Facts About Heather Morris from 'Glee'

Cali Girl

Heather Morris was born February 1, 1987 in Thousand Oaks, California, and raised in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Family Tragedy

Morris' father died of cancer when she was 14.

Rejected from 'So You Think You Can Dance'

Heather auditioned with her friend Ben for season 2 of "SYTYCD" in 2006, but didn't make it to the Top 20 due to one vote. See her performance:

Persistent

After failing to making the final 20 on "So You Think You Can Dance" Heather packed her bags and headed for L.A. to pursue a career in dance.

She's a Single Lady

Heather got her big break in 2007 when she landed a spot as a backup dancer for Beyonce's world tour.

'Fired Up'

Morris received her second big break when she was cast in the movie "Fired Up," where she met choreographer Zach Woodlee, who brought Heather to dance on other shows, which led to "Glee."

Becoming a Gleek

Heather was actively pursuing an acting career when she was asked by Woodlee to teach the choreography for Beyonce's "Single Ladies" to the "Glee" cast. At the same time, the show was looking for a third cheerleader, and Morris ended up landing the role of Brittany.

Board Game Bound

Morris once told TV Guide that she hopes to be an answer in Trivial Pursuit one day for her one-liner, "Did you know that dolphins are just gay sharks?" "I really hope that I'm a Trivial Pursuit question," she said. "'What character said this infamous line?'"

Brittany is a 'Mean Girl'

Morris based her character in "Glee" on Karen from "Mean Girls" (played by Amanda Seyfried). She told TV Guide that the reason was, "If you watch a sitcom and see a dumb girl, the actress is usually overplaying her dumbness," Heather said. "With Karen, she legitimately doesn't understand. She's like a little kid who says, 'I don't get it.' It's funnier to me to play Brittany as not super stupid, but really innocent."

BFFs

Heather and "Glee" co-star Naya Rivera (Santana) are real life best friends.

Favorite Snack

Heather likes to chow down on chips and guacamole.

TV Watcher

Besides "Glee," Heather says her favorite show is "Modern Family."