Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy. Rachel Zegler just turned 24 and recently left New York City to prepare for her starring role in West End’s Evita, which on June 14 in London.

The Snow White actress understandably didn’t fly back to New York City for tonight’s Met Gala, prioritizing the project’s rehearsals. Zegler made her Met Gala debut in 2021. She returned last year in an ice-blue Michael Kors gown.

Mike Coppola // Getty Images Rachel Zegler at the 2021 Met Gala. Lexie Moreland // Getty Images Rachel Zegler at the 2024 Met Gala. On May 3, Zegler marked her 24th birthday by reflecting on the last year in a candid Instagram.

“23 was neither good nor bad but a secret third thing,” she wrote. “Anyways I turn 24 today.” In March, Zegler spoke to about her attitude toward female competition in the industry, saying she doesn’t like the idea of women being pitted against each other. “All I’m ever really looking for in this business is a sister, and they’re not always easy to find,” she said.

“We’re often told that other women have to be your competition, and I don’t subscribe to that. I really do believe in championing your friends and championing your coworkers, whether you’re close with them or not. So the second that there’s any intimidation or competition, just put on ‘Girl, so confusing’ by Charli XCX and talk it out.

I’ve come to know that in the last couple of years, in search of female friendship in the industry, there is room for all of us no matter what anybody else will have you think.” As for her own career, Zegler wants balance, especially as she gets older. “I want a family, but I also want to work until I die,” she admitted. “I love telling stories.

I never want to stop doing that, but I also really look forward to the day when I can come home and have a life partner, be married, and have babies and the dog and the white fence and feel like I’ve done it all.”