Reneé Rapp

Reneé Mary Jane Rapp, born on January 10, 2000, is a multi-talented American singer, songwriter, and actress. She first gained widespread recognition for her portrayal of Regina George in the Broadway musical adaptation of "Mean Girls," which ran from 2019 to 2020. Rapp's performance garnered praise, and she later reprised the role in the 2024 film adaptation of "Mean Girls," where she also contributed to the soundtrack.


In addition to her work in theater and film, Rapp has ventured into the music industry. She released her debut EP titled "Everything to Everyone" in 2022, showcasing her skills as a singer and songwriter. Building on this success, Rapp released her first full-length studio album titled "Snow Angel" in 2023, further establishing herself as a versatile and promising artist.
Alongside her accomplishments in music, Rapp has also made strides in television, starring in the Max comedy series "The Sex Lives of College Girls," which premiered in 2021 and continues to air.
With her talent and versatility across multiple artistic platforms, Reneé Rapp continues to captivate audiences and carve out a prominent place for herself in the entertainment industry.


Reneé Rapp, born on January 10, 2000, began honing her talents in theater during her high school years at Hopewell High School in Huntersville, North Carolina. There, she participated in the theater program and showcased her versatility by also playing on the varsity women's golf team. After two years, she transferred to Northwest School of the Arts, where she continued to develop her skills in the performing arts.


Under the guidance of her theater teacher, Corey Mitchell, Rapp's talent was recognized and praised. Mitchell highlighted her ability to combine exceptional vocal talent with genuine emotions that could deeply resonate with and captivate audiences.
In 2018, Rapp's talent was further validated when she won the prestigious Best Actress award at the Blumey Awards, which are considered Charlotte's premier musical theater awards. She earned this accolade for her portrayal of Sandra in her school's production of "Big Fish." Following this success, Rapp represented her school at the Jimmy Awards in New York City, an annual event recognizing outstanding high school musical theater performers from across the United States.


At the Jimmy Awards, Rapp's performance stood out among forty other competitors, earning her the esteemed title of "Best Performance by an Actress" and a $10,000 scholarship. Her remarkable achievement garnered praise from actress Laura Benanti, who presented her with the award, and garnered attention from the media, with New York Magazine describing her performance as setting the stage ablaze and leaving an unforgettable impression.
Rapp's early success and recognition at the Blumey Awards and the Jimmy Awards laid a strong foundation for her burgeoning career in the entertainment industry, setting the stage for her subsequent accomplishments on Broadway and beyond.


In 2018, Reneé Rapp's career saw significant milestones and performances across various platforms. She showcased her talent in Theatre Charlotte's regional production of "Spring Awakening," taking on the role of Wendla. Her versatility was further demonstrated when she performed at the 2018 Supergirl Pro Surf and Music Festival on July 27, 2018.
Rapp's involvement in the theater community continued to flourish as she participated in The Educational Theatre Foundation's Broadway Back to School event held at Feinstein's/54 Below on September 23, 2018. Later that year, she read the role of Monteen in Roundabout Theatre Company's reading of "Parade" in December 2018.


In January 2019, Rapp showcased her vocal prowess at BroadwayCon's 2019 Star to Be event, where she performed "They Just Keep Moving the Line" from the NBC musical drama series "Smash." She also graced Feinstein's/54 Below's stage, performing at events like "54 Sings The High School Musical Trilogy" on March 4, 2019, and "FOR THE GIRLS" on March 28, 2019.
The pinnacle of Rapp's theatrical journey came in May 2019 when it was announced that she would be taking over the iconic role of Regina George in the Tony Award-nominated Broadway musical "Mean Girls." Her performances captivated audiences, and she continued to shine in the role until the production closed on March 12, 2020.


Transitioning to the screen, Rapp was cast as Leighton Murray, one of the four leads, in Mindy Kaling's Max teen comedy series "The Sex Lives of College Girls" on October 14, 2020, showcasing her versatility across different mediums.
Rapp's star continued to rise as she embarked on her first tour, "Everything to Everyone: The First Shows," in November 2022. With sold-out shows across various cities in the United States, including Los Angeles, Manhattan, Boston, and Atlanta, she further solidified her status as a rising talent in the entertainment industry.
Her journey reached international acclaim when she announced her first international performance of her debut EP "Everything to Everyone." The sold-out show at the O2 Forum Kentish Town on January 19, 2023, showcased her talent and appeal to audiences beyond borders.


In February 2023, Reneé Rapp's musical journey continued to flourish with the release of a deluxe version of her EP "Everything to Everyone," featuring two new songs. This release further showcased her versatility and creative prowess in the music industry.
Following this, Rapp's debut studio album, "Snow Angel," was launched on August 18, 2023, marking a significant milestone in her career. The album's release was met with anticipation and excitement from fans and critics alike, solidifying Rapp's position as a rising star in the music scene.


On June 16, 2023, Rapp made another impactful announcement with the revelation of her international "Snow Hard Feelings" tour, supported by talented artists Alexander 23 and Towa Bird. This tour provided audiences worldwide with the opportunity to experience Rapp's electrifying performances and captivating stage presence.
Continuing to delight her fans, a deluxe version of "Snow Angel" was released on November 17, 2023, featuring four new songs, including a remix of "Tummy Hurts" with Coco Jones. The accompanying official video for the remix was also unveiled on the same day, further enhancing the immersive experience of Rapp's music.


Despite her successful foray into acting with her memorable portrayal of Regina George in "Mean Girls," Rapp revealed in an October 2023 interview that she harbored no desire to return to acting. Instead, she expressed her intention to focus wholeheartedly on her burgeoning music career, citing the anxiety-inducing nature of the acting environment as a contributing factor.
On January 20, 2024, Rapp showcased her musical talents on the renowned comedy and variety series "Saturday Night Live." Performing her songs "Snow Angel" and "Not My Fault" featuring Megan Thee Stallion, Rapp mesmerized audiences with her dynamic performances. Additionally, her appearance in one of the sketches as "little lesbian intern Reneé" added an element of humor and charm to the episode, further solidifying her versatility as an artist.

References

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