as his mother singing a familiar song — but didn’t grasp that he was watching a TV show.
Though Ever has attended his mom’s Broadway performances, Michele noted that the concept of television acting remains abstract to him. He does, however, understand that actors play roles — and recognizes major stars like Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, who will appear in the upcoming Wicked film.
A Hidden Surprise Involving Jonathan Groff
One secret Michele is still keeping from her son? That his beloved Frozen character Kristoff is voiced by Jonathan Groff — Michele’s longtime best friend and Glee co-star.
“We have not told him that Uncle Jonathan is Kristoff,” she said, smiling. “I want to keep that for as long as I can.”
Groff, who shares a close bond with Michele’s children Ever and 15-month-old daughter Emery Sol, also recently created an unforgettable memory by singing directly to Ever during a performance of his Broadway show Just in Time.
Keeping the Glee Connection Alive
Though Glee ended nearly 10 years ago, Michele continues honoring the show through her live concerts. During her Straight from Carnegie Hall tour, she regularly polls audiences for their favorite Glee covers and performs fan-requested numbers.
“It brings back so many memories — and reminds me of what connected so deeply with fans,” Michele shared. “It’s an amazing moment of connection and nostalgia.”
Her children have also developed a love of music at home. Michele says songs like “Somewhere Beyond the Sea” and “Splish Splash” have become nightly sing-along staples after hearing Groff perform them onstage.
For longtime fans, Michele’s reflections serve as a reminder that Glee’s impact continues — not just with viewers, but within the personal lives of the cast who brought it to life.
