Ariana DeBose is a highly acclaimed American actress known for her work in film, television, and stage productions. Her accolades include an Academy Award, a British Academy Film Award, and a Golden Globe Award. She has also been nominated for a Tony Award and a Primetime Emmy Award, demonstrating her versatility and talent. In recognition of her achievements and influence, Time magazine included her in their 2022 list of the 100 most influential people in the world.
1961: Original "West Side Story" Film Released
The original film adaptation of the beloved musical "West Side Story" premiered in 1961, captivating audiences with its story, music, and choreography.
1962: Rita Moreno Wins Academy Award for "West Side Story"
Rita Moreno made history in 1962 by winning the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Anita in the original film adaptation of "West Side Story" (1961).
January 25, 1991: Ariana DeBose is born
On January 25, 1991, Ariana DeBose was born.
2009: Ariana DeBose Makes Television Debut on "So You Think You Can Dance"
In 2009, Ariana DeBose made her television debut on the dance competition show "So You Think You Can Dance," where she showcased her talent and reached the Top 20.
2009: Ariana DeBose Competes on "So You Think You Can Dance"
In 2009, Ariana DeBose showcased her dancing abilities as a contestant on the sixth season of the popular television show "So You Think You Can Dance," where she achieved a top 20 placement.
2011: Ariana DeBose Performs in Regional Theater and Tours with "Bring It On"
Ariana DeBose honed her craft in 2011 by taking on roles in regional theater productions like "Hairspray" and "Bring It On," the latter of which she also toured with nationally.
2011: Ariana DeBose Makes Broadway Debut in "Bring It On: The Musical"
Ariana DeBose made her Broadway debut in 2011 with the musical "Bring It On: The Musical."
2012: Ariana DeBose Continues with "Bring It On" on Broadway
Ariana DeBose's journey with "Bring It On: The Musical" continued in 2012 as she joined the Broadway production, further solidifying her presence in the theater world.
2013: Ariana DeBose Performs in "Motown: The Musical"
In 2013, Ariana DeBose furthered her Broadway career by taking on the role of Mary Wilson in the production of "Motown: The Musical."
2013: Ariana DeBose Performs in "Motown: The Musical" on Broadway
Ariana DeBose took on the role of Mary Wilson in the Broadway production of "Motown: The Musical" in 2013, showcasing her singing and acting talents.
2014: Ariana DeBose Joins the Cast of "Pippin" on Broadway
Ariana DeBose joined the cast of the Broadway production "Pippin" in 2014, showcasing her versatility as a performer.
2014: Ariana DeBose Takes on Larger Role in "Pippin" and Participates in Podcast
In 2014, Ariana DeBose's role in "Pippin" expanded as she took on the Leading Player for a period, and she also lent her voice to "As the Curtain Rises," an original Broadway podcast.
2015: Ariana DeBose Joins the Original Cast of "Hamilton" Off-Broadway
Ariana DeBose became part of theater history in 2015 when she joined the original off-Broadway cast of the groundbreaking musical "Hamilton."
2015: Ariana DeBose Joins the Off-Broadway Production of "Hamilton"
Ariana DeBose joined the cast of the off-Broadway production of "Hamilton" in 2015, becoming part of the musical's journey to becoming a cultural phenomenon.
2015: Ariana DeBose Comes Out to Her Grandparents
Ariana DeBose shared her truth with her grandparents in 2015, marking a significant personal moment in her life.
July 2016: Ariana DeBose Departs "Hamilton" and Guest Stars on "Blue Bloods"
July 2016 marked a time of transition for Ariana DeBose as she departed from the Broadway production of "Hamilton" and made a guest appearance on the television series "Blue Bloods."
November 2016: Ariana DeBose Stars in "A Bronx Tale" on Broadway
Ariana DeBose began her run as Jane in the Broadway production of "A Bronx Tale" in November 2016.
2016: Ariana DeBose Appears in "Hamilton" on Broadway and "A Bronx Tale"
In 2016, Ariana DeBose continued her run in "Hamilton," now on Broadway, and took on the role of Jane in the Broadway production of "A Bronx Tale."
August 2017: Ariana DeBose Ends Run in "A Bronx Tale"
In August 2017, Ariana DeBose concluded her time in the Broadway production of "A Bronx Tale."
2017: Ariana DeBose Cast as Disco Donna in "Summer: The Donna Summer Musical"
Ariana DeBose landed her breakthrough role as Disco Donna in "Summer: The Donna Summer Musical" in 2017, a pivotal moment in her acting career.
2017: Ariana DeBose Begins Relationship with Sue Makkoo
Ariana DeBose's romantic relationship with Sue Makkoo, a costume designer and professor, began in 2017 after their connection blossomed while working on "Summer: The Donna Summer Musical."
2017: Ariana DeBose Concludes Role in "A Bronx Tale"
Ariana DeBose concluded her role as Jane in the Broadway production of "A Bronx Tale" in 2017.
April 2018: Ariana DeBose Stars in "Summer: The Donna Summer Musical" on Broadway
Ariana DeBose's portrayal of Disco Donna in "Summer: The Donna Summer Musical" moved to Broadway in April 2018, earning her critical acclaim and a Tony Award nomination.
2018: Tony Award Nomination for "Summer: The Donna Summer Musical"
Ariana DeBose's performance as Disco Donna in "Summer: The Donna Summer Musical" earned her a Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actress in a Musical in 2018.
2018: Ariana DeBose Nominated for Tony Award for "Summer: The Donna Summer Musical"
Ariana DeBose's performance as Disco Donna in the Broadway production of "Summer: The Donna Summer Musical" earned her a Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actress in a Musical in 2018.
December 2020: Ariana DeBose and Jo Ellen Pellman Launch Unruly Hearts Initiative
In December 2020, driven by their passion for LGBTQ+ advocacy, Ariana DeBose and fellow actress Jo Ellen Pellman co-founded the Unruly Hearts Initiative. The organization aims to connect young people with resources and support within the LGBTQ+ community.
2020: Ariana DeBose Appears in Netflix's "The Prom"
Ariana DeBose expanded her filmography in 2020 with a role in the Netflix musical comedy "The Prom," directed by Ryan Murphy.
March 2021: Ariana DeBose Releases "Shall We Dance" Cover
March 2021 saw Ariana DeBose releasing a dance-pop rendition of Rodgers & Hammerstein's "Shall We Dance" for the album "R&H Goes Pop."
December 2021: Ariana DeBose Receives Critical Acclaim for "West Side Story"
Ariana DeBose's performance as Anita in Steven Spielberg's "West Side Story" was met with widespread critical acclaim upon the film's release in December 2021. She received numerous awards for her performance.
2021: Ariana DeBose Stars in "West Side Story" and "Schmigadoon!"
In 2021, Ariana DeBose had a significant year with her critically acclaimed performance as Anita in Steven Spielberg's adaptation of "West Side Story" and her role as schoolmarm Emma Tate in the Apple TV+ musical comedy series "Schmigadoon!."
2021: Ariana DeBose Wins Numerous Awards for "West Side Story"
Ariana DeBose's portrayal of Anita in Steven Spielberg's "West Side Story" (2021) earned her widespread recognition and numerous accolades, including an Academy Award, BAFTA, Critics' Choice, Golden Globe, and SAG Award for Best Supporting Actress.
2022: Ariana DeBose Hosts the Tony Awards
Ariana DeBose took on the prestigious role of hosting the Tony Awards in 2022.
2022: Ariana DeBose Named One of Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People
In 2022, Ariana DeBose was recognized for her impact on the entertainment industry and beyond when Time magazine included her in their annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world.
2023: Ariana DeBose Voices Asha in Disney's "Wish"
Ariana DeBose lent her voice to the character of Asha in the Disney animated film "Wish," released in 2023.
2023: Ariana DeBose Returns for Season 2 of "Schmigadoon!"
Ariana DeBose reprised her role in the Apple TV+ series "Schmigadoon!" for its second season in 2023, this time playing the role of the Emcee.
2023: Ariana DeBose Hosts the Tony Awards
Ariana DeBose returned as the host of the Tony Awards for the second consecutive year in 2023.
2023: Ariana DeBose Performs Viral Rap at BAFTAs and Voices Asha in Disney's "Wish"
Ariana DeBose's performance at the 76th British Academy Film Awards in 2023, where she included an original rap celebrating female nominees, went viral. She also voiced the lead character, Asha, in Disney's animated film "Wish" that same year.
2024: Ariana DeBose Hosts the Tony Awards
Ariana DeBose hosted the Tony Awards for the third consecutive year in 2024.
2024: Ariana DeBose Stars in "I.S.S." and Appears in "Argylle"
Ariana DeBose is set to have major film releases in 2024, with a starring role in the science-fiction thriller "I.S.S." and a supporting role in the spy film "Argylle."