HOT GALLERY: Before McKinley High: Your Favorite Glee Stars, Slushie-Free

Seth Poppel/Yearbook Library

Darren Criss, Then

Bay Area native Criss began his career at the young age of 10 in a local community theater. He honed his talent at the Young Conservatory of San Francisco's American Conservatory Theater before attending the University of Michigan, where he cofounded a theater production company called Team StarKid.

Seth Poppel/Yearbook Library, Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Darren Criss, Now

Criss made waves when he premiered as Blaine Anderson, an openly gay student in the Warblers, a rival glee club, during Glee's second season. Viewers loved his role, and love soon blossomed between Blaine and Kurt. When the couple shared their first kiss, Twitter and Facebook blew up with joyful comments from Gleeks everywhere. It was a huge moment that reiterated the show’s message of embracing who you are. Kurt and Blaine's relationship actually proves one of the show's most enduring.

Seth Poppel/Yearbook Library

Naya Rivera, Then

This fresh-faced teen was no stranger to flashing her dazzling smile for the cameras. Rivera started modeling as a baby and worked steadily on TV beginning at the age of 4. Despite her many years of experience, the role of Santana Lopez will probably always be known as her breakthrough.

Seth Poppel/Yearbook Library, Michael Buckner/Getty Images

Naya Rivera, Now

Gleeks’ favorite mean girl, Santana gives Sue a run for her money in the one-liner department. In the first season, Santana relished her promiscuous reputation and her ability to make her classmates cower with a glare or a harsh word. In season 2, it was revealed that Santana was a lesbian, and Rivera's nuanced performance really brought Santana's struggles to light in an honest and touching way. Now, her and Brittany are married and super happy.

Seth Poppel/Yearbook Library

Amber Riley, Then

As a sophomore at La Mirada High School in California, Riley had big dreams of a career in the entertainment industry. Riley auditioned for both Dreamgirls and the second season of American Idol but failed to make the cut for either (to the great joy of Glee fans).

Seth Poppel/Yearbook Library, Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Amber Riley, Now

Riley rocks (literally) the role of Mercedes Jones: a sassy, confident vocal powerhouse… and sometimes diva. Riley and her incredible voice have tackled some of the show's most iconic solos, including "Bust the Windows," which Ryan Murphy wrote in for her specifically after hearing Riley singing it in her trailer in between takes.

Seth Poppel/Yearbook Library

Kevin McHale, Then

Just like his apparent hair idol Zac Efron, McHale is a multitalent! Prior to joining Glee, McHale was a member of the boy band NLT and is a very impressive singer and dancer.

Seth Poppel/Yearbook Library, Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images

Kevin McHale, Now

As wheelchair-bound Artie, McHale doesn’t get a chance to show off his dancing skills (except in dream sequences—remember his awesome "Safety Dance" number?). But what he lacks in footwork, he makes up for in heart.

Seth Poppel/Yearbook Library

Chord Overstreet, Then

While growing up in Tennesee, Overstreet pursued music and modeled for Famous Footwear and the Gap. His older brother, Nash, studied music as well and is the lead singer for Hot Chelle Rae.

Seth Poppel/Yearbook Library/ carrie-nelson

Chord Overstreet, Now

Overstreet joined Glee as Sam Evans, a transfer student, who was easy on the eyes. Overstreet has incorporated some of his own personality traits into the character including his personal gift for celebrity impressions.

Seth Poppel/Yearbook Library

Jane Lynch, Then

Long before she made audiences laugh in The 40-Year-Old Virgin and mockumentaries such as Best in Show and A Mighty Wind, Lynch played to live audiences in the Chicago improv-theater scene. Like comedy greats Gilda Radner, Tina Fey, and Amy Poehler, Lynch was a member of the Second City comedy troupe (and many others). We bet her sarcastic delivery was a hit in improv, too!

Seth Poppel/Yearbook Library, Larry Busacca/Getty Images

Jane Lynch, Now

Lynch has given Sue Sylvester, the queen of tracksuits and one-liners, great deadpan delivery and a (very carefully hidden) heart full of compassion. Lynch won both an Emmy and a Golden Globe for her portrayal of the Will-Schuester-hating Cheerios coach and got to show even greater depth when the show focused on the death of Sue’s beloved sister.

Seth Poppel/Yearbook Library

Chris Colfer, Then

Although you can't hear his signature falsetto, this adorable Fresno native has long loved musical theater, even writing and starring in his own parody of Sweeney Todd, called Shirley Todd.

Seth Poppel/Yearbook Library, Jason Merritt/Getty Images

Chris Colfer, Now

Glee creator Ryan Murphy was so impressed by Colfer that he created the part of Kurt Hummel just for him. Little did Colfer and Murphy know how beloved the character would be and that Kurt would become an icon for gay teens, acceptance, and the anti-bullying movement. Colfer earned a well-deserved Golden Globe and delivered an emotional speech that would have made Kurt Hummel proud.

Seth Poppel/Yearbook Library

Grant Gustin, Then

Grant Gustin studied musical theater while in high school in Norfolk, VA. He pursued the same while at Elon University in North Carolina and left school after he got his Broadway break in a tour of West Side Story.

Seth Poppel/Yearbook Library/Byron Purvis/AdMedia

Grant Gustin, Now

Gustin had barely ended his West Side Story role when he started playing the devious Sebastian Smythe, a Dalton Warbler and a cause of drama between Kurt and Blaine. He's now starring on The CW's The Flash.

Seth Poppel/Yearbook Library

Heather Morris, Then

This precocious tot would grow up to have some enviable dance moves. Morris tried out for season 2 of So You Think You Can Dance but failed to make it past the "green mile." Don't shed any tears for her, though, because in 2007 she became a backup dancer for Beyonce—yes, that Beyonce—toured the world with her, performed with Tina Turner at the Grammys, and danced on Saturday Night Live.

Seth Poppel/Yearbook Library, Michael Kovac/Getty Images for AOL

Heather Morris, Now

Morris was discovered when she was hired to teach the “Single Ladies” dance to the cast of Glee. She ended up winning the part of the third main Cheerio, with her bit role expanding exponentially once they discovered Morris's knack for hilarious one-liners. Obviously none of us knew that dolphins were gay sharks before she came along.

Seth Poppel/Yearbook Library

Harry Shum Jr., Then

The adorable Harry Shum Jr. lived with his family in Costa Rica before they relocated to San Francisco. His earliest inspiration to begin dancing were seeing R&B artists like Usher, Ginuwine and Dru Hill perform.

Seth Poppel/Yearbook Library/Byron Purvis/AdMedia

Harry Shum Jr., Now

Shum's dancing career took off in 2002 when he was the only male dancer on BET's Comic View. He plays Mike Chang on Glee whose character grew into bigger storylines as the show has gone on including a romance with Tina and a feud with his father.

Seth Poppel/Yearbook Library

Mark Salling, Then

Salling rocked a very '90s hairstyle before the famous Noah Puckerman Mohawk. He also rocked the piano, guitar, bass, and drums. An all-around musical talent, he sings, composes, and produces all of his own songs and albums.

Seth Poppel/Yearbook Library, Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Mark Salling, Now

Bad boy Puck impregnated his best friend's girlfriend, got frisky with uptight Rachel, and fell head over heels for badass Lauren Zizes. Beneath the tough exterior, this football player is a sensitive guy and a loyal friend who is willing to dress up like Gaga or Kiss. And let’s be honest—he looks good doing it all!

Seth Poppel/Yearbook Library

Lea Michele, Then

A Broadway baby, indeed! Michele made her debut on the Great White Way as a Young Cosette in Les Miserables. She followed that up with roles in Ragtime and Fiddler on the Roof. Michele may be best known for originating the role of Wendla in Spring Awakening, for which she was nominated for multiple awards.

Seth Poppel/Yearbook Library, Jason Merritt/Getty Images

Lea Michele, Now

The Emmy- and Golden Globe-nominated star has made us all fall for proper, attention-craving, talented Rachel Berry. Michele's vocals were featured in 14 of the top 20 Glee singles, and with amazing vocals like hers, we know that number only grew.

Seth Poppel/Yearbook Library

Jayma Mays, Then

Mays has obviously had the part of wide-eyed ingenue down since she was a little girl. After graduating from Radford University with a degree in theater, Mays found success on the small screen. She appeared on episodes of Heroes, Pushing Daisies, Ugly Betty, How I Met Your Mother, Entourage, and House (among many others).

Seth Poppel/Yearbook Library, Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images

Jayma Mays, Now

Mays can be found polishing her grapes, meticulously organizing everything on her desk, and fretting about general cleanliness as O.C.D.-suffering guidance counselor Emma Pillsbury. After eloping with none other than John Stamos, Emma finally realized her heart belongs to Will Schuester, who understands her complexities. One thing we do know is that she'll continue to be the best-dressed woman at McKinley High!

Seth Poppel/Yearbook Library

Jenna Ushkowitz, Then

Born in Seoul, South Korea, Ushkowitz was adopted at 3 months old and raised in New York. She started singing at a young age, even performing the national anthem at Madison Square Garden when she was 13. She served as an understudy for Spring Awakening on Broadway, where she was already friends with future castmate Lea Michele.

Seth Poppel/Yearbook Library, Larry Busacca/Getty Images for EJAFTHEN

Jenna Ushkowitz, Now

As Tina Cohen-Chang, Ushkowitz had a stutter for the first nine episodes of the show. Tina eventually admitted it was faked, and came out of her shell more—including solos! After a complicated relationship with Artie, Tina and "other Asian" Mike Chang (and his incredible abs) dated.

Seth Poppel/Yearbook Library

Dianna Agron, Then

This innocent look and beautiful smile would come in handy for Agron as she grew up. She began dancing at the age of 3 but dove into TV as a teenager with roles on Veronica Mars, Heroes, CSI: NY, and Numb3rs. She also appeared in print media as part of Walmart's 2010 Ocean Pacific campaign.

Seth Poppel/Yearbook Library, Jason Merritt/Getty Images for PCA

Dianna Agron, Now

As cheerleader Quinn Fabray, Agron started the series pregnant with Puck's baby. After giving up the baby to Rachel’s birth mom, Quinn went after Sam and then Finn.

Seth Poppel/Yearbook Library

Max Adler, Then

After living in New York, Adler moved with his family to Arizona where he attended Horizon High School and was in show choir. Post-high school, Adler moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting.

Seth Poppel/Yearbook Library/Tonya Wise/AdMedia

Max Adler, Now

Adler had bit roles on television before he landed the part of Dave Karofsky. At first, Karofsky was a one-note bully but Adler's performance and collaboration with Glee creator Ryan Murphy turned Dave into much more than a typical mean guy.

Seth Poppel/Yearbook Library

Matthew Morrison, Then

Before he was glee coach and vest wearer Will Schuester, former boy band member, singer, and songwriter Morrison was most well-known for his Broadway roles in Hairspray and A Light in the Piazza.

Seth Poppel/Yearbook Library, Jason Kempin/Getty Images

Matthew Morrison, Now

Always finding himself on the wrong end of Sue Sylvester’s jokes and nefarious schemes, Mr. Schue has had his ups and downs, but somehow always ends up smiling—or coming up with a life lesson and theme for his students to sing about.