Lea Michele so perfectly portrays diva-in-training Rachel Berry on the TV musical series 'Glee' that it should come as no surprise that the role was created specifically for her. Born in 1986, the singer-actress grew up in New Jersey and first appeared on Broadway at the age of 8. A burgeoning stage career was cut short when she was discovered by 'Glee' creator Ryan Murphy. With her long dark hair, big brown eyes and powerhouse voice, Michele was a standout on the popular series from its start. Fans mourning the shocking death of her co-star and boyfriend Cory Monteith in 2013 sought solace in sharing her very public grief. Her debut solo album, the pop-leaning 'Louder,' dropped in early 2014. Its lead single, 'Cannonball,' was the first by any of the 'Glee' regulars to land on the Billboard Hot 100.