Amber Riley is an American actress, singer, and author who has made a name for herself on the stage, on TV, and on film. Her powerful voice and magnetic stage presence have captivated audiences since she first appeared on national television in 2009, and she continues to be one of the most talented performers working today.
Born in Los Angeles, California, in 1986, Amber Riley began her career as a singer in her church choir. She went on to attend the prestigious LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts in New York City, where she studied music and theater. After graduating, she returned to Los Angeles and began auditioning for roles in television and film.
In 2009, Riley landed a breakthrough role as Mercedes Jones on the hit television series Glee. The show, which followed the lives of high school students involved in a choir, became a cultural phenomenon and catapulted Riley into the spotlight. As one of the lead performers on the show, Riley quickly became a fan favorite, thanks in large part to her powerhouse voice and unique fashion sense.
Riley appeared on Glee for six seasons, earning critical acclaim and numerous awards for her performances. She also took her talents to the stage, starring in productions of Hair, Dreamgirls, and Little Shop of Horrors, among others. In 2017, she won the Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her role as Effie White in the West End production of Dreamgirls.
Aside from her work on stage and screen, Riley is also a successful author. Her book, “Leave a Message: The Audacity of My Blackness,” was published in 2021 and details her experiences growing up as a Black woman in Hollywood. In the book, she discusses the challenges she faced as a young performer and how she learned to navigate the industry while staying true to herself.
Throughout her career, Amber Riley has been an inspiration to countless fans around the world. Her talent, hard work, and dedication to her craft have earned her a place among the most respected performers of her generation. As she continues to explore new avenues of creative expression, it is clear that she will remain a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry for years to come.