Renée Rapp: From Broadway to International Stardom
- Delaney Bowman & TJ Edmund
- Jun 9, 2024
- 4 min read
It's not her fault you're like in love with her?! You may know her as the Queen Bee on stage and the big screen, but she's so much more than that!
Renée Mary Jane Rapp was born in Huntersville, a suburb of Charlotte, North Carolina on January 10, 2000. Her parents, Charles and Denise met while they were both studying at West Virginia University; they moved to North Carolina in 1995 for work.
From an early age, her parents instilled a solid work ethic in their daughter and always encouraged her to be the best version of herself. Embodying a competitive nature, Charles would give Renée advice on how to improve and while she was often reluctant to accept his words, she is grateful for a supportive upbringing. During her time at Hopewell High School, Rapp discovered her true calling when she participated in various musical theater productions. It was during this time that she realized her love for the stage and performing arts.
Rapp won the Best Actress award at the Blumey Awards in 2018 for her role in her school's production of Big Fish, then went on to win the "Best Performance by an Actress" award at the Jimmy Awards in New York City, beating 40 competitors and earning a $10,000 scholarship.
Some of her notable performances in 2018-2020 included roles in Theatre Charlotte's production of Spring Awakening, the Supergirl Pro Surf and Music Festival, and various events at Feinstein's/54 Below. In 2019, she took over the role of Regina George in the Broadway musical Mean Girls, performing for a limited run and then permanently starting September 10, 2019. The show ultimately closed in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and was later announced not to reopen. Rapp also appeared in the TV series The Sex Lives of College Girls and reprised her role as Regina George in a musical film adaptation of Mean Girls, which was released earlier this year.
Last year, Rapp revealed that she has no intention of returning to acting after the release of the Mean Girls film, citing her desire to focus on her music career and the anxiety the industry triggers in her. This announcement comes after she previously shared that working on the Broadway production of Mean Girls had a negative impact on her eating disorder.
"I'm very spoiled. I have been very fortunate to have found an amazing community around me. I feel like I'm the biggest fan of my fan base... They're very loyal. And I think we found a lot of comfort in each other."
Rapp's music career has been marked by several notable releases and performances. In 2022, she released her debut EP "Everything to Everyone," which was later re-released in a deluxe version featuring two new tracks. The EP's success led to her first American tour, & "Everything to Everyone: The First Shows," which sold out all eight shows across the country. In 2023, Rapp announced her debut studio album "Snow Angel" and embarked on an international tour, supported by Alexander 23 and Towa Bird. The album was re-released in a deluxe version with four new tracks, including a remix with Coco Jones. Rapp also made a notable appearance on Saturday Night Live in January 2024, performing two tracks from her album.
With a voice that mesmerizes and lyrics that resonate, Rapp's music style is a blend of soulful melodies and heartfelt storytelling, offering listeners a glimpse into her world with each note sung. She possesses a wide vocal range, allowing her to tackle various musical genres and captivate audiences with her performances. Her stage presence is electrifying. She brings a unique energy to every performance, captivating audiences with her charisma and ability to fully embody her characters.
With her youthful energy and unique approach to storytelling, she consistently brings a fresh perspective to the roles she portrays. These performances are captivating, filled with emotional depth and authenticity. Her versatility as an actress allows her to tap into the depths of different emotions, delivering powerful and memorable performances.
Whether through her acting or singing, Rapp has a knack for conveying powerful messages to her audience. Her performances leave a lasting impact, evoking emotions and sparking conversations about important topics. As a storyteller, she recognizes the transformative power that narratives possess and believes in the ability of stories to inspire, educate, and create change. Beyond the spotlight, Rapp is a passionate advocate for mental health awareness, body positivity, and social equality. Using her platform for good, she tirelessly champions causes close to her heart, inspiring others to join her in the fight for a more inclusive and compassionate world.
Additionally, she has been vocal about her ADHD, eating disorder, and mental health.
Aside from her theater awards, Rapp was nominated for an MTV Video Music Award for Best New Artist in 2023; she won a GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding New Artist at the Beverly Hills ceremony in March.
Despite her rising fame, she remains grounded and approachable. She appreciates her fans and engages with them genuinely, making her admirers feel seen and heard. Rapp has embraced social media as a platform to connect with her fans. She shares glimpses of her life, performances, and behind-the-scenes moments, allowing fans to get to know her on a personal level. Thanks to her incredible talent and magnetic stage presence, Rapp has garnered a dedicated fanbase not only in the United States but also around the world. Her fanbase continues to grow as more people discover and fall in love with her performances.
With her incredible talent, determination, and growing list of achievements, Rapp is undoubtedly a star on the rise. She continues to captivate audiences and carve her path as a true force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry. From her electrifying performances to her unwavering advocacy, Rapp's journey serves as a reminder that with talent, determination, and a compassionate heart, anything is possible.
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