Amber Riley Biography

In 2008, Amber Riley was cast as Mercedes Jones in the comedy-drama TV series ‘Glee’. She also sang numerous solos for the series including "Bust Your Windows", "Respect", "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going", "I Look to You", "All I Want for Christmas Is You" and "Bridge over Troubled Water". Then in 2010, she appeared in an episode of ‘The Simpsons’. Two years later, she performed in the off-Broadway production of ‘Cotton Club Parade’.

Amber Riley appeared as a contestant in the 17th season of the reality dance competition ‘Dancing with the Stars’ in 2013. After winning the show, she acted in the musical ‘Hair’ in 2014. The same year, she sang her debut song "Colorblind" live on The Queen Latifah Show. Soon after this, Amber Riley played Jackie Turner in the television film ‘My One Christmas Wish’.

In 2016, Amber Riley was cast as Effie White in the musical theatre production ‘Dreamgirls’. The same year, Riley appeared in an episode of ‘Crazy Ex-Girlfriend’. After this, she appeared a guest judge on ‘Let It Shine’ in 2017. That year, Riley also formed the musical theatre supergroup named "Leading Ladies” along with Cassidy Janson and Beverley Knight and released their debut album ‘Songs from the Stage’. Amber Riley has also recorded several songs for Todrick Hall's album ‘Straight Outta Oz.’ She co-wrote the song "Leave a Light On" for the group ‘The Saturdays’ as well. In October 2020, she released her debut self-titled EP.

Amber Riley was born on February 15, 1986 in Los Angeles, California, USA, to Tiny and Elwin Riley. She has two elder sisters named Toyia and Ashley. She attended La Mirada High School and graduated from there in 2004.

In 2020, Amber Riley got engaged to Desean Black. However, the couple separated later.