Unique Adams | |
---|---|
Glee character | |
First appearance | "Saturday Night Glee-ver" (2012) |
Last appearance | "Dreams Come True" (2015) |
Created by | Ryan Murphy Brad Falchuk Ian Brennan |
Portrayed by | Alex Newell |
In-universe information | |
Occupation | High school student (graduated) |
Unique Adams is a fictional character from the Fox musical comedy-drama series Glee who first appeared in "Saturday Night Glee-ver", the sixteenth episode of the show's third season. Portrayed by actor Alex Newell, Unique is notable for being the show's first transgender character. Introduced as shy teen boy Wade Adams, the character is the featured vocalist of New Directions' rival group Vocal Adrenaline. She quickly finds the confidence to perform as trans woman Unique. She later transfers to William McKinley High School at the beginning of the fourth season in order to be in a place where she can be her true self.
Unique was initially created as a two-episode guest arc prize in Glee's third season for Newell, one of the two runners-up of the first season of Oxygen's The Glee Project. After the well received appearance, Unique returns for a recurring role for the fourth season and is later promoted to the main cast for the fifth season, although she was written out mid season. She returns for two appearances in the final season, including the series finale. For the depiction of coming to terms with her identity throughout her appearance on the show, the character has received favorable reviews and is considered to be the most notable mid-run addition to the show.