Ariana Debose

Ariana DeBose is an accomplished American actress and singer whose career has been marked by a series of impressive achievements across stage and screen. She first gained national attention as a contestant on the sixth season of “So You Think You Can Dance” in 2009, where she finished in the top 20. Following this, DeBose made her Broadway debut in 2011 with “Bring It On: The Musical,” and continued to shine in productions such as “Motown: The Musical” and “Pippin,” showcasing her versatility and talent in musical theater.

From 2015 to 2016, DeBose was an original ensemble member in Lin-Manuel Miranda’s groundbreaking musical “Hamilton,” further solidifying her status in the theater community. Her performance as Donna Summer in “Summer: The Donna Summer Musical” earned her a Tony Award nomination in 2018, highlighting her ability to captivate audiences with her powerful performances. DeBose has also hosted the Tony Awards multiple times, demonstrating her charisma and connection with the theater world.

DeBose’s film career took off with her role as Anita in Steven Spielberg’s 2021 adaptation of “West Side Story,” for which she won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, making history as the first Afro-Latina and openly queer woman of color to receive this honor. Her performance garnered widespread acclaim, and she also received several other prestigious awards, including a BAFTA and a Golden Globe.

In addition to her film work, DeBose has lent her voice to animated projects like Disney’s “Wish” and has continued to make waves in television with her role in the musical comedy series “Schmigadoon!” Her dynamic presence and commitment to her craft have made her a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, inspiring many with her journey and achievements.