Most Famous Rachels in the World

From Oscar-winning performers to chart-topping musicians and groundbreaking filmmakers, many well-known figures share the first name Rachel. Below is a friendly, fact-focused roundup of notable Rachels across film, television, music, and behind-the-scenes crafts. You’ll find quick snapshots of their careers, major credits, and standout achievements to help you place the name with the face and the work.

Rachel Weisz

An English actor, Rachel Weisz won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for ‘The Constant Gardener’. She later earned another Oscar nomination for ‘The Favourite’. Her filmography spans high-profile projects such as ‘The Mummy’, ‘The Lobster’, and ‘Disobedience’.

Rachel McAdams

Rachel McAdams is a Canadian actor known for ‘Mean Girls’ and ‘The Notebook’. She received an Academy Award nomination for her supporting role in ‘Spotlight’. Her credits also include ‘Doctor Strange’, ‘Game Night’, and ‘Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga’.

Rachel Brosnahan

An American actor, Rachel Brosnahan starred as Miriam “Midge” Maisel in ‘The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel’. She won an Emmy and multiple Golden Globes for the role. Her work extends to film and stage, with appearances in projects like ‘House of Cards’ and ‘I’m Your Woman’.

Rachel Zegler

Rachel Zegler is an American actor and singer who made her film debut as María in Steven Spielberg’s ‘West Side Story’. She won a Golden Globe for that performance. She has since led major studio releases, including ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes’, and has been cast as Snow White in Disney’s live-action adaptation.

Rachel Bloom

Rachel Bloom co-created and starred in the musical comedy series ‘Crazy Ex-Girlfriend’. She won a Golden Globe for her performance and later received an Emmy for original music and lyrics. Beyond television, she tours as a comedian and author, contributing songs and voice work to various projects.

Rachel Dratch

Rachel Dratch is an American comedian and actor best known for her tenure on ‘Saturday Night Live’. She has appeared in films and series including ’30 Rock’, ‘Wine Country’, and ‘The Out-Laws’. Dratch is also a writer and stage performer, often collaborating with fellow comedians from her sketch and improv roots.

Rachel Bilson

Rachel Bilson gained recognition playing Summer Roberts on the series ‘The O.C.’. She later led the medical dramedy ‘Hart of Dixie’. Her screen credits also include ‘Jumper’, guest roles on ‘How I Met Your Mother’, and podcasting work revisiting her television projects.

Rachel Griffiths

An Australian actor and director, Rachel Griffiths earned an Academy Award nomination for ‘Hilary and Jackie’. She starred in acclaimed series such as ‘Six Feet Under’ and ‘Brothers & Sisters’. Griffiths has also directed and produced film and television projects in Australia.

Rachel Stevens

Rachel Stevens is an English singer and actor who rose to fame with the pop group S Club 7. She launched a solo career with hits like ‘Sweet Dreams My LA Ex’. Stevens has worked in television and live touring, including group reunions and music specials.

Rachel Platten

Rachel Platten is an American singer-songwriter best known for the multi-platinum single ‘Fight Song’. The track became a global anthem and led to mainstream recognition. Platten’s subsequent releases and touring expanded her presence on radio, television performances, and charitable events.

Rachel Portman

Rachel Portman is a British composer and the first woman to win the Academy Award for Best Original Score, for ‘Emma’. She has scored dozens of films, including ‘Chocolat’ and ‘The Cider House Rules’. Portman’s work also encompasses television and concert compositions.

Rachel Morrison

Rachel Morrison is an American cinematographer and the first woman nominated for the Academy Award for Best Cinematography, for ‘Mudbound’. She has served as director of photography on major features such as ‘Black Panther’ and ‘Fruitvale Station’. Morrison also directs and mentors emerging filmmakers.

Rachel Talalay

Rachel Talalay is a film and television director with credits across genre and prestige series. Her work includes episodes of ‘Doctor Who’, ‘Sherlock’, and ‘The Flash’. Early in her career, she directed entries in the ‘A Nightmare on Elm Street’ franchise and has continued to work internationally.

Rachel Hunter

Rachel Hunter is a New Zealand model and television personality who appeared on multiple ‘Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue’ covers. She has hosted and produced travel and lifestyle programs, including ‘Rachel Hunter’s Tour of Beauty’. Hunter has also acted in film and television and supports philanthropic initiatives.

Rachel Ward

Rachel Ward is a British-Australian actor and director known for the miniseries ‘The Thorn Birds’. Her film roles include ‘Against All Odds’ and ‘Dead Men Don’t Wear Plaid’. Ward later moved into directing, making features and television projects in Australia.

Share your favorite Rachels—and the roles, songs, or projects you love most—in the comments!