https://people.com/lea-michele-reunites-with-glee-and-spring-awakening-costars-at-unveiling-of-sardis-portrait-11952190
Lea Michele Reunites with Glee and Spring Awakening Costars at Major Milestone Honoring Her 31-Year Broadway Career
"I've been waiting my whole life for this," the actress said as she received her portrait at theater industry hot spot Sardi's
Among those honoring Michele was Jonathan Groff, her longtime best friend and costar from both projects, who introduced Michele with a speech that doubled as a heartfelt tribute to her evolution as a performer and person.
“There is something auspicious about the timing of this reveal,” Groff said, noting that Michele made her Broadway debut 31 years ago this month as Young Cosette in Les Miserables — and is now back onstage at that same Imperial Theatre in the hit revival Chess. “The fact that Sardi's is giving you this honor at this exact anniversary is, as you taught me to say, 'beshert' [yiddish for destiny].”
The moment marked a full-circle milestone for Michele, who grew up in the Broadway community and has spent more than three decades building a career that spans stage, television and beyond. Groff reflected on watching her “blossom from girl to woman,” calling her current performance in Chess “the pinnacle of that journey.”
But beyond the accolades, his speech leaned into their personal history, one that began when they met as young performers in 2006's Spring Awakening and has since stretched into a 20-year bond.
“She took me under her wing,” Groff, 41, recalled, sharing memories of Michele guiding him through the realities of life on the stage. "She taught me the ins and outs of the Broadway community: How to pace myself to make it through a long run, how to tip my dresser, and that having a cake cup from Food Emporium and a Diet Coke before a show was not a good dinner to sustain 8 shows a week."
Meanwhile on stage, Groff said, "Lea brought all her heart and soul to the tragic role of Wendla, breaking our hearts night after night."
That same passion, he explained, has only deepened with time.
“I've never seen you more joyful and present in your work,” Groff noted. “Watching you sing the s--- out of the score of Chess while stepping into your full self is an inspiration.”
As Groff put it, Broadway has been there for every step of her journey. And now, her legacy is permanently etched into one of its most iconic institutions.
“Happy 31 anniversary of being on Broadway,” he said. “May we be blessed to have you on Broadway for another 31 years and beyond.”
She spoke about introducing her son to the world that shaped her, revealing that he has already seen multiple Broadway shows — including repeat visits to support Groff.
“To see his eyes light up and to see his heart open to this world has been one of the greatest joys of my life,” Michele said. “All I hope for my children is that they find something that brings them the same joy and purpose and sense of belonging that the theater community has given me.”
