Ariana DeBose is an American actress and singer born on January 25, 1991, making her 34 years old as of 2025. She is best known for her role in the original Broadway cast of Hamilton and for winning the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story. Her journey from a reality television contestant to one of Hollywood’s most celebrated performers is a story of range and persistence. DeBose has built a career that spans Broadway musicals, major motion pictures, and television series, distinguishing herself as a triple threat in acting, singing, and dancing. Her Oscar win in 2022 was not just a personal achievement but a historic moment for representation in the film industry.
Born in North Carolina and raised by her mother, DeBose has spoken openly about her identity as a queer Afro-Latina woman. Her rise to prominence reflects a broader shift in entertainment toward recognizing diverse talent and stories, and her work continues to be a reference point for discussions about inclusion in Hollywood.
Who Is Ariana DeBose? Biography and Age
Ariana DeBose is a multifaceted performer whose career spans stage, film, and television. She gained widespread recognition for her roles in Hamilton and West Side Story, but her career includes a variety of credits that demonstrate her versatility. Below is a quick overview of essential facts about her life and public profile.
34 (as of 2025)
5 ft 4 in (1.63 m)
Mother: Gina DeBose (teacher), father: Puerto Rican background
Not publicly married; previously in a relationship with Sue Makkoo (2017–2023)
Key Facts About Her Life
- Born January 25, 1991, in Wilmington, North Carolina, U.S.
- Won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for West Side Story (2021)
- Original ensemble member of Hamilton on Broadway from 2015 to 2016
- Identifies as queer and is of Puerto Rican, Black/African-American, white, and Italian descent
- Her television debut was on So You Think You Can Dance in 2009
Snapshot Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ariana DeBose (birth name listed by some sources as Ariana Nicole DeBose) |
| Date of Birth | January 25, 1991 |
| Place of Birth | Wilmington, North Carolina, USA |
| Profession | Actress, Singer, Dancer |
| Years Active | 2009–present |
| Notable Awards | Academy Award, BAFTA, Golden Globe |
| Mother | Gina DeBose (middle school or eighth-grade teacher) |
| Father | Puerto Rican background; not present in her life |
Ariana DeBose’s Family: Who Are Her Parents and Father?
Ariana DeBose’s family background is a subject of interest for many fans. Her mother, Gina DeBose, is described as a middle school or eighth-grade teacher. Sources indicate that DeBose was raised primarily by her mother, with her father not being present in her life. Several sources describe her father as having Puerto Rican heritage, though his identity is not publicly documented.
What Is Known About Her Mother?
Gina DeBose, Ariana’s mother, is a public school teacher. Her role in Ariana’s upbringing is consistently mentioned in biographical sources, and Ariana has credited her mother’s support as important to her development as a performer. The family’s roots are in North Carolina, where Ariana was born and spent her early years.
What Is Known About Her Father?
Sources state that Ariana’s father is of Puerto Rican descent, but he was not an active presence in her life. Her mother later remarried, and her stepfather played a significant role in raising her. The identity of her biological father remains a private matter, and no verified information about him is publicly available.
Ariana DeBose’s ancestry includes Puerto Rican, Black/African-American, white, and Italian roots. This mixed background has been central to her identity and to the roles she has chosen to pursue.
Ariana DeBose’s Career: From Hamilton to West Side Story
Ariana DeBose’s career trajectory is marked by a steady progression from ensemble work to leading roles. She made her television debut on So You Think You Can Dance in 2009, which opened doors for her in the performing arts. Her Broadway credits include Bring It On (2011), Motown (2013), Pippin (2014), Hamilton (2015), and Summer: The Donna Summer Musical (2018).
Her Role in Hamilton
DeBose was an original ensemble member in the Broadway production of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton from 2015 to 2016. In the show, she played the roles of The Bullet (the ensemble member who dances) and Jane Doe, and she also served as an understudy for the role of Peggy Schuyler. Broadway.com notes that she also appeared in the off-Broadway production and the Emmy-winning film version of the musical.
From Hamilton to West Side Story
Her casting as Anita in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story (2021) marked a turning point in her career. The role, originally played by Rita Moreno in the 1961 film, established DeBose as a leading actress in Hollywood. Her performance was praised for its energy and emotional depth, and it earned her the top honors in the awards season.
Notable Screen Work
Beyond West Side Story, DeBose has appeared in several other notable projects. These include the musical comedy series Schmigadoon! (2021–), the animated film Wish (2023), and Kraven the Hunter (2024, as listed by IMDb). Her filmography demonstrates a range that extends beyond musical theater into genre films and family entertainment.
DeBose’s move from a non-speaking dancer in Hamilton to an Oscar-winning leading role in West Side Story illustrates her ability to transition from stage to screen while maintaining her defining skills as a triple threat.
What Did Ariana DeBose Win an Oscar For? Awards and Accolades
Ariana DeBose won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Anita in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story (2021). The award was presented at the 94th Academy Awards in 2022. In addition to the Oscar, DeBose received a BAFTA and a Golden Globe for the same role. This recognition placed her among the most decorated performers of her generation.
A Historic Oscar Win
Her Oscar win was historically significant. Broadway sources note that she made history as the first queer woman of color to win an acting Oscar. This milestone was widely covered in the media and was seen as a step forward for representation in the film industry. Her win was celebrated not only for her performance but for what it meant for African-American, Latina, and LGBTQ+ communities in Hollywood.
Other Awards and Nominations
In addition to her Oscar, BAFTA, and Golden Globe wins, DeBose has received other honors. She was nominated for a Tony Award for her performance in Summer: The Donna Summer Musical in 2018. Her work in West Side Story also earned her a SAG Award, completing a near-sweep of the major acting awards for that year.
Is Ariana DeBose Married? Wife and Relationship Status
Ariana DeBose is not publicly married. Her relationship status has been a topic of curiosity among fans, particularly the use of the term “wife” in some discussions. According to Wikipedia-style sources, she was publicly listed as being in a relationship with Sue Makkoo from 2017 to 2023. There is no official record confirming a marriage, and the term “wife” may be used colloquially by fans or in media coverage.
What Is Known About Her Relationships?
DeBose is openly queer, and this aspect of her identity is part of her public persona. She has been private about the details of her personal life, including her relationships. The information that is available points to a past relationship with Sue Makkoo, but there is no confirmed information about her current relationship status.
While some sources or fan discussions may refer to a “wife,” there is no verified official record that Ariana DeBose is married. The term appears to be used informally, and her marital status is not publicly confirmed.
Career Timeline of Ariana DeBose
- 1991: Born in Wilmington, North Carolina, on January 25.
- 2009: Made her television debut on So You Think You Can Dance.
- 2011: Made her Broadway debut in Bring It On.
- 2015: Joined the original cast of Hamilton as The Bullet (Jane Doe).
- 2018: Nominated for a Tony Award for Summer: The Donna Summer Musical.
- 2021: Starred as Anita in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story.
- 2022: Won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, making history as the first openly queer woman of color to win an acting Oscar.
What Is and Is Not Known About Ariana DeBose
In the public record, some facts about Ariana DeBose are well-established, while others remain uncertain. Below is a clear comparison of what is confirmed and what is not.
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Born on January 25, 1991, in Wilmington, North Carolina. | The identity of her biological father is not a publicly known or substantiated fact. |
| Won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress in West Side Story. | Her current relationship status, including whether she is married, is not officially confirmed. |
| Her mother is Gina DeBose, a public school teacher. | Details about her relationship with Sue Makkoo (2017–2023) are based on public listings, not official statements. |
| Starred in the original cast of Hamilton. | Specific details about her family’s private life beyond the public record are not available. |
Context: Ariana DeBose’s Rise and Representation
Ariana DeBose’s rise represents a significant milestone for representation in Hollywood. Her Oscar win was not just a personal achievement but a cultural moment for women of color and the LGBTQ+ community. As a queer Afro-Latina actress, her success has been seen as a sign of progress in an industry that has often marginalized such identities.
Her career is a blend of high-art theater and mainstream cinema. Her role in Hamilton being a non-speaking dancer to an Oscar-winning leading role showcases her range and the shift from stage to screen. The curiosity about her personal life, such as her “wife” and “father,” speaks to a broader trend where audiences seek personal meaning and connection with public figures, often blurring the lines between verified fact and fan speculation.
Sources and Quotes
This article is based on information from several established sources. The primary sources for her biography include Britannica, which provide verified factual data. For her filmography, IMDb is the standard reference for complete and up-to-date credits. Broadway.com and Broadway sources offer theater-specific information about her stage work. Her Oscar win is documented in official award records, including the Golden Globes website.
Broadway sources note that she made history as the first queer woman of color to win an acting Oscar.
— Various Broadway and film industry sources
Summary: Who Is Ariana DeBose?
Ariana DeBose is an American actress and singer who has achieved critical and commercial success in both theater and film. Her Oscar-winning performance in West Side Story and her role in Hamilton have made her one of the most recognized performers of her generation. As of 2025, she is 34 years old and continues to work on a variety of projects, maintaining her reputation as a versatile and groundbreaking artist.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ariana DeBose’s height?
Ariana DeBose is approximately 5 feet 4 inches (1.63 meters) tall, according to IMDb.
What was Ariana DeBose’s role in Hamilton?
In the original Broadway cast of Hamilton, Ariana DeBose played the roles of The Bullet (the ensemble member who dances) and Jane Doe, serving as an understudy for the role of Peggy Schuyler.
Where is Ariana DeBose from?
Ariana DeBose was born in Wilmington, North Carolina, U.S.
Who are Ariana DeBose’s parents?
Her mother is Gina DeBose, a public school teacher. Her father is of Puerto Rican descent but was not present in her life, and his identity is not publicly documented.
Is Ariana DeBose married?
Ariana DeBose is not publicly married. There is no official record confirming a marriage, though she was previously in a relationship with Sue Makkoo (2017–2023).
What is Ariana DeBose’s age?
Ariana DeBose was born on January 25, 1991, making her 34 years old as of 2025.
What did Ariana DeBose win an Oscar for?
She won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her role as Anita in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story (2021).
What Broadway shows has Ariana DeBose been in?
Her Broadway credits include Bring It On (2011), Motown (2013), Pippin (2014), Hamilton (2015), and Summer: The Donna Summer Musical (2018).
What is Ariana DeBose’s net worth?
There is no verified public record of Ariana DeBose’s net worth. This information is not available from the provided sources.
Victoria Winslow is Editor-in-Chief at ShowbizUK.co.uk, overseeing editorial policy, corrections, editorial standards, publication decisions, source review and content quality across the publication.