Before McKinley High: Your Favorite Glee Stars, Slushie-Free

With the third season of Fox’s smash hit Glee premiering on September 21, Gleeks everywhere are wondering what is in store for the McKinley High Glee Club since they failed to win nationals—and what recording artists they'll be covering! As we ponder what love triangles will be resolved, how Sue is holding up, and if we’ll ever meet Rachel's dads, take a look back at these amazing performers before they made “mashup” a household word.

Naya Rivera, Then
This fresh-faced teen was no stranger to flashing her dazzling smile for the cameras. Rivera started modeling as a baby and worked steadily on TV beginning at the age of 4. Despite her many years of experience, the role of Santana Lopez will probably always be known as her breakthrough.
Naya Rivera, Now
Gleeks’ favorite mean girl, Santana gives Sue a run for her money in the one-liner department. In the first season, Santana relished her promiscuous reputation and her ability to make her classmates cower with a glare or a harsh word. In season 2, it was revealed that Santana was a lesbian, and Rivera’s nuanced performance really brought Santana’s struggles to light in an honest and touching way. With Brittany by her side, will Santana have the courage to come out this season?


Darren Criss, Then
Bay Area native Criss began his career at the young age of 10 in a local community theater. He honed his talent at the Young Conservatory of San Francisco’s American Conservatory Theater before attending the University of Michigan, where he cofounded a theater production company called Team StarKid.
Darren Criss, Now
Criss made waves when he premiered as Blaine Anderson, an openly gay student in the Warblers, a rival glee club, during Glee’s second season. Viewers loved his role, and love soon blossomed between Blaine and Kurt. When the couple shared their first kiss, Twitter and Facebook blew up with joyful comments from Gleeks everywhere. It was a huge moment that reiterated the show’s message of embracing who you are. Next up for Criss: replacing Daniel Radcliffe in How to Succeed in Business on Broadway.


Amber Riley, Then
As a sophomore at La Mirada High School in California, Riley had big dreams of a career in the entertainment industry. Riley auditioned for both Dreamgirls and the second season of American Idol but failed to make the cut for either (to the great joy of Glee fans).
Amber Riley, Now
Riley rocks (literally) the role of Mercedes Jones: a sassy, confident vocal powerhouse… and sometimes diva. Riley and her incredible voice have tackled some of the show’s most iconic solos, including “Bust the Windows,” which Ryan Murphy wrote in for her specifically after hearing Riley singing it in her trailer in between takes. We can’t wait to hear what she sings this season!


Kevin McHale, Then
Just like his apparent hair idol Zac Efron, McHale is a multitalent! Prior to joining Glee, McHale was a member of the boy band NLT and is a very impressive singer and dancer.
Kevin McHale, Now
As wheelchair-bound Artie, McHale doesn’t get a chance to show off his dancing skills (except in dream sequences—remember his awesome “Safety Dance” number?). But what he lacks in footwork, he makes up for in heart—especially with his sweet relationship with Heather Morris’s Brittany.


Jane Lynch, Then
Long before she made audiences laugh in The 40-Year-Old Virgin and mockumentaries such as Best in Show and A Mighty Wind, Lynch played to live audiences in the Chicago improv-theater scene. Like comedy greats Gilda Radner, Tina Fey, and Amy Poehler, Lynch was a member of the Second City comedy troupe (and many others). We bet her sarcastic delivery was a hit in improv, too!
Jane Lynch, Now
Lynch has given Sue Sylvester, the queen of tracksuits and one-liners, great deadpan delivery and a (very carefully hidden) heart full of compassion. Lynch won both an Emmy and a Golden Globe for her portrayal of the Will-Schuester-hating Cheerios coach and got to show even greater depth last season as the show focused on the death of Sue’s beloved sister. Not only does she stand a great chance of winning another Emmy in September, she’s also hosting the awards show! Will she sport a formal tracksuit as an ode to Sue?


Chris Colfer, Then
Although you can’t hear his signature falsetto, this adorable Fresno native has long loved musical theater, even writing and starring in his own parody of Sweeney Todd, called Shirley Todd.
Chris Colfer, Now
Glee creator Ryan Murphy was so impressed by Colfer that he created the part of Kurt Hummel just for him. Little did Colfer and Murphy know how beloved the character would be and that Kurt would become an icon for gay teens, acceptance, and the anti-bullying movement. Colfer earned a well-deserved Golden Globe earlier this year and delivered an emotional speech that would have made Kurt Hummel proud.


Heather Morris, Then
This precocious tot would grow up to have some enviable dance moves. Morris tried out for season 2 of So You Think You Can Dance but failed to make it past the “green mile.” Don’t shed any tears for her, though, because in 2007 she became a backup dancer for Beyonce—yes, that Beyonce—toured the world with her, performed with Tina Turner at the Grammys, and danced on Saturday Night Live.
Heather Morris, Now
Morris was discovered when she was hired to teach the “Single Ladies” dance to the cast of Glee. She ended up winning the part of the third main Cheerio, with her bit role expanding exponentially once they discovered Morris’s knack for hilarious one-liners. Obviously none of us knew that dolphins were gay sharks before she came along.


Mark Salling, Then
Salling rocked a very ’90s hairstyle before the famous Noah Puckerman Mohawk. He also rocked the piano, guitar, bass, and drums. An all-around musical talent, he sings, composes, and produces all of his own songs and albums.
Mark Salling, Now
Bad boy Puck impregnated his best friend’s girlfriend, got frisky with uptight Rachel, and fell head over heels for badass Lauren Zizes. Beneath the tough exterior, this football player is a sensitive guy and a loyal friend who is willing to dress up like Gaga or Kiss. And let’s be honest—he looks good doing it all!


Lea Michele, Then
A Broadway baby, indeed! Michele made her debut on the Great White Way as a Young Cosette in Les Miserables. She followed that up with roles in Ragtime and Fiddler on the Roof. Michele may be best known for originating the role of Wendla in Spring Awakening, for which she was nominated for multiple awards.
Lea Michele, Now
The Emmy- and Golden Globe-nominated star has made us all fall for proper, attention-craving, talented Rachel Berry. Michele’s vocals are featured in 14 of the top 20 Glee singles so far, and with amazing vocals like hers, we know that number will only grow! Rumor has it Michele and some costars may “graduate” after this coming season, but we’ll see about that!


Jayma Mays, Then
Mays has obviously had the part of wide-eyed ingenue down since she was a little girl. After graduating from Radford University with a degree in theater, Mays found success on the small screen. She appeared on episodes of Heroes, Pushing Daisies, Ugly Betty, How I Met Your Mother, Entourage, and House (among many others).
Jayma Mays, Now
Mays can be found polishing her grapes, meticulously organizing everything on her desk, and fretting about general cleanliness as O.C.D.-suffering guidance counselor Emma Pillsbury. After eloping with none other than John Stamos, Emma finally realized her heart belongs to Will Schuester, who understands her complexities. We’ll have to wait and see if they can finally make it work. One thing we do know is that she’ll continue to be the best-dressed woman at McKinley High!


Jenna Ushkowitz, Then
Born in Seoul, South Korea, Ushkowitz was adopted at 3 months old and raised in New York. She started singing at a young age, even performing the national anthem at Madison Square Garden when she was 13. She served as an understudy for Spring Awakening on Broadway, where she was already friends with future castmate Lea Michele.
Jenna Ushkowitz, Now
As Tina Cohen-Chang, Ushkowitz had a stutter for the first nine episodes of the show. Tina eventually admitted it was faked, and came out of her shell more—including solos! After a complicated relationship with Artie, Tina and “other Asian” Mike Chang (and his incredible abs) are happily dating. Think Mike will teach Tina some new dance moves this season?


Dianna Agron, Then
This innocent look and beautiful smile would come in handy for Agron as she grew up. She began dancing at the age of 3 but dove into TV as a teenager with roles on Veronica Mars, Heroes, CSI: NY, and Numb3rs. She also appeared in print media as part of Walmart’s 2010 Ocean Pacific campaign.
Dianna Agron, Now
As cheerleader Quinn Fabray, Agron started the series pregnant with Puck’s baby. After giving up the baby to Rachel’s birth mom, Quinn went after Sam and then Finn. Single at the end of the season, who knows what’s in store for Quinn this year!


Matthew Morrison, Then
Before he was glee coach and vest wearer Will Schuester, former boy band member, singer, and songwriter Morrison was most well-known for his Broadway roles in Hairspray and A Light in the Piazza.
Matthew Morrison, Now
Always finding himself on the wrong end of Sue Sylvester’s jokes and nefarious schemes, Mr. Schue has had his ups and downs, but somehow always ends up smiling—or coming up with a life lesson and theme for his students to sing about. Is this the season Will and Emma Pillsbury will find lasting love? We’ll have to tune in and see!

Thanks to Brittany at Snakkle.com!