Lea Michele friendship leaves ‘Glee’ fan Hannah Cruz in awe

Broadway star Hannah Cruz revealed she still finds it hard to believe she now calls Lea Michele a friend after spending years admiring the actress as a devoted fan of Glee.

Cruz, who earned a Tony Award nomination for her performance as Svetlana in Chess, reflected on the full-circle experience during an interview at the 2026 Tony Awards in New York.

“It’s a question you get asked a lot and I try to give different answers, but this really is just the dream of my life come true,” Cruz said, as per People. “You don’t prepare yourself for this to happen.”

Duet With Lea Michele Became a Career Highlight

Among her most memorable moments in the production is performing the classic duet I Know Him So Wellalongside Michele, who stars as Florence.

“I’ll never forget the first time I got to sing ‘I Know Him So Well’ with Lea Michele,” Cruz said. “Getting to look in her eyes every night and share that moment with her after watching Glee so ferociously growing up and now getting to call her my friend, my sister, I’ll never ever forget that.”

Cruz added that one of her favourite performances from Glee remains the mash-up of Heads Will Roll and Thriller from the show’s second season.

“I listen to it every Halloween. It’s so good,” she said.

Tony Awards Appearance Celebrated Broadway Success

Both Cruz and Michele appeared in the opening number of the 2026 Tony Awards, hosted by Pink. The pair joined the musical performance as Broadway stars were highlighted throughout the ceremony.

For the event, Cruz wore a blush-coloured gown designed by Christian Siriano and described the look as one of her favourites despite initially feeling vulnerable about the design.

She also credited her husband, Edred Utomi, for supporting her throughout the awards season.

“Truly couldn't have done anything this season without Edred by my side,” Cruz said. “Before the ceremony even began, I felt like a winner.”

‘Chess’ Continues Broadway Run

The Broadway revival of Chess centres on a Cold War-era chess rivalry that develops into a complex love triangle. Alongside Michele and Cruz, the production stars Nicholas Christopher and Aaron Tveit.

The musical continues performances at the Imperial Theatre through June 21.