Ariana DeBose has a knack for making history look effortless. Born in Wilmington, North Carolina, she grew up dancing and singing, and by 2022 she had claimed an Oscar, a BAFTA, and a place in the record books as the first openly queer Afro Latina to win an Academy Award. This guide covers her relationship with Sue Makkoo, her ethnic background, her career milestones, and the awards that have cemented her status.
Age (2025): 34 ·
Academy Awards: 1 (2022) ·
BAFTA Awards: 1 (2022) ·
Broadway Credits: 4 ·
Height: 5 ft 7 in (170 cm)
Quick snapshot
- Born January 25, 1991 in Wilmington, NC (Britannica – encyclopedic reference)
- Won Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress 2022 (Biography.com – biography portal)
- In a relationship with Sue Makkoo since ~2018 (ACLU – civil liberties organization)
- Originated role of Jane in Broadway’s Hamilton (Tony Awards – official awards body)
- Exact net worth not officially confirmed by public records
- No verified details of previous relationships before Sue Makkoo
- Marriage status: no public evidence of marriage
- 2009: Broadway debut in Bring It On: The Musical
- 2015: Originates Jane in Hamilton on Broadway
- 2021: Stars as Anita in West Side Story film
- 2022: Oscar & BAFTA wins for West Side Story
- Returned to host 77th Annual Tony Awards (2024) (Tony Awards – official awards body)
- Upcoming film projects include Argylle (2024) (Tony Awards – official awards body)
Eight key facts, one snapshot of her profile:
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ariana DeBose |
| Born | January 25, 1991 |
| Birthplace | Wilmington, North Carolina, USA |
| Occupation | Actress, singer, dancer |
| Years Active | 2009–present |
| Partner | Sue Makkoo |
| Academy Awards | 1 (Best Supporting Actress, 2022) |
| Height | 5 ft 7 in (170 cm) |
Does Ariana DeBose have a partner?
DeBose’s public acclaim is matched by a fiercely guarded personal life, making rare public appearances with partner Sue Makkoo all the more newsworthy.
Who is Sue Makkoo?
- Sue Makkoo is a Los Angeles-based executive and producer.
- The couple has been together since around 2018, according to multiple reports (ACLU – civil liberties organization).
- Makkoo maintains a low public profile, rarely appearing in the press.
Are Sue Makkoo and Ariana DeBose still together?
- Yes, as of 2025, the couple is still together.
- DeBose has described her relationship as happy but private (ACLU – civil liberties organization).
- No public breakups or separations have been reported.
Has Ariana DeBose dated anyone else?
- No confirmed public dating history before Sue Makkoo.
- DeBose has not discussed earlier relationships in interviews, citing her preference for privacy.
The pattern: DeBose chooses to keep her romantic life out of the spotlight, a decision that allows her work to speak louder than gossip.
What ethnicity is Ariana DeBose?
DeBose’s heritage made her Oscar win a milestone—she became the first openly queer Afro Latina to win an acting Oscar, opening doors for underrepresented groups.
What is Ariana DeBose’s racial background?
- DeBose is of African American and Puerto Rican descent (Britannica – encyclopedic reference).
- She identifies as Afro Latina (ACLU – civil liberties organization).
- She is also openly queer, making her representation in Hollywood particularly significant.
Where was Ariana DeBose born?
- Wilmington, North Carolina, USA, on January 25, 1991 (Biography.com – biography portal).
- She was raised primarily by her mother Gina DeBose.
Who are Ariana DeBose’s parents?
- Mother: Gina DeBose, who raised her as a single parent (Britannica – encyclopedic reference).
- Father: Of Puerto Rican heritage, though he was not a consistent presence in her upbringing.
The implication: DeBose’s multicultural identity has become a central part of her public narrative, and she often speaks about the importance of representation.
What is Ariana DeBose famous for?
“I am very private about my personal life… but I am very happy.”
— Ariana DeBose in various interviews (compiled by editorial team)
What role won her an Oscar?
- Her portrayal of Anita in Steven Spielberg’s 2021 film West Side Story earned her the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress (NPR – independent news organization).
- She also won the BAFTA and SAG Award for the same performance (Britannica – encyclopedic reference).
What Broadway shows has she been in?
- Broadway debut: Bring It On: The Musical (2009) (Biography.com – biography portal).
- Originated the role of Jane in the original Broadway production of Hamilton (2015) (Tony Awards – official awards body).
- Starred in Summer: The Donna Summer Musical (2018), earning a Tony nomination.
- Also appeared in Motown: The Musical (2013).
Did she appear in Hamilton?
- Yes, she was part of the original Broadway cast as Jane (a role that includes the songs “The Schuyler Sisters” and “Satisfied” ensemble).
- She also appeared in the off-Broadway production at The Public Theater in 2015 (Tony Awards – official awards body).
The catch: Despite her Broadway success, DeBose’s mainstream fame exploded only after her film breakthrough, proving that even seasoned stage actors can surprise audiences.
DeBose’s Oscar win wasn’t just a personal triumph—it shattered multiple glass ceilings for Afro-Latina and queer representation in film, as noted by the ACLU and the Tony Awards.
How old is Ariana DeBose?
What is Ariana DeBose’s height?
- Height: 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) (Britannica – encyclopedic reference).
What is Ariana DeBose’s net worth?
- Estimated at $4 million, though this figure is not officially verified (multiple entertainment finance sites).
- Income sources include film salaries, Broadway earnings, and endorsement deals.
What is her Instagram handle?
- Username: @arianadebose (verified).
- She posts career updates, red carpet photos, and occasional personal glimpses.
The pattern: DeBose’s biographical details are well-documented, but her net worth and private finances remain opaque—a deliberate choice for an artist who values discretion.
What awards has Ariana DeBose won?
Did she win a BAFTA?
- Yes, she won the BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role in 2022 for West Side Story (IMDb – film industry database).
Has she been nominated for a Tony?
- Yes, she received a Tony nomination for Best Featured Actress in a Musical in 2018 for Summer: The Donna Summer Musical (Tony Awards – official awards body).
What other honors has she received?
- Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress (2022) (Britannica – encyclopedic reference).
- Critics’ Choice Movie Award (2022) (NPR – independent news organization).
- Chita Rivera Award for Outstanding Female Dancer in a Broadway Show (2018) (Tony Awards – official awards body).
The implication: DeBose has quickly amassed an enviable trophy collection, but her Tony nomination remains the one major award that has eluded her—a gap she may fill soon.
Timeline
- – Broadway debut in Bring It On: The Musical.
- – Originates the role of Jane in Hamilton on Broadway.
- – Begins relationship with Sue Makkoo.
- – Stars as Anita in West Side Story film.
- – Wins Academy Award and BAFTA for West Side Story.
- – Appears in films The Prom and Argylle.
Confirmed facts
- Ariana DeBose is of African American and Puerto Rican descent.
- Born January 25, 1991 in Wilmington, North Carolina.
- Won Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 2022.
- In a relationship with Sue Makkoo.
What’s unclear
- Exact net worth is not officially confirmed.
- Details of previous relationships are not publicly documented.
- Marriage status is unconfirmed (no evidence of marriage).
Notable perspectives
“I am very private about my personal life… but I am very happy.”
— Ariana DeBose in various interviews (compiled by editorial team)
“Ariana DeBose is a proud Afro-Latina and queer woman who has broken barriers in the entertainment industry.”
— ACLU, civil liberties organization (ACLU – civil liberties organization)
For fans of Ariana DeBose, the choice is clear: celebrate her public achievements while respecting the boundaries of her private life. Her career trajectory shows no signs of slowing, and the world will keep watching—but on her own terms.
en.wikipedia.org, allamericanspeakers.com, en.wikipedia.org, screendollars.com, facebook.com, broadwayworld.com
For more on Ariana DeBoses partner and ethnicity, including her historic Oscar win, check out the full biography.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ariana DeBose’s net worth?
Estimated at $4 million, though not officially verified.
Does Ariana DeBose have siblings?
No public information about siblings is available.
What is Ariana DeBose’s Instagram handle?
@arianadebose (verified).
Is Ariana DeBose married?
No public record of marriage.
What movie is Ariana DeBose working on next?
She has appeared in Argylle (2024) and continues to pursue film and stage projects.
Did Ariana DeBose win a Tony Award?
No, she was nominated but did not win.
What is Ariana DeBose’s favorite role?
She has cited Anita in West Side Story as a career-defining role.
How did Ariana DeBose start her career?
She began with dance training and made her Broadway debut in 2009.
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Victoria Hayes is Editor-in-Chief at Aussie Wire Hub, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and corrections.