Ariana DeBose’s Biography and Net Worth

Meet Ariana DeBose, the multi-talented American actress, dancer, and singer whose star has been shining brightly in the world of entertainment. Born on January 25, 1991, in Wilmington, North Carolina, Ariana’s journey to stardom has been nothing short of remarkable. From a young age, her passion for dance was evident, and today, she has conquered Broadway and gained global recognition, earning prestigious awards and nominations. Join us as we explore the inspiring story of Ariana DeBose.

Ariana DeBose grew up in Raleigh and Wake Forest, North Carolina, raised by her single mother, Gina DeBose, as her Afro-Puerto Rican father was not present in her life. At the tender age of three, Ariana started taking dance lessons, and her natural talent was immediately evident. Her mother fondly recalls, “I always like to say, she came out dancing.” When Ariana was 13, she bravely came out as gay, and her mother lovingly accepted and supported her.

As a young girl, Ariana’s initial career aspiration was to become a backup dancer. However, her passion for theater blossomed when she was around 10 or 11 years old. She participated in various North Carolina productions, including Aida, Les Misérables, and A Chorus Line. While working on A Chorus Line, she met Charlotte d’Amboise, the show’s star, who later became her mentor.

A turning point in Ariana DeBose’s career came when she appeared on the reality show “So You Think You Can Dance” in 2009. Though she didn’t win the competition, it motivated her to pursue a broader career in the performing arts. She then moved to New York to challenge herself in singing, dancing, and acting simultaneously. In 2011, Ariana landed a role in “Bring It On: The Musical,” and after a successful national tour, she made her Broadway debut in 2012.

Ariana DeBose’s talent and versatility shone brightly as she took on various roles in notable productions. She portrayed Mary Wilson in “Motown: The Musical” in 2013, even understudying the iconic role of Diana Ross. Her performances in “Pippin” and the ensemble of “Hamilton” further solidified her reputation as an outstanding performer.

In 2016, Ariana made her television debut on the show “Blue Bloods,” showcasing her acting skills beyond the stage. Her star continued to rise as she starred as cheerleader Alyssa Greene in the Netflix musical “The Prom” in 2020. The same year, a recorded performance of “Hamilton” with Ariana in the ensemble was released on Disney+.

Ariana DeBose’s talent knows no bounds, as demonstrated in her appearance on Apple TV+’s “Schmigadoon!” alongside Keegan-Michael Key and Kristin Chenoweth. In January 2022, she hosted “Saturday Night Live,” adding another feather to her illustrious cap.

Outside of her successful career, Ariana’s personal life includes a previous relationship with Broadway props master Jill Johnson. Currently, she is happily dating Broadway costume designer Sue Makkoo, and the couple resides in a cozy country cottage in New York.

Conclusion

Ariana DeBose’s journey from a young dance enthusiast to a Tony-nominated actress and global influencer is a testament to her talent, hard work, and authenticity. With numerous accolades to her name and an ever-growing fan base, Ariana continues to inspire aspiring artists and touch the hearts of audiences worldwide with her performances on stage and screen. Follow her on Instagram (@arianadebose) and Twitter (@ArianaDeBoss) to witness her artistic journey and stay updated on her future endeavors.

FAQs

Who is Ariana DeBose?

Ariana DeBose is an American actress, singer, and dancer born on January 25, 1991, in Wilmington, North Carolina. She began her career as a contestant on “So You Think You Can Dance” in 2009 and has since appeared in numerous Broadway productions, including “Bring It On: The Musical,” “Motown: The Musical,” “Pippin,” and “Hamilton.” She gained widespread recognition for 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.

What is Ariana DeBose’s net worth?

As of 2025, Ariana DeBose’s net worth is estimated to be around $4 million. Her earnings come from her work in theater, film, and television.

What are some notable achievements in Ariana DeBose’s career?

Ariana DeBose has received several accolades, including an Academy Award, a British Academy Film Award, and a Golden Globe Award for her performance in “West Side Story.” She was also nominated for a Tony Award for her role in “Summer: The Donna Summer Musical.” In 2022, Time magazine named her one of the 100 most influential people in the world.

What is Ariana DeBose’s background and early life?

Ariana DeBose was born to a Puerto Rican father and a white mother, Gina DeBose, who is a middle school teacher. She also has African-American and Italian ancestry. She trained in dance at CC & Co. Dance Complex in Raleigh, North Carolina, where she grew up.

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