Ariana DeBose
She danced from Broadway ensemble to Oscar history, becoming the first openly queer woman of color to win an Academy Award for acting.
Born 1991 (age 35)·American actress·Birthday: January 25·Millennials
Biography
Ariana DeBose’s journey is a testament to the power of persistence and precision. Born in North Carolina and trained as a dancer, she first made her mark on Broadway, appearing in ensembles and featured roles in shows like 'Bring It On' and 'Hamilton.' Her breakthrough arrived not from a starring role, but from a supporting one that she transformed into a cultural moment. As Anita in Steven Spielberg's 'West Side Story,' DeBose channeled explosive energy, razor-sharp wit, and profound vulnerability, earning an Academy Award. That win shattered ceilings, making her the first Afro-Latina and first openly queer woman of color to receive the honor for acting. Beyond the trophy, she has become a dynamic presence, hosting the Tony Awards and advocating for greater representation, proving that her impact extends far beyond any single stage or screen.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Ariana was born in 1991, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Ariana Was Born
The biggest hits of 1991
#1 Movie
Terminator 2: Judgment Day
Best Picture
The Silence of the Lambs
#1 TV Show
Cheers
Ariana's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1991Born
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1996Started school
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
2004Became a teenager
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2007Could drive
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2009Could vote
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2012Turned 21
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2021Turned 30
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 35 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Anita in Steven Spielberg's 2021 film 'West Side Story.'
- Became the first openly queer woman of color to win an Oscar for acting.
- Hosted the 75th Tony Awards ceremony in 2022.
- Named one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people in the world in 2022.
- Received a Tony Award nomination for her featured role in the Broadway musical 'Summer: The Donna Summer Musical.'
Did You Know?
She was a finalist on the sixth season of the TV competition series 'So You Think You Can Dance.'
She performed as The Bullet in the original Broadway cast of the musical 'Hamilton.'
She is of Puerto Rican and African-American descent.
Before her Oscar win, she was a professional dancer on cruise ships.
“I'm not going to say I'm the best dancer, I'm not going to say I'm the best singer, I'm not going to say I'm the best actor. But I can tell you that I'm a storyteller.”
