Early Life & Background
Jenna Noelle Ushkowitz was born on April 28, 1986, in Seoul, South Korea. She was adopted as a baby and raised in East Meadow, New York, USA, by her adoptive parents.
She grew up in a supportive household and was introduced to musical theater and performing arts at an early age. Jenna attended Holy Trinity Diocesan High School, known for its strong performing arts program.
She later studied at Marymount Manhattan College, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Theater Performance in 2007.
Early Career & Broadway Beginnings
- Jenna started her career as a child actress, appearing in Sesame Street and other kids’ programs.
- She made her Broadway debut in The King and I at age 9.
- She later performed in the Broadway revival of Spring Awakening as an understudy.
Breakthrough with Glee
In 2009, Jenna was cast as Tina Cohen-Chang on Glee (2009–2015).
- Her character started as shy and introverted but grew into a confident performer.
- She showcased her singing in songs like “True Colors”, “Because You Loved Me”, and “Gangnam Style”.
- Her on-screen relationships, including her early romance with Artie (Kevin McHale), were fan favorites.
Post-Glee Career
After Glee, Jenna continued her work in theater, TV, and producing:
- Broadway: Starred in Waitress (2018).
- Producing: Co-produced the Broadway musical Once on This Island, which won a Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical (2018).
- Podcasting: Co-hosts Showmance: The Glee Recap Edition with Kevin McHale.
Personal Life
- Married David Stanley in 2021, and they welcomed their first child in 2022.
- Advocates for adoption awareness and mental health.
Legacy & Influence
Jenna Ushkowitz remains a multi-talented performer, producer, and advocate, continuing to influence the entertainment industry through theater, TV, and storytelling.
