Idina Menzel Biography: Husband, Age, Children, Net Worth, Frozen, Wicked, Height, Songs, Broadway

Idina Kim Menzel, known professionally as Idina Menzel, is an American actress and singer renowned for her powerful vocal performances in Broadway musicals and her iconic role as Elsa in Disney’s Frozen franchise.

She gained widespread acclaim for originating the role of Elphaba in Wicked (2003), earning a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical, and her rendition of “Let It Go” from Frozen (2013) won an Academy Award and became a global phenomenon.

Menzel’s dynamic stage presence and versatile career across theater, film, television, and music have established her as one of the most influential performers of her generation.

Profile

• Full Name: Idina Kim Menzel
• Stage Name: Idina Menzel
• Born: 30, May 1971
• Age: 54 years old
• Birthplace: New York City, New York, U.S.
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Actress, Singer, and Songwriter
• Height: 1.63m
• Parents: Stuart Mentzel, Helene Mentzel
• Siblings: Cara Mentzel
• Spouse: Taye Diggs (m. 2003–2014), and Aaron Lohr (m. 2017)
• Children: Walker Nathaniel Diggs
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $16 million

Early Life and Education

Idina Kim Menzel was born on May 30, 1971, in New York City, New York, to Stuart Mentzel, a pajama salesman, and Helene Mentzel, a therapist.

Raised in Syosset, Long Island, alongside her younger sister, Cara Mentzel, she developed an early passion for singing, performing at bar mitzvahs and weddings by age 15.

Menzel graduated from Syosset High School in 1989 and earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Drama from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts in 1993.

Of Ashkenazi Jewish descent, she was raised in a Jewish household but has described her religious views as private and non-traditional.

Career

Idina Menzel began her career in theater, landing her first professional role as Maureen Johnson in the original Broadway cast of Rent (1996), which marked her breakthrough after years of performing in local productions.

Her raw, emotive performance earned critical praise and led to further stage opportunities. In 2003, she originated the role of Elphaba in Wicked, a performance that showcased her vocal range and dramatic depth, earning her a Tony Award in 2004.

Her early work also included off-Broadway productions like The Wild Party (2000) and regional theater, establishing her as a rising star in musical theater.

Menzel’s career expanded into film and music with her role as Nancy in Enchanted (2007) and the release of her solo albums, including Still I Can’t Be Still (1998) and I Stand (2008).

Her global stardom surged with her voice role as Elsa in Disney’s Frozen (2013), where her performance of “Let It Go” topped charts worldwide, earning an Oscar and a Grammy. She reprised the role in Frozen II (2019) and appeared in films like Uncut Gems (2019).

Menzel also starred in the Broadway musical If/Then (2014–2015), earning a Tony nomination, and made television appearances in Glee (2010–2013) as Shelby Corcoran, showcasing her versatility across genres.

Menzel’s influence endures through her continued work in theater, film, and music. Her 2024 album Drama Queen, a dance-pop project, reflects her evolution as an artist, while her role in Wicked: Part One (2024) as Elphaba brought her back to the character that defined her career.

She performs regularly at venues like Carnegie Hall and has embarked on world tours, captivating audiences with her vocal prowess. As a vocal advocate for arts education and LGBTQ+ rights, Menzel co-founded the A BroaderWay Foundation to empower young women through the arts.

Her legacy as a trailblazing performer continues to inspire new generations of artists.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @idinamenzel
• Facebook Handle: Idina Menzel
• Twitter Handle: @idinamenzel

Personal Life

Idina Menzel married actor Taye Diggs in 2003 after meeting during the production of Rent. The couple welcomed their son, Walker Nathaniel Diggs, in 2009 but separated in 2013, finalizing their divorce in 2014.

In 2017, Menzel married actor Aaron Lohr, whom she met while working on the film adaptation of Rent (2005). The couple resides in Los Angeles and shares a passion for the arts.

Menzel is deeply committed to philanthropy, supporting causes like arts education through her A BroaderWay Foundation and performing at benefit concerts.

Filmography

• Rent (2005)
• Enchanted (2007)
• Frozen (2013)
• Frozen Fever (2015)
• Olaf’s Frozen Adventure (2017)
• Uncut Gems (2019)
• Frozen II (2019)
• Cinderella (2021)
• Disenchanted (2022)
• Wicked: Part One (2024)

Discography

• Still I Can’t Be Still (1998, album)
• Here (2004, album)
• I Stand (2008, album)
• Holiday Wishes (2014, album)
• Idina (2016, album)
• Christmas: A Season of Love (2019, album)
• Drama Queen (2024, album)
• “Let It Go” (2013, single)
• “Into the Unknown” (2019, single)

Net Worth

Idina Menzel has an estimated net worth of $16 million. Her wealth is primarily derived from her successful Broadway career, particularly her roles in Wicked and Rent, as well as her voice work in the Frozen franchise, which generated significant royalties from “Let It Go”.