Jenna Ushkowitz
A Broadway dynamo who leapt from the glee club to Tony-winning producer, reshaping her career with savvy and vocal talent.
Born 1986 (age 40)·American actress and singer·Birthday: April 28·Millennials
Biography
Jenna Ushkowitz arrived in the public eye as the sweet-voiced, anxiety-ridden Tina Cohen-Chang on 'Glee,' but her story is one of artistic depth far beyond the halls of McKinley High. Adopted from South Korea as an infant, she found her footing on the stage early, making her Broadway debut as a child in 'The King and I.' While 'Glee' brought her fame and a Grammy nomination, Ushkowitz strategically used that platform as a springboard back to her theatrical roots. She didn't just return to performing, starring in shows like 'Waitress,' but also stepped powerfully behind the curtain. As a producer, she helped shepherd 'Once on This Island' and 'The Inheritance' to Broadway, earning Tony Awards for both—a rare feat that underscores her sharp understanding of what makes a show resonate. Her career is a masterclass in evolution, blending performance with production acumen.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Jenna was born in 1986, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Jenna Was Born
The biggest hits of 1986
#1 Movie
Top Gun
Best Picture
Platoon
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Jenna's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1986Born
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1991Started school
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1999Became a teenager
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Could drive
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2004Could vote
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2007Turned 21
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2016Turned 30
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2026Turned 40
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won two Tony Awards as a producer for the Broadway revival of 'Once on This Island' (2018) and the play 'The Inheritance' (2021).
- Received a Grammy Award nomination in 2011 as a principal soloist on the 'Glee: The Music, Volume 4' album.
- Starred as Dawn in the Broadway production of 'Waitress,' taking over the role from 2017 to 2018.
- Co-hosts the popular and long-running podcast 'And That's What You REALLY Miss,' delving into 'Glee' lore and interviews.
Did You Know?
She is a co-founder of the production company 'The Story Lab' with her 'Glee' co-star Kevin McHale.
Ushkowitz was the first Korean-born performer to be a series regular on a major American television musical series.
She performed at the White House for President Barack Obama and the First Family during a 'Glee' cast visit in 2010.
“I think the biggest lesson I've learned is that you can't control everything, but you can control your reaction to it.”
