Ariana DeBose

Wilmington, North Carolina, U.S.

Film Actor

Ariana DeBose is a talented American actress who has won many awards for her performances. She was born on January 25, 1991, in Wilmington, North Carolina. Her mom is a teacher, and Ariana trained in dance at CC & Co. Dance Complex in Raleigh.

Ariana became known to many when she competed on So You Think You Can Dance in 2009, making it to the top 20. She made her Broadway debut in 2011 in Bring It On: The Musical and continued with roles in other Broadway shows like Motown: The Musical and Pippin.

One of her big breaks came when she joined the original cast of Hamilton from 2015 to 2016. She also appeared in A Bronx Tale on Broadway and gained recognition for playing Disco Donna in Summer: The Donna Summer Musical, which earned her a Tony Award nomination.

Ariana’s career soared with her roles in films and TV shows. She starred in The Prom on Netflix and played Anita in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story in 2021, which won her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. She’s known for her roles in Schmigadoon! and recently voiced Asha in the Disney film Wish.

In addition to acting, Ariana has been recognized for her influence, being named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people in 2022. She’s also hosted the Tony Awards and has been involved in various initiatives supporting the LGBTQ+ community, including launching the Unruly Hearts Initiative with her friend Jo Ellen Pellman.

Ariana DeBose is openly lesbian and has been in relationships with costume designer Sue Makkoo and theater props master Jill Johnson. She’s known for her dynamic performances, whether on stage, in movies, or on TV, and continues to be a role model for many aspiring actors and members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Looking ahead, Ariana has exciting projects lined up, including roles in superhero films and other major productions. Her career shows no signs of slowing down, and she remains a celebrated figure in entertainment, known for her talent, diversity, and advocacy.