As the 62nd Primetime Emmy Awards draw near, we look back at the careers of the lead acting nominees.

Michele made her Broadway debut at the tender age of 8 as Young Cosette on Broadway's Les Miserables in 1995.

Michele played Tateh's daughter, the Little Girl, on Broadway's Ragtime in 1998.

In 2006, at the age of 20, Michele originated the role of Wendla on the Broadway production of the rock musical. She earned a Drama Desk Award nomination for her performance.

Ryan Murphy wrote the part of high-strung Rachel Berry specifically for Michele, who has earned Golden Globe and Emmy nominations for her work.

Michele's cover of The All-American Rejects' "Gives You Hell" topped the Irish charts and peaked at No. 32 on Billboard.

Michele, Jonathan Groff (L) and Stephen Spinella (R) were part of the original Broadway cast of Spring Awakening.

Groff, who plays Jesse St. James, Rachel's love interest on Glee, introduced Michele to show creator Ryan Murphy.