Lea Michele Sarfati (born August 29, 1986),[1] known professionally as Lea Michele, is an American actress and singer, best known for her performance as Rachel Berry on the Fox television series Glee. Michele's portrayal of Rachel has received much critical praise, earning her a Satellite Award, a Screen Actors Guild Award and three consecutive People's Choice Awards. She has also received two Golden Globe nominations and an Emmy nomination for her performance. Michele began working professionally as a child actress on Broadway in productions such as Les Misérables, Ragtime, and Fiddler on the Roof. In 2006, she originated the lead role of Wendla in the Broadway musical Spring Awakening. On film, Michele starred in the 2011 romantic comedy movie New Year's Eve, and has voiced the character of Dorothy Gale in the upcoming animated movie Legends of Oz: Dorothy's Return. Michele signed to Columbia Records as a solo recording artist in 2012. Her first single, "Cannonball", was released on December 10, 2013. Her debut album, Louder, was released on March 4, 2014.[2] Her first book, Brunette Ambition, is set for release on May 13, 2014, and will be published by Harmony Books.