Lea Michele addresses her awkward Sardi's portrait and the other star it looks like: 'It's a little bit of both'
Lea Michele addresses her awkward Sardi's portrait and the other star it looks like: 'It's a little bit of both'
Raechal ShewfeltWed, April 22, 2026 at 2:37 AM UTC
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Lea Michele photographed in MarchCredit: ANGELA WEISS / AFP via GettyKey Points -
Lea Michele has commented on her new caricature at New York City's Sardi's restaurant.
The Glee actress said it looks like a combination of her and Idina Menzel.
Still, Michele said she's honored to be featured at Sardi's, which displays portraits of theater people.
Lea Michele had nothing but good things to say about her Sardi's portrait, even though she thinks it looks a little like someone else in the entertainment industry. Let's just say she's chosen to let it go.
"You know, it's a little me. It's a little Idina," the Broadway actress said on Late Night With Seth Meyers Monday of the portrait of her that the New York City institution unveiled. "It's a little bit of both."
The Idina is, of course, Tony Award-winning actress Idina Menzel, who appeared as the mother of Michele's Glee character in several episodes, beginning in 2011. Michele noted the connection.
"She did play my mother. So, we are, you know, related in some way," Michele said. "But, no, it's great."
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The Emmy-nominated actress said she is happy to be included in the collection of more than 1,200 caricatures of the theater people who have visited the establishment over the years. Paul Newman, Lucille Ball, Sammy Davis Jr., Lauren Bacall, James Earl Jones, and Leonard Bernstein are among the other stars depicted there.
"I have been going to Sardi's for 31 years," Michele added. "I made my Broadway debut when I was 8 years old. So, I've been going for so many years. It was such an honor."
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The Sardi's website notes that "early caricatures could be cruel."
"Milton Berle disliked the nose on his caricature and even though he complained strongly, [artist Alex Gard] did not change it," according to the eatery. "Other stars were less forgiving. Maureen Stapleton allegedly stole her caricature, took it home and burned it. Vincent Sardi, Jr., who took over Sardi's in 1946, sent Ms. Stapleton a note saying, 'All is forgiven – come home, Papa Sardi.'" Stapleton later came back and a new caricature was of her was added in 1996.
When Michele's was unveiled, she posed for photos at the ceremony attended by other Glee alums, including Darren Criss, Kevin McHale, and Jonathan Groff.
Lea Michele with her Sardi's portrait; Idina MenzelCredit: Bruce Glikas/WireImage; Stephanie Augello/Variety via Getty
The Scream Queens alum also told Meyers that her baby daughter, Emery, had gotten sick on the day of the big event.
"Fun fact, my daughter threw up all over me right before we went there that day," Michele said. "You don't think about those things. And then I went and did a show that night. It was great."
Michele was on the late night show with Aaron Tveit and Nicholas Christopher, her costars in her current Broadway play, Chess.
on Entertainment Weekly
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