Ariana DeBose

Early Life

Ariana DeBose was born on January 25, 1991, in Wilmington, North Carolina. Raised by her mother, Gina DeBose, a middle school teacher, Ariana trained in dance at CC & Co. Dance Complex in Raleigh. She has a diverse heritage, with a Puerto Rican father and a white mother, along with African-American and Italian ancestry.

Career

DeBose's career began in 2009 when she competed on the reality show "So You Think You Can Dance," making it into the Top 20. She transitioned to acting, appearing in the soap opera "One Life to Live" and performing in various stage productions, including "Hairspray" and "Bring It On." Her Broadway journey continued with roles in "Motown" and "Pippin," before she joined the ensemble of the groundbreaking musical "Hamilton."

In 2021, DeBose gained international acclaim for her portrayal of Anita in Steven Spielberg's adaptation of "West Side Story," winning several prestigious awards, including the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. This historic win made her the first Afro-Latina and openly queer woman of color to receive an Oscar for acting.

Personal Life

Ariana DeBose identifies as queer and has been an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, co-founding the Unruly Hearts Initiative in 2020 to support young people. She has been in relationships with notable figures in the arts, including costume designer Sue Makkoo. DeBose's openness about her identity and her advocacy work reflect her commitment to social issues, particularly those affecting marginalized communities.