Glee: Cast, Roles, Net Worth, Height, Families, And Relationships

Glee (2009–2015) is an American musical comedy-drama series created by Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, and Ian Brennan, produced by 20th Century Fox Television and aired on Fox.

Inspired by real-life high school show choirs, it follows Will Schuester, an optimistic Spanish teacher who revives the underfunded New Directions glee club at William McKinley High School in Lima, Ohio.

The misfit students tackle bullying, sexuality, teen pregnancy, and identity through mashup covers of pop hits, Broadway tunes, and originals, blending high-energy numbers with heartfelt drama on acceptance, ambition, and friendship.

Filmed in Los Angeles (with Ohio exteriors in season 1), the six-season run (121 episodes) premiered May 19, 2009 (pilot preview), with the full season from September 9, 2009, to March 20, 2015.

Budgets escalated from $3 million per episode in season 1 to $5–7 million later (total ~$500–600 million), funding elaborate sets, choreography, and music licensing.

It peaked at 15.4 million viewers for the pilot, averaging 8–10 million per episode, with music sales exceeding 100 million tracks ($500M+ revenue) via iTunes.

No box-office as a TV series, but tours (2010–2011, $60M+ gross) and merch (e.g., glee club apparel) added $100M+.

It holds an 88% critic score and 86% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, plus an 8.1/10 on IMDb (from 300,000+ ratings), celebrated for diversity, musical innovation, and social commentary but critiqued for later-season melodrama and cast tragedies (e.g., Monteith’s 2013 overdose, Rivera’s 2020 drowning, Salling’s 2018 suicide).

Main Cast and Their Roles

Matthew Morrison as Will Schuester

• Role: Will, the idealistic glee club director and teacher whose passion for show tunes clashes with his mundane life, mentoring students while pursuing his Broadway dreams. Morrison’s “earnest showman” anchored the series; appeared in all 121 episodes.
• Net Worth: $10 million.
• Height: 5’11” (1.80 m).
• Family: Born October 30, 1978, in Fort Washington, California, to elementary school teacher Kathleen Morrison and high school counselor Mark Morrison (Irish/Scottish descent). Only child. Attended New York University (dropped out for Broadway).
• Relationships: Married actress/singer Elizabeth Lail (since 2022; met on Royals set). Son: Revel (b. 2023). Previously married to Renata Notni (2016–2020). Dated co-star Lea Michele (briefly, pre-Glee, 2008).
• Post-Film: Starred in The Good Wife (2010–2016); hosted So You Think You Can Dance (2014). Recent: Space Cadet (2024 Netflix); The Mayor (2017); Broadway’s Finding Neverland (2015).

Jane Lynch as Sue Sylvester

• Role: Sue, the tyrannical cheerleading coach and school principal who sabotages the glee club with ruthless schemes, hiding vulnerability beneath bigotry. Lynch’s “comedic tyrant” earned four Emmys; appeared in all 121 episodes.
• Net Worth: $9 million.
• Height: 5’11” (1.80 m).
• Family: Born July 14, 1960, in Dolton, Illinois, to banker Frank Lynch Sr. (Irish descent) and secretary Eileen Lynch (Swedish/Irish). Siblings: sisters Julie, Mary. Attended Illinois State University (speech communications).
• Relationships: Married clinical psychologist Jennifer Cheyne (since 2012; met 2009). Previously married to Lara Embry (2010–2013). Openly lesbian; no children.
• Post-Film: Hosted Hollywood Game Night (2013–2023, Emmy winner); voiced in Ralph Breaks the Internet (2018). Recent: The Mandalorian (2024); Only Murders in the Building S4 (2024); Weakest Link host (2020–present).

Lea Michele as Rachel Barbra Berry

• Role: Rachel, the ambitious diva with Broadway aspirations and two gay dads, whose ego drives rivalries but fosters growth. Michele’s “belting powerhouse” defined the starlet; appeared in all 121 episodes.
• Net Worth: $12 million.
• Height: 5’3″ (1.60 m).
• Family: Born August 29, 1986, in The Bronx, New York, to nurse Edith Thomas (Polish-Jewish) and deli owner Marc Michele Sarfati (Sephardic Jewish). Only child. Homeschooled; Broadway debut at 8 in Les Misérables.
• Relationships: Married Zandy Reich (clothing exec, since 2019; engaged 2018). Children: son Ever (b. 2020), daughter Emery (b. 2024). Dated co-star Cory Monteith (2012–2013, his death); Matthew Morrison (pre-Glee, 2008); Theo Stockman (2013–2015).
• Post-Film: Starred in Scream Queens (2015–2016); The Mayor (2017). Recent: Funny Girl Broadway revival (2022–2023, Tony nom); RuPaul’s Drag Race guest (2024); Dream NBC pilot (2025).

Chris Colfer as Kurt Hummel

• Role: Kurt, the flamboyant, fashion-savvy gay teen facing bullying, whose journey to self-acceptance includes a romance with Blaine. Colfer’s “witty survivor” won a Golden Globe; appeared in all 121 episodes.
• Net Worth: $8 million.
• Height: 5’5″ (1.65 m).
• Family: Born May 27, 1990, in Fresno, California, to nurse Karyn Colfer and advertising exec Tim Colfer (Irish descent). Younger brother: Will Colfer. Homeschooled due to bullying; wrote first novel at 10.
• Relationships: Single as of 2025; came out at 13 (2008 publicly). Dated Will Sherrod (2013–2014); Ridge Burmeister (briefly, 2015).
• Post-Film: Authored The Land of Stories series (18 books, 10M+ copies); starred in Struck by Lightning (2012, wrote/directed). Recent: Stranger Than Fiction podcast (2024); The Land of Stories: The Enchantress Returns adaptation teases (2025).

Cory Monteith as Finn Hudson

• Role: Finn, the quarterback-turned-glee star with leadership struggles and family issues, central to Rachel’s arc. Monteith’s “all-American heartthrob” was a fan favorite; appeared in 86 episodes (seasons 1–4).
• Net Worth: $9 million (at death).
• Height: 6’3½” (1.92 m).
• Family: Born May 11, 1982, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, to Ann McGregor (ornamentalist) and Joe Monteith (Welsh descent, estranged). No siblings reported. Dropped out of school; worked odd jobs pre-acting.
• Relationships: Dated co-star Lea Michele (2012–2013, his death). Previously linked to Julie Klausner (2008). No children.
• Post-Film: Starred in Monte Carlo (2011). Recent: McCanick (2013); died July 13, 2013 (overdose, age 31); honored in Glee tribute episodes.

Dianna Agron as Quinn Fabray

• Role: Quinn, the head cheerleader hiding a pregnancy and identity crises, evolving from mean girl to resilient survivor. Agron’s “poised rebel” added depth; appeared in 89 episodes (seasons 1–5).
• Net Worth: $4 million.
• Height: 5’5½” (1.66 m).
• Family: Born April 26, 1986, in Savannah, Georgia, to Mary Agron (teacher) and Ronald Agron (Hyatt GM, Russian-Jewish). Siblings: brother Jason, half-sister Emma. Moved frequently; attended Burlingame High.
• Relationships: Married Mumford & Sons’ Winston Marshall (2016–2020). Dated Alex Pettyfer (2010–2011); Henry Joost (2015–2016). Single as of 2025.
• Post-Film: Starred in The Family (2013); Shiva Baby (2020). Recent: As They Made Us (2022); Heart Eyes (2024); directing The Laureate (2021).

Kevin McHale as Artie Abrams

• Role: Artie, the wheelchair-using optimist with dreams of directing, overcoming disability biases through glee. McHale’s “resilient dreamer” shone; appeared in all 121 episodes.
• Net Worth: $2 million.
• Height: 5’8″ (1.73 m).
• Family: Born June 14, 1988, in Plano, Texas, to Cynthia McHale (grandparent Christopher Stephen McHale Jr.). Siblings: undisclosed. Former NLT boy band member; attended Plano Senior High.
• Relationships: Single as of 2025; dated co-host Jenna Ushkowitz (rumored, 2010s).
• Post-Film: Hosted Virtually Famous (2014); American Horror Stories (2021). Recent: The AlphaBeatz (2024 kids’ musical); Glee podcast with Ushkowitz (2019–present).

Amber Riley as Mercedes Jones

• Role: Mercedes, the powerhouse vocalist with body image struggles, advocating for soul and self-love. Riley’s “sassy belter” inspired; appeared in all 121 episodes.
• Net Worth: $2 million.
• Height: 4’11” (1.50 m).
• Family: Born February 15, 1986, in Los Angeles, California, to single mother Mitzi Riley (details private). No siblings reported. Attended La Canada High School.
• Relationships: Engaged to businessman De’Marcus Brunson (since 2020). No children.
• Post-Film: Starred in The Wiz Broadway (2016, Tony nom); Single Black Female (2022). Recent: Mamma Mia! I Have a Dream judge (2023); Dream NBC pilot (2025).

Jenna Ushkowitz as Tina Cohen-Chang

• Role: Tina, the shy goth-turned-diva with identity shifts, finding voice in glee. Ushkowitz’s “evolving wallflower” grew; appeared in all 121 episodes.
• Net Worth: $4 million.
• Height: 5’1″ (1.55 m).
• Family: Born April 28, 1986, in Seoul, South Korea (adopted by Irish-American parents); raised in East Meadow, New York. No siblings reported. Broadway debut in The King and I revival.
• Relationships: Married David Bigeleisen (since 2021; met 2013). Son: Graham (b. 2024). Dated co-host Kevin McHale (rumored, 2010s).
• Post-Film: Produced Once on This Island (2018 Tony win); Waitress Broadway (2018). Recent: Glee podcast with McHale (2019–present); Yellow Fever (2023).

Darren Criss as Blaine Anderson

• Role: Blaine, the charismatic Warbler transfer and Kurt’s devoted boyfriend, battling perfectionism. Criss’s “suave crooner” charmed; appeared in 75 episodes (seasons 2–6).
• Net Worth: $5 million.
• Height: 5’8″ (1.73 m).
• Family: Born February 5, 1987, in San Francisco, California, to lawyer Chuck Criss and mom Christiene Chicchi (Filipino-Italian descent). Sibling: brother Chuck (musician). Attended University of Michigan briefly.
• Relationships: Married Mia Swier (since 2019; engaged 2018). Children: daughter Bluesy (b. 2022), son László (b. 2024).
• Post-Film: Emmy winner for The Assassination of Gianni Versace (2018); Hollywood (2020). Recent: Maybe Happy Ending Broadway (2024); Hollywood Vampires tour (2025).

Heather Morris as Brittany S. Pierce

• Role: Brittany, the ditzy, lovable cheerleader in a same-sex romance with Santana, embracing quirkiness. Morris’s “endearing eccentric” delighted; appeared in 83 episodes (seasons 1–6).
• Net Worth: $4 million.
• Height: 5’8″ (1.73 m).
• Family: Born February 7, 1987, in Wichita, Kansas, to mom Kim (details private). No siblings reported. Former Beyoncé backup dancer; dropped out of college.
• Relationships: Married Taylor Hubbell (since 2015). Children: son Elijah (b. 2016), daughter Riley (b. 2021).
• Post-Film: Recurred in Scream Queens (2015–2016). Recent: So You Think You Can Dance judge (2024); Celebrity Weakest Link (2025 Glee reunion).

Naya Rivera as Santana Lopez

• Role: Santana, the fierce Latina cheerleader hiding her lesbian identity, evolving into a confident advocate. Rivera’s “sarcastic firecracker” empowered; appeared in 100 episodes (seasons 1–6).
• Net Worth: $5 million (at death).
• Height: 5’5″ (1.65 m).
• Family: Born January 12, 1987, in Valencia, California, to Rhonda Rivera (model) and George Rivera (background singer). Siblings: brother Mychal (NFL player), half-brother Nick, sister Josey. Child actor in The Royal Family (1991–1992).
• Relationships: Married actor Ryan Dorsey (2014–2018); son Josey (b. 2015). Dated co-star Heather Morris (rumored, 2010s); David Spade (2009); Mark Salling (2008–2009).
• Post-Film: Starred in Step Up: Year of the Dance (2010); Devious Maids (2013–2015). Recent: Memoir Sorry Not Sorry (2016); died July 8, 2020 (drowning, age 33).

Jayma Mays as Emma Pillsbury

• Role: Emma, the OCD-afflicted guidance counselor with a crush on Will, overcoming fears for love. Mays’s “neurotic sweetheart” charmed; appeared in 69 episodes (seasons 1–6).
• Net Worth: $3 million.
• Height: 5’4″ (1.63 m).
• Family: Born July 16, 1979, in Bristol, Tennessee, to Gail Mays (teacher) and Leonard Mays (pastor). No siblings reported. Attended University of Georgia (English).
• Relationships: Married director Sebastian Pigott (since 2014). No children.
• Post-Film: Recurred in Heroes (2006–2010); Trial & Error (2017–2018). Recent: The Rookie (2024); Red Eye (2005).

Jessalyn Gilsig as Terri Schuester

• Role: Terri, Will’s manipulative wife faking a pregnancy to trap him, embodying denial. Gilsig’s “conniving spouse” sparked early drama; appeared in 41 episodes (seasons 1–2).
• Net Worth: $3 million.
• Height: 5’3″ (1.60 m).
• Family: Born November 30, 1971, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, to Donalda Gilsig (teaching assistant) and Terence Gilsig (engineer, Scottish descent). Siblings: undisclosed. Attended McGill University.
• Relationships: Married actor Bobby Ghosal (1991–1996). Married actor Stacy Keach (2009–2016). No children.
• Post-Film: Recurred in Scandal (2012–2018). Recent: The Good Doctor (2023); Victoria (2016–2019).

Additional Notes

• Salaries: Leads like Michele/Morrison earned $100,000–$125,000 per episode by season 6 (total ~$12–15M each); ensemble ~$45,000–$80,000. Budgets covered L.A. shoots, music rights ($2M+ per season), and tours. Residuals from Disney+/Hulu and soundtracks add $1M+ yearly for top cast.
• Casting Insights: Murphy scouted Broadway for singers; Morrison (30) nailed Will after Hairspray; Michele (22) brought Spring Awakening fire for Rachel. Lynch (49) improvised Sue’s venom; Colfer (18) won Kurt via raw audition tape. McHale (20, dancer) aced Artie despite ableism debates. Chemistry via boot camp: group sings and improv for misfit bonds.
• Impact and Legacy: Peaking at 15M viewers, Glee boosted show choir enrollment 200% and LGBTQ+ visibility (e.g., Kurt’s arc). Fans on Reddit/X praise mashups but mourn tragedies; 88% RT reflects cultural quake. Influenced Pitch Perfect, Riverdale; 2025 10-year finale anniversary reunion on Weakest Link trended. Streaming on Disney+ revives nostalgia.
• Post-Film Careers: Michele/Colfer/Lynch dominate Broadway/TV; Criss/Morris balance music/series; McHale/Ushkowitz podcast pioneers. Tragedies (Monteith, Rivera, Salling) inspired The Price of Glee doc (2023). Bonds endure via cons and 2024 charity single.
• Cultural Influence: Revived musical TV post-High School Musical, with “Don’t Stop Believin'” streams at 2B+. Diversity (queer arcs, Riley’s body positivity) trailblazed, though X critiques “whitewashed” plots. Slushie pranks meme’d; 2025 tours tease comebacks.

Conclusion

Glee’s harmonious ensemble, led by Morrison’s hopeful Will and Michele’s fierce Rachel, choreographed a misfit symphony into a pop culture anthem of inclusion and aspiration.

Net worths from $2 million (McHale, Riley) to $12 million (Michele) chart journeys from McKinley halls to Tony stages.

Personal harmonies—from Colfer’s literary leap to Lynch’s advocacy—resonate with the show’s defiant joy.

Its chart-topping chorus, social anthems, and reunion refrains endure as Fox’s gleeful opus, where every underdog belts their truth.