Glee is an American musical-comedy series created by Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, and Ian Brennan. It ran from 2009 to 2015 on Fox, and centered around a Glee Club full of misfits at the fictional McKinley High School in Ohio. Each episode features the talented cast singing covers of various songs, which are available on any music streaming platform. The blend of comedy, drama, and music helped Glee stand out, and the show’s early seasons were both a critical and audience hit, even winning the Golden Globe Award for Best Comedy or Musical Series in 2010 and 2011.

The show’s later seasons, however, couldn’t maintain the joy or quality of its beginnings, stuffing the already large cast with even more performers and major celebrity guest stars, while losing sight of the quirkiness and sincerity that made the show such a beloved hit. The show and its fans also faced tragedy in the deaths of stars Cory Monteith and Naya Rivera. Despite this, Glee still carries a large fanbase who continue to support the show and the performers who brought it to life. Here’s a look at where the core cast from the show’s first season are now.

Dianna Agron

Dianna Agron plays Quinn Fabray, a cheerleader who spends the first season dealing with her pregnancy. A stereotypical mean girl role, Agron brings depth to Quinn as she matures throughout the show, also producing great songs with her gentle vocals. After appearing in major films like I Am Number Four and The Family, she’s starred in several independent films, including Novitiate and Hollow in the Bone. According to Broadway World, she also had a residency at Café Carlyle earlier this year.

Chris Colfer

As Kurt Hummel, a gay boy dealing with bullying at school, Chris Colfer often steals the show with his emotional, and realistic performance. According to GLAAD, his role was essential to television at the time, bringing to life the struggles that many Queer teens face. Since the show ended, Colfer’s main focus has been writing; he wrote the children’s fantasy series The Land of Stories, as well as Struck By Lightning, a coming-of-age novel he also turned into a movie in 2012.

Jane Lynch

Jane Lynch gives a commanding performance as Sue Sylvester, the cheerleading coach who served as the Glee Club’s villain. Lynch perfectly carries out Sue’s angry rants while still showing her softer moments with her sister. She was the best known member of the cast when the show started, with roles in Two and a Half Men, The L Word, and Role Models, and remains the best known now, with her work hosting shows like Hollywood Game Night and The Weakest Link and her guest role in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.

Kevin McHale

Kevin McHale plays Artie, a strong singer who has to deal with bullying and the challenges of being in a wheelchair, remaining a heart of the show since the beginning. Since the show, he has released his own music and has also hosted a podcast with behind-the-scenes information about the show. Last year, he was also one of the main stars of the American Horror Story spinoff American Horror Stories.

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Lea Michele

Lea Michele plays Rachel Berry, a strong singer who saw herself as the club’s real star and often behaved like a diva in pursuit of success, with her time on the show marked by recent controversy. Michele has a strong Broadway background, including roles in Fiddler on the Roof and Spring Awakening. She has appeared in shows such as Scream Queens and The Mayor, along with releasing a cover album last year.

Heather Morris

Heather Morris brings great fun to the role of Brittany, a ditzy cheerleader who delivers some of the best dance performances. Her confused, deadpan deliveries produce some of the funniest lines on the show, but she also has a serious, emotional journey with her sexuality. Her background is in dance, and she appeared as a contestant on Dancing With the Stars in 2017. She has had some minor TV and film roles since Glee, but is mostly focused on her family.

Matthew Morrison

Matthew Morrison, who has also faced scrutiny lately, plays Will Schuester, the Spanish teacher who runs the Glee Club and also faces ups and downs in his relationships. Morrison also has a strong performance background, appearing on Broadway in The Light in the Piazza and Finding Neverland. He has given several live performances, in addition to a role in American Horror Story in 2019.

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Amber Riley

As Mercedes, one of the club’s best singers, Amber Riley shines when she can show off her talents and her impressive voice. While she struggles to find that often in the club, she makes every moment and performance count. Riley’s talent led her to win her season of Dancing With the Stars and also won her several awards for her starring role in Dreamgirls in London’s West End. She also appeared on the live telecast of The Wiz and released her own EP.

Harry Shum Jr.

Harry Shum Jr. turned the quiet role of Mike Chang into a memorable one with outstanding dance performances and a sweet romance with Tina. He has taken his dance skills to several dance movies, such as the Step Up franchise. He played Magnus Bane in Freeform’s Shadowhunters from 2016 to 2019, and has appeared this year in the well-received Everything Everywhere All at Once.

Jenna Ushkowitz

Jenna Ushkowitz brings heart and relatability as Tina Cohen-Chang, a shy girl who wants to be popular. She works to go from a quiet member to one who has a more active role and more songs. She has experience in the theatre world, performing in Waitress and producing musicals like Once on This Island and Be More Chill. She has also hosted the Glee podcast with co-star McHale.