Rachel Zegler’s heritage has been a surprisingly controversial topic, despite the actress being quite open about her background. She was born on May 3, 2001, in Hackensack, New Jersey, to Gina and Craig Zegler.
Her mother, Gina, is of Colombian descent, the daughter of immigrants from Barranquilla who arrived in the United States in the 1960s. Her father, Craig, comes from Polish ancestry. This makes Rachel both Latina and white, a fact that seems to baffle some people.
What Is Rachel Zegler’s Ethnicity?
The debate over whether Zegler is “white” stems from a misunderstanding of her identity. Being Latina is an ethnicity, not a race. There are Black, Indigenous, and even Asian Latinos. Zegler, with her fair skin and European-sounding last name, has often faced skepticism about her background. This issue became particularly pronounced when she landed the role of María in Steven Spielberg’s 2021 remake of West Side Story. Some questioned if she was “Latina enough” for the part, despite the fact that María herself is of Puerto Rican descent, and Zegler has strong Colombian roots.
During the casting process for West Side Story, Zegler recalled repeatedly being asked to prove her heritage. In an interview with Allure, she said, “There’s confusion because I don’t have a single ounce of Latin in my name.” She added that executives would continuously ask if she was “legit,” making her feel like she had to justify her identity. She even joked to herself, “Do you want me to bring my abuelita in? I will. I’ll bring her into the studio if you want to meet her.”
Hollywood’s perception of Latino identity often requires actresses to have Spanish-sounding names or certain physical features to be recognized as part of the community. Zegler’s experience is not unique—other actresses, such as Zoe Saldaña, have spoken about similar struggles. Saldaña, who is of Dominican and Puerto Rican descent, has had to clarify that she can be both Black and Latina. Given these challenges, you can imagine the rigid and often outdated racial expectations in the entertainment industry.
Who Are Rachel Zegler’s Parents?
Zegler’s parents played a crucial role in shaping her identity. Her mother, Gina, worked as a teacher for children with disabilities before leaving her job to support Rachel’s acting career. Gina was on set with her daughter during the filming of West Side Story, as Rachel was a minor at the time. Rachel has repeatedly expressed deep gratitude for her mom’s sacrifices. Her father, Craig, works in construction and has been involved in projects such as the rebuilding of the World Trade Center and the Yankee Stadium. Rachel has said, “My dad worked crazy hours to give my family a really good life.”
Zegler grew up in Clifton, New Jersey, with her older sister, Jacqueline. She has described her family as incredibly supportive of her ambitions. She attended Immaculate Conception High School, where she starred in numerous musicals, including playing Belle in Beauty and the Beast, Ariel in The Little Mermaid, and Princess Fiona in Shrek. She was nominated four times for the Metropolitan High School Theater Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role. It was clear from a young age that she was meant for the stage.
Despite her rapid rise to fame, Zegler has had to navigate public scrutiny regarding her lineage. The controversy surrounding her casting in Snow White (2025) was another instance where her background became a point of contention. Some critics argued that she wasn’t the right fit for the role due to her heritage, while others were surprised to learn she was Latina at all. The conversation around her identity couldn’t be bigger evidence of a broader issue in Hollywood—how ethnicity is perceived and who gets to define it.
In interviews, Zegler has repeatedly affirmed her pride in being Colombian. She has said, “It’s an interesting experience being part of that diaspora in the current climate we live in. But I love being Colombian.” Her mother ensured that Rachel remained connected to her roots, even though she grew up speaking English as her primary language. Her abuelita’s influence was strong, instilling cultural values and traditions.
Zegler’s personal life has also been a subject of public interest. She has been in a relationship with Josh Andrés Rivera, her West Side Story co-star, since 2021. She is also known for her outspoken political views, including her support for Palestine and criticism of Donald Trump. These stances have made her a polarizing figure in some circles, but they also underline her willingness to use her platform for issues she believes in.
