Lyn Fairly Media
Ariana DeBose, born January 25, 1991, in Wilmington, North Carolina, is an Afro-Latina actress, dancer, and singer whose career shines both on the Broadway stage and on film and television screens. With a trajectory marked by remarkable achievements, she became a prominent figure and a pioneer on several fronts.
Her artistic journey began early, at the age of 3, when she started dance classes. Demonstrating talent at an early age, Ariana DeBose rose to prominence by winning a Cold Stone Creamery dance contest at the age of 15. Her mother, Gina DeBose, a single mother who raised her in Raleigh and Wake Forest, North Carolina, has always supported her passion for the arts.
DeBose’s career evolved from her experiences on Broadway, including appearances in notable productions such as “Bring It On: The Musical”, “Motown: The Musical”, and especially in the original cast of “Hamilton”. Her talent and versatility led her to receive a Tony Award nomination for her performance in “Summer: The Donna Summer Musical”.
DeBose did not limit herself to the stage and extended her reach to the big and small screen. Her performance in the film “West Side Story” (2021), in the role of Anita, earned her universal acclaim and marked a historic milestone by making her the first Afro-Latina, the first openly queer actress of color, and the first openly queer woman of color to win an Oscar. Prior to this feat, she had already won a Golden Globe and a Screen Actors Guild Award for the same role.
In addition to her success in the arts, Ariana DeBose is recognized for her activism. She founded the Unruly Hearts Initiative, an organization dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ youth, and is involved in charitable causes, raising funds for organizations such as The Trevor Project, Point Foundation, and Covenant House.
Ariana DeBose has not only achieved recognition in the entertainment industry, but she has also become a leading voice on issues of diversity, representation, and support for the LGBTQ+ community. Her inspiring trajectory is celebrated as much for her artistic achievements as for her social impact.
