Ariana DeBose is a famous American performer well-known for her talents in acting, singing, theatre, and dancing. DeBose’s career took off in 2021 when she landed a pivotal role in Steven Spielberg’s movie version of “West Side Story.” Her performance earned her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.
Ariana DeBose Bio Summary
Full name: Ariana DeBose
Place of birth: Wilmington, NC, United States
Date of birth: 25 January 1991
Age: 33 years old
Height: 5 ft 5 in (165 cm)
Weight: 123 lbs (56 kg)
Eye color: Brown
Hair color: Black
Mother’s name: Gina DeBose
School: Wake Forest High School
College: Western Carolina University
Nationality: American
Zodiac sign: Aquarius
Gender: Female
Sexual orientation: Homosexual
Marital status: In a relationship
Partner: Sue Makkoo (2017-present)
Profession: Actress, singer, dancer
Early Life & Family
Ariana DeBose was born on January 25, 1991, in Wilmington, North Carolina, USA. Her mother, Gina DeBose, is an eighth-grade teacher, while her father is Puerto Rican and her mother is American.
She also has a mix of African American and Italian heritage. DeBose began dancing at a young age and received training at the CC & Co. Dance Complex in Raleigh.
Career: TV, Movie, Broadway
Ariana DeBose’s television debut occurred in 2009 when she joined the cast of “So You Think You Can Dance” as a contestant. She successfully advanced to the top 20 during the competition. Following this, she took the stage for the first time in North Carolina Theatre’s rendition of the popular musical “Hairspray” in 2011.
After that, DeBose appeared in two additional musicals in the same year: “Bring it On: The Musical,” which debuted at the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia, and “Company,” which starred the New York Philharmonic and was recorded for TV. She then embarked on a nationwide tour with “Bring it On” at the end of the year.
In 2012, DeBose stepped onto the Broadway stage for the first time, playing Nautica once again in “Bring it On.” She also served as an understudy for the character of Danielle. The next year, DeBose took on the role of singer Mary Wilson in “Motown: The Musical,” a show about Berry Gordy and the well-known record label.
In addition, DeBose served as the understudy for Diana Ross in the production. She then went on to perform in the musical “Pippin” in 2014. The following year, DeBose departed from the production to join the ensemble of “Hamilton,” which was currently being performed off-Broadway.
In 2015, DeBose reprised her role in “Hamilton” for its Broadway premiere and also portrayed Éponine in the Connecticut Repertory Theatre’s rendition of “Les Misérables.”
Ariana DeBose’s portrayal of Jane in the Broadway adaptation of “A Bronx Tale,” written by Chazz Palminteri, started in 2016. The following year, she achieved recognition by playing Disco Donna in “Summer: The Donna Summer Musical” at the La Jolla Playhouse in San Diego, California.
She reprised her role when the show moved to Broadway in 2018 and was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical.
In 2018, Ariana DeBose made her film debut in the thriller “Seaside.” Two years later, she took on the role of cheerleader Alyssa Greene in Ryan Murphy’s “The Prom,” a movie adaptation of the popular Broadway musical. The star-studded cast includes Meryl Streep, James Corden, Nicole Kidman, Andrew Rannells, and Kerry Washington.
Ariana DeBose achieved heightened fame and recognition in 2021 through her remarkable portrayal of Anita in Steven Spielberg‘s film version of the musical “West Side Story.” The movie received rave reviews from critics, with DeBose’s performance garnering special acclaim.
She was honored with various awards and nominations, including a Golden Globe, a SAG, and a BAFTA. Moreover, DeBose was nominated for an Academy Award for her outstanding supporting role and ultimately claimed the prize.
In 2016, Ariana DeBose made her debut as an actress on a TV show, portraying Sophia Ortiz in an episode of the popular police drama “Blue Bloods” on CBS.
Five years later, she took on a larger role in the limited series “Schmigadoon!” on Apple TV+, a comedic musical that pays homage to classic musicals from the Golden Age. In the show, DeBose portrays Emma Tate, a teacher inspired by the character Marian Paroo from “The Music Man.”
Personal Life
Currently, the American actress is in a relationship with Sue Makkoo. Sue has a remarkable career spanning more than 20 years, excelling as a fashion designer, costume director, teacher, and poet.
Net Worth
In a short period, Ariana DeBose has risen to success as an actress, dancer, and singer, with a net worth of $4 million. She has been recognized and honored for her performances on stage and television.
