Amber Riley Biography

Fast Facts

• Received the 2017 Olivier Award for best actress in a musical
• Worked with State Farm Insurance on "Celebrate My Drive," a teen-driving safety campaign
• Joined VH1 and DoSomething․org's Save The Music Foundation's campaign for youth to fight to keep music education in schools
• A 2004 graduate of La Mirada High School in La Mirada, Calif
• Quote: "(On not getting on "American Idol") "My life was crushed when they told me, ‘No,’ but I was 17․ It was a long time ago and rejection like that only makes you stronger, gets you asking, 'how can I better myself?'""
• Quote: "(On Hollywood bringing up her body type) "I actually noticed it more when I was younger, which is why I stopped․ It was getting to my self-esteem, but once I learned I am not my dress size and to never let anyone put me in a box, I was more content with being myself and letting the world see my light shine․""
• Actress-singer recognized for her role as Mercedes Jones in TV's "Glee․"
• At 17-years-old, was turned down by the producers of TV's "American Idol" for its second season