Keala Settle – The Broadway Star Behind This Is Me
Keala Settle’s voice became an anthem of resilience even before audiences saw her face. As the powerhouse behind “This Is Me” in The Greatest Showman, she delivered one of the most memorable film moments of the decade. But her career extends well beyond that single song, rooted in years of Broadway performances and a deep connection to her heritage.
Born in Laie, Hawaii, Settle has built a career that moves between stage and screen. From Tony-nominated roles to voice work in upcoming animated features, she remains a distinctive presence in musical theatre and film. Her biography, career highlights, and what is known—and what remains unclear—about her personal life and future projects are explored below.
Who is Keala Settle?
Keala Joan Settle is an American singer and actress who rose to international prominence after her performance in the 2017 film The Greatest Showman. She was born on November 5, 1975, in Laie, Hawaii, which makes her 49 years old as of 2025, and has been active in the entertainment industry since 2002.
Settle’s ancestry reflects a mix of Māori and British/English heritage. Her mother, Susanne Riwai, is of Māori descent from New Zealand, with tribal affiliations including Ngāti Rangitāne, Ngāti Raukawa, and Ngāti Kahungunu. Her father, David Settle, is described as British/English.
Settle attended Southern Utah University, though specific details about her degree are not widely published. She identifies as a proud Māori artist and has spoken about the influence of her heritage on her work.
- Full Name: Keala Joan Settle
- Known For: Singing “This Is Me” in The Greatest Showman
- Born: November 5, 1975 (age 49)
- Net Worth (2025): Estimated $1 million – $5 million
Key Insights
- Keala Settle rose to international fame after performing “This Is Me” in the 2017 film The Greatest Showman.
- She originated the role of Norma Valverde in the Broadway musical Hands on a Hardbody, earning a Tony nomination.
- Despite her powerful voice, Settle has maintained a relatively private personal life, with limited public details about a husband.
- Her ethnicity combines Māori and British/English ancestry, reflecting her Hawaiian roots.
- In 2025, she is involved in new projects, but official announcements remain pending.
Snapshot Facts
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Age | 49 (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Honolulu, Hawaii, USA |
| Spouse | Married (name not publicly confirmed) |
| Children | None publicly known |
| Occupation | Singer, actress |
| Years Active | 2000s–present |
| Notable Award | Tony nomination for Hands on a Hardbody (2013) |
What is Keala Settle Best Known For?
Keala Settle is best known for her role as Lettie Lutz in The Greatest Showman (2017), where she performed “This Is Me.” The song, written by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, won the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song and was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Song. The soundtrack became a global phenomenon, and Settle’s performance is widely regarded as the emotional core of the film.
Broadway Career
Before her film breakthrough, Settle had an established career on Broadway. She originated the role of Norma Valverde in Hands on a Hardbody in 2013, earning nominations for the Outer Critics Circle Award, the Drama Desk Award, and the Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical. She later joined the original Broadway cast of Waitress in 2016, playing Becky.
Other stage credits include Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, Les Misérables, Gypsy in concert, and a national tour of Hairspray.
What Movies and TV Shows Has Keala Settle Been In?
Settle’s screen credits extend beyond The Greatest Showman. Her film and television appearances include:
- The Greatest Showman (2017) – Lettie Lutz
- Ricki and the Flash (2015) – Role unspecified
- Every Other Weekend (2018) – Role unspecified
- This Time Next Year (2024) – Role unspecified
- Wicked (2024) and Wicked: For Good (2025) – Miss Coddle
- Suzu of The Seventh Isle (2025, animation) – Voice role
The Wicked films represent a significant addition to her filmography. She is cast as Miss Coddle in the two-part adaptation, which is set for release in 2024 and 2025.
Multiple sources confirm Settle’s involvement in the Wicked film adaptations as Miss Coddle. This is not a stage production but a major motion picture directed by Jon M. Chu.
Is Keala Settle Married? Personal Life and Relationships
Public sources do not confirm a husband or provide details about a spouse. Settle keeps her personal life largely out of the public eye. While some biographical sources list her as married, the name of her husband has not been publicly verified through credible outlets such as Wikipedia, IMDb, or major entertainment publications.
There is also no public information indicating that she has children.
What is Keala Settle’s Net Worth and Ethnicity?
Net Worth in 2025
No verified net worth figure for 2025 is publicly available. Estimates circulating online typically range from $1 million to $5 million, but no credible financial or entertainment-industry source has confirmed this amount. Any net worth number should be treated as unverified until backed by a reliable source.
Ethnicity and Heritage
Settle’s ethnicity is well-documented. She is of Māori descent through her mother, Suanne Riwai, with tribal affiliations including Ngāti Rangitāne, Ngāti Raukawa, and Ngāti Kahungunu. Her father, David Settle, is of British/English ancestry.
Public records about Settle’s marital status and net worth are not consistently verified. These details remain unconfirmed until official statements or reliable documentation emerges.
What is Keala Settle Doing in 2025? Upcoming Projects
In 2025, Settle is expected to appear in Wicked: For Good, the second part of the film adaptation, and in the animated feature Suzu of The Seventh Isle. Whether she is working on new music or a stage role in the UK—where she has reportedly relocated—remains unconfirmed as of mid-2025. No official announcements have been made about a sequel to The Greatest Showman or a new album.
Career Timeline
- : Born in Laie, Hawaii
- : Early career in theatre and music
- : Originated role of Norma Valverde in Broadway’s Hands on a Hardbody; earned Tony nomination
- : Joined the original Broadway cast of Waitress as Becky
- : Played Lettie Lutz in The Greatest Showman; performed “This Is Me”
- : Continued performances and media appearances
- : Voice work and television roles
- : Cast in Wicked: For Good and Suzu of The Seventh Isle
What Is Known and What Remains Unclear?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Born November 5, 1975, in Laie, Hawaii | Her exact net worth is not publicly verified |
| Tony nominee for Hands on a Hardbody | Her husband’s identity is not publicly confirmed |
| Performed “This Is Me” in The Greatest Showman | Specific 2025 projects beyond Wicked and Suzu are not announced |
| Māori and British/English ancestry | Whether she will appear in a Greatest Showman sequel is unconfirmed |
How Did “This Is Me” Change Her Career?
“This Is Me” became an anthem of self-acceptance and resilience. Settle’s performance drove the song to global popularity, and it remains her most recognizable work. However, subsequent projects have not reached the same commercial peak, making her a notable example of a breakout performer whose career shifted dramatically after a single defining role. Her Broadway roots remain strong, and she continues to be a respected figure in musical theatre.
Sources and Credibility
Keala Settle is an American singer and actress of stage and screen.
— Wikipedia
Keala Joan Settle (born November 5, 1975) is an American actress and singer.
— IMDb
Best known for playing Lettie Lutz in the 2017 movie, The Greatest Showman.
— London Theatre
For further reading, explore our article on The Greatest Showman Cast and an analysis of “This Is Me” – Song and Impact.
Summary
Keala Settle is an American singer and actress who rose to fame through her role in The Greatest Showman and the Oscar-nominated song “This Is Me.” With a Broadway career that includes a Tony nomination and a growing filmography that now includes the Wicked adaptations, she continues to make an impact on stage and screen. While her personal life remains largely private, her professional trajectory demonstrates how one performance can redefine a career. Learn more in our full Keala Settle biography.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Keala Settle’s height?
Keala Settle’s exact height is not publicly listed, but she appears to be around 5’5″ (165 cm).
Does Keala Settle have children?
There is no public information indicating she has children.
What are the lyrics to “This Is Me”?
The full lyrics are available on lyric websites and are part of the Greatest Showman soundtrack.
Is Keala Settle on social media?
Yes, she is active on Instagram (@realkealasettle).
Did Keala Settle win a Tony?
She was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for Hands on a Hardbody but did not win.
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