lea michele duncan sheik
Celebrity

Lea Michele Honors Spring Awakening Composer Duncan Sheik: 'This One Hurts'

The Glee alum paid emotional tribute to the late musician who composed her breakout Broadway show.

By Dee AlvarezPublished Updated 2 min read

Broadway star Lea Michele is opening up about her grief following the death of acclaimed composer Duncan Sheik. The actress paid a heartfelt homage to the late musician, who was the creative mastermind behind the score of the legendary stage hit *Spring Awakening*. Michele, who famously starred in the groundbreaking musical during her early career, took time to express her profound sadness over the passing of her former collaborator. The news of his death has left the performer struggling to process the loss of such an influential artistic figure.

What did Lea Michele say about Duncan Sheik In a touching tribute dedicated to the late composer, Michele shared her deep grief with fans and the wider Broadway community. Looking back on their shared history, she admitted that coming to terms with his passing has been incredibly painful. "This One Hurts and Does Not Seem Real," Michele wrote in her emotional message honoring Sheik. Her statement captured the widespread shock felt by theater lovers as they mourn the loss of the respected musical creator. Michele's moving words reflected the immense respect she held for Sheik, whose music helped propel her into global stardom. As the composer for *Spring Awakening*, Sheik crafted the distinct sound that allowed Michele to showcase her vocal talents in her breakout role.

How did Duncan Sheik and Lea Michele collaborate The professional connection between Michele and Sheik developed during the creation and iconic Broadway run of *Spring Awakening*. Sheik's innovative musical compositions redefined modern theater, providing the soundtrack for Michele's starring performance in the acclaimed production. Because the musical played such a pivotal role in shaping her artistic journey, the loss of its composer is a deeply personal moment for the actress. Her tribute underscores the lasting impact Sheik had on her career and the broader entertainment landscape. As tributes continue to pour in from across the showbiz world, Michele's words stand as a poignant reminder of the enduring work they shared. Though the beloved composer has passed away, the landmark music he wrote for Michele and the rest of the cast will live on.

The backstory

Verified moments, in order.

Lea Michele: Broadway Roots, Glee Fame and a Public Reckoning

Spring Awakening gives Michele her Broadway breakthrough before Glee makes her a television star. Her path also brings personal loss, workplace allegations and a return to the stage.

  1. Broadway starts with Young Cosette

    Lea Michele — Broadway starts with Young Cosette

    Michele makes her Broadway debut as Young Cosette in Les Misérables. She builds her career as a child performer, years before television audiences know her as Rachel Berry.

  2. Spring Awakening changes the stakes

    Lea Michele — Spring Awakening changes the stakes

    Michele originates the role of Wendla in Broadway’s Spring Awakening opposite Jonathan Groff as Melchior. With music by Duncan Sheik and book and lyrics by Steven Sater, the musical becomes her stage breakthrough and wins eight Tony Awards in 2007, including best musical.

  3. Rachel Berry takes her beyond Broadway

    Lea Michele — Rachel Berry takes her beyond Broadway

    Glee premieres with Michele playing Rachel Berry, a high-school singer intent on stardom. The role brings her an Emmy nomination in 2010 and keeps her at the center of the series through its 2015 finale.

  4. Cory Monteith dies

    Lea Michele — Cory Monteith dies

    Michele’s boyfriend and Glee co-star Cory Monteith dies on July 13 at 31. She later appears in the show’s tribute episode, The Quarterback, singing Make You Feel My Love as Rachel mourns Monteith’s character, Finn Hudson.

  5. Flashpoint

    A co-star challenges her conduct

    Lea Michele — A co-star challenges her conduct

    After Michele posts in support of Black Lives Matter, former Glee colleague Samantha Marie Ware publicly accuses her of mistreatment on set. Michele issues an apology, acknowledging that she has hurt people while saying she does not recall the specific incident Ware describes. Meal-kit company HelloFresh ends its partnership with her.

  6. Funny Girl brings her back to Broadway

    Lea Michele — Funny Girl brings her back to Broadway

    Michele takes over as Fanny Brice in Broadway’s Funny Girl revival on September 6, succeeding Beanie Feldstein in the lead role. The casting turns a recurring Glee storyline—Rachel Berry’s pursuit of the same part—into a real career milestone. Michele stays through the production’s September 2023 closing.

  7. Her family grows to four

    Lea Michele — Her family grows to four

    Michele and husband Zandy Reich announce the birth of daughter Emery Sol, their second child. The couple married in 2019 and welcomed son Ever in 2020.

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People also ask

What did Lea Michele say about Duncan Sheik?
Lea Michele shared an emotional statement honoring the late composer, writing that the loss hurts deeply and does not feel real to her.
How were Lea Michele and Duncan Sheik connected?
Lea Michele starred in the hit stage musical Spring Awakening, which was composed by Duncan Sheik.