The Unforgettable Cast Of Steven Spielberg's West Side Story: Where Are The Stars Now?

The cinematic landscape was forever changed in late 2021 with the arrival of Steven Spielberg’s vibrant, critically-acclaimed adaptation of the classic musical, West Side Story. While often searched under its original 2020 release window, the film, which debuted on December 10, 2021, introduced a cast that masterfully blended Broadway veterans with dazzling newcomers, creating a powerful new benchmark for the beloved story.

This version of West Side Story was not just a remake; it was a cultural event, celebrated for its authentic casting of Latinx actors in Puerto Rican roles and its incredible artistic achievements. The ensemble went on to receive seven Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, and secured one of the most historic acting wins of the decade.

The Principal Cast: Full Biography and Profile

The core cast of Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story is a fascinating mix of established Hollywood figures and sensational breakout talents, each bringing a unique background in film, theater, and dance to their iconic roles. This section outlines the profiles of the five main stars who anchored the film's success.

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Ansel Elgort as Tony

• Born: March 14, 1994, in New York City, New York.
• Role: Tony, the former leader of the Jets who falls in love with Maria.
• Career Highlights Before WSS: Elgort gained widespread recognition for his starring roles in the young adult films The Fault in Our Stars (2014) and Divergent (2014). He also received a Golden Globe nomination for his work in Edgar Wright's Baby Driver (2017).
• Fun Fact: He is also a musician and DJ, releasing music under the name Ansølo.

Rachel Zegler as María

• Born: May 3, 2001, in Hackensack, New Jersey.
• Role: María, the younger sister of Bernardo and the love interest of Tony.
• Breakout Success: Zegler was famously cast in her first-ever film role as María after responding to an open casting call that saw more than 30,000 applicants.
• Major Awards: She won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy for her performance, making her the youngest winner in that category at the time.
• Post-WSS Career: She has since been cast as the lead in Disney's live-action remake of Snow White and in the blockbuster sequel Shazam! Fury of the Gods.

Ariana DeBose as Anita

• Born: January 25, 1991, in Wilmington, North Carolina.
• Role: Anita, Bernardo's girlfriend and Maria's confidante.
• Historic Achievement: DeBose won the Academy Award (Oscar) for Best Supporting Actress for this role. She made history as the first Afro-Latina and the first openly queer actor of color to win an Oscar in an acting category.
• Career Highlights Before WSS: A celebrated Broadway performer, she was nominated for a Tony Award for Summer: The Donna Summer Musical and was part of the original cast of Hamilton.

David Alvarez as Bernardo

• Born: May 11, 1994, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
• Role: Bernardo, the leader of the Sharks and Maria’s older brother.
• Unique Journey: Alvarez has one of the most compelling backstories of the cast, having won a Tony Award at age 15 for co-starring in Billy Elliot the Musical. He later quit acting, joined the U.S. Army, and returned to the stage and film world specifically for the role of Bernardo.
• Expertise: He trained as a dancer with the prestigious American Ballet Theatre.

Mike Faist as Riff

• Born: January 5, 1992, in Gahanna, Ohio.
• Role: Riff, the leader of the Jets and Tony’s best friend.
• Theater Credentials: Faist is a highly-regarded stage actor, best known for originating the role of Connor Murphy in the hit Broadway musical Dear Evan Hansen, for which he received a Tony Award nomination.
• Acclaim: His performance as Riff earned him a BAFTA Award nomination for Best Actor in a Supporting Role.

The Authentic Casting That Redefined the Sharks

One of the most significant and celebrated updates in Spielberg’s adaptation was the commitment to casting authenticity, a direct response to criticisms of the 1961 film.

Steven Spielberg and screenwriter Tony Kushner insisted on casting Latinx actors to play the Puerto Rican characters of the Sharks, ensuring a level of cultural representation previously absent from the screen.

The ensemble cast was filled with rising stars and Broadway powerhouses, all contributing to the film's rich texture and powerful dramatic weight. This focus on authenticity was a major entity of discussion and praise, elevating the film's topical authority in discussions about representation in Hollywood.

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Key Supporting Cast and Their Roles

The film’s depth was further enhanced by the inclusion of seasoned actors and a legendary figure from the original production:

• Rita Moreno as Valentina: The iconic Rita Moreno, who won an Oscar for playing Anita in the 1961 film, returned in a new, pivotal role as Valentina, the widow of Doc and a mentor figure to Tony. She also served as an Executive Producer, linking the film to its historical roots.
• Corey Stoll as Lieutenant Schrank: A veteran actor known for roles in House of Cards and Ant-Man, Stoll played the prejudiced police lieutenant.
• Brian d'Arcy James as Officer Krupke: Another Broadway and film veteran, James played the beat cop who struggles to control the gang violence.
• Josh Andrés Rivera as Chino: A newcomer who played Chino, the man Maria is expected to marry. Rivera's performance was noted as a powerful debut.

The Enduring Legacy: Awards and Critical Acclaim

The cast’s collective performance and Steven Spielberg’s directorial vision resulted in a major awards season run, solidifying the film’s status as a definitive modern musical adaptation.

The film received a total of seven nominations at the 94th Academy Awards (Oscars) in 2022, including the coveted Best Picture and Best Director nods.

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Major Awards Won by the Cast and Film

The film's performance at the Golden Globes and the Oscars cemented its place in film history:

• Academy Award (Oscar): Best Supporting Actress (Ariana DeBose).
• Golden Globe Awards: The film won three major awards: Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, Best Actress (Rachel Zegler), and Best Supporting Actress (Ariana DeBose).
• BAFTA Awards: Ariana DeBose won Best Actress in a Supporting Role, and Mike Faist was nominated for Best Actor in a Supporting Role.
• Critics' Choice Awards: The film won four awards, including Best Supporting Actress for DeBose and Best Young Actor/Actress for Zegler.

The success of the West Side Story cast is a testament to the power of new talent and authentic representation. Rachel Zegler and Ariana DeBose, in particular, have become major Hollywood entities, with their careers skyrocketing since the film's release. Their achievements—from a Golden Globe win on a debut to a historic Oscar—ensure that the 2021 adaptation will be remembered not only for its artistic merit but for the groundbreaking careers it launched and elevated.