Idina Menzel, a talented American actress, singer, and songwriter, was born on May 30, 1971, in New York City, New York, as Idina Kim Mentzel. She is the daughter of Helene Goldberg, a therapist, and Stuart Mentzel, a pajama salesman. Menzel's grandparents emigrated to the United States from Russia, and she grew up in New Jersey and on Long Island.
At the age of 15, Menzel began working as a wedding and bar mitzvah singer. She attended Syosset High School and graduated from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts with a degree in drama in 1992.
Menzel made her professional debut in theater in 1996, originating the role of Maureen in Rent, which transitioned from Off-Broadway to Broadway. This role earned her her first Tony nomination. In 1998, she released her first album, Still I Can't Be Still.
Menzel made her film debut in 2001, playing a minor role in Kissing Jessica Stein. In 2003, she originated the role of Elphaba in Wicked, which brought her huge popularity, acclaim, and a Tony Award for Best Leading Actress in a Musical.
In 2005, Menzel appeared in the Off-Broadway musical See What I Wanna See, earning nominations for the Drama Desk Award and the Drama League Award. She also reprised her role as Maureen in the movie adaptation of Rent. In 2007, she appeared in Enchanted.
Menzel received another Tony nomination for her performance in If/Then in 2013. She voiced Elsa for the first time in Frozen, a role she has reprised for sequels and tie-ins. In addition to her work in theater, film, and television, Menzel regularly releases new music and goes on tour.
