Either way, Rapp has already proven she can do it all, and she’s just getting started.
So how did Renee Rapp go from theatre kid to megastar?
Her mother was an accountant and her father worked in medical sales.
In the same interview, Rapp revealed that she was an emotional child.
She recalls being “shamed for crying” and labeled a “ticking time bomb” by family members.
However, she credits this experience with the emotional strength and tough-as-nails attitude she carries today.
I’m no beautiful savant who’s never done a thing wrong," she said.
It seems that her love of performing also started early.
I feel like it was gentrification," she admitted toFault Magazine.
“I just always related to pop artists and pop music more.
“And so I was like, alright I’m going to transfer to an art school.
I’m going to major in musical theater.
And then I don’t have to go to college.”
Spoiler alert: That’s exactly what happened.
“I went home and I started full-blown crying,” she said.
“I was like ‘oh my god I’m gay.'”
“I have a lot of internalized homophobia.
Today, she understands the power she holds as a queer artist with a massive platform.
“There’s an inherent responsibility,” she toldThe Independent.
“You want to be careful and respectful and inclusive and really honest.”
18-year-old Rapp was among the 80 competitors performing that year.
“It is such an incredible honor to be on this incredible stage with these incredible performers.
This is absolutely unreal,“she saidin her acceptance speech.
Rapp toldThe Cutthat she drew inspiration from her childhood experiences when playing Regina George.
“I have been equal parts bullied as I have been a b*tch,” she said.
“I think it’s fun to play the mean characters when you might make them likable.”
“She is amazing,” McAdams toldPeople.
“She’s already got me beat with that voice.”
However, Rapp wanted to give the character of Regina George her own spin.
“There’s a lot to her.
“It’s a lifelong thing.”
Rapp had hoped that her portrayal of Regina would be a step toward more body positivity in the industry.
If you need help with an eating disorder, or know someone who does, help is available.
According to Rapp, playing Leighton Murray helped her come to terms with her own sexuality.
She admitted that the role initially made her question herself, especially since she had a boyfriend during filming.
“I was being very homophobic to myself.
In July 2023, Rapp announced she would be leaving the show.
“I love who I am 10 times more than I did before knowing her.
I hope she gave y’all a little bit of that too.”
“I used to beat myself up asking like: ‘Why can’t I do this?’
and, as a kid, hearing people say: ‘Suck it up and stop.'”
“Now I don’t have to hate myself for it,” she said.
It was actually her dad who encouraged her to join TikTok back in 2019.
“The only thing that changed is you guys.
Your support on this song and the next to come leaves me f***ing speechless.
The emotional ballad explores Rapp’s fear of growing up and falling out of love.
“I feel so incredibly influenced by R&B,” she told theAlternative Press.
“Pop ballads do nothing for me.
R&B ballads do.
But intricate pop writing does a lot for me, so it’s kind of in the middle.”
The 7-track collection is a raw and powerful ode to the relatable experiences of a modern generation.
“Colorado” explores reinventing yourself in a new city.
And the breakup anthem “Too Well” will definitely have you screaming along in the car.
The haunting song is a testament to both her poignant songwriting and impressive vocal range.
“I have never been simultaneously so proud and scared of a song in my life.
