Ariana DeBose Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday Facts

Ariana DeBose Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

Ariana DeBose is an American actress, singer and dancer best known for her breakthrough role in West Side Story, her Broadway triumphs and her historic Academy Award win.

Introduction

Ariana DeBose (birthdate January 25, 1991) has risen from the dance-floor competition circuit to become a towering presence in film, theatre and television. With an estimated net worth in the multi-million-dollar range, Ariana DeBose has built her brand as a triple-threat—acting, singing, dancing—while also shaping a public narrative around representation and identity. In her personal life, she is publicly partnered with costume designer Sue Makkoo and maintains a private but poignant love story that underscores her journey.

Quick Facts (Table Summary)

From Humble Moves to Broadway Lights

Ariana DeBose’s odyssey begins in Wilmington, North Carolina, with roots stretching through Puerto Rican, African-American and Italian heritage.  Early training in dance planted the seeds of what would become a powerhouse career. A turning point arrived when she appeared on the sixth season of So You Think You Can Dance in 2009, finishing in the top 20 and gaining a first brush with national exposure. 

From there the narrative flows: Broadway roles in productions such as Bring It On: The Musical (2011), Motown: The Musical (2013) and Pippin (2014) built her craft and visibility.  The landmark turn came when she played Anita in West Side Story (2021), a performance that earned her the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress and established her as a cultural force. 

Defining moments in Ariana DeBose’s journey include:

• Competing on So You Think You Can Dance and breaking into professional performance.

• Making her Broadway debut and undertaking a series of ensemble and lead roles.

• Portraying Disco Donna in Summer: The Donna Summer Musical, earning a Tony nomination. 

• Landing Anita in West Side Story, achieving critical acclaim and making history as an openly queer woman of color to win the Oscar in her category. 

Main Sources of Wealth

The core pillars of Ariana DeBose’s wealth include:

• Film & Television Roles – Her major film appearance as Anita in West Side Story and other screen parts command substantial pay and subsequent bonuses.

• Theatrical Performances – Broadway and touring engagements contribute earnings from live shows and residuals.

• Brand Endorsements & Appearances – Red-carpet appearances, hosting gigs (such as the Tony Awards) and media appearances bolster her profile and income.

• Investments & Assets – While less publicly detailed, standard celebrity investments, real estate and ownership stakes (e.g., in stage rights) likely play a role.

Relationships & Family Life

Ariana DeBose’s personal life is marked by authenticity, creativity and a deep partnership. She is in a publicly acknowledged relationship with costume designer Sue Makkoo. The two met while working together on Summer: The Donna Summer Musical, forming a personal bond that has become a professional collaboration as well. 

Key insights into Ariana DeBose’s relationships and personal life:

• Partner: Sue Makkoo, a costume designer and educator with extensive Broadway and design credentials. 

• The couple share a cottage retreat in upstate New York as a home base away from the city’s bustle. 

• DeBose identifies as queer and has spoken publicly about identity, representation and the term “human” over restrictive labels. 

• Her mother, Gina DeBose, was an influential figure in her life—publicly supporting her daughter’s steps into stardom and the Broadway world. 

Lifestyle, Assets & Interests

Beyond career success, Ariana DeBose leads a lifestyle that reflects both passion and purpose, including:

• A refined home in upstate New York, designed and shared with partner Sue Makkoo. 

• Fashion and stage sense deeply tied to her identity as a dancer-actor, from red carpets to performance costumes.

• Philanthropic work: DeBose sits on boards and supports initiatives aimed at youth, arts and LGBTQ+ representation. 

• A commitment to arts education and community through workshops, speaking engagements and advocacy efforts.

Net Worth Breakdown & Analysis

While exact numbers are proprietary, available estimates give the following picture:

Total Estimated Net Worth: ~$4 million (with some sources citing up to $5 million) 

The growth trajectory reflects her shift from ensemble roles to marquee film star. Hosting major awards shows, starring in high-budget productions and becoming a “face” for representation have all contributed to her financial and cultural capital.

Public Image, Legacy & Influence

Ariana DeBose enjoys a public image that transcends the conventional star narrative. She’s celebrated not just for her performance in West Side Story, but also for the barriers she’s broken—first openly queer woman of color to win the Oscar in her category; strong advocate for representation in dance and film. 

She balances the glitz of Hollywood with a grounded commitment to theatre, dance and mentorship. On social media and interviews she emphasizes authenticity, collaboration and maintaining roots in art over celebrity.

Her legacy is already forming as one of the few artists who successfully navigated Broadway, film and television while championing inclusion. For many young performers of color and LGBTQ+ identity, she stands as a model of both craft and courage.

Conclusion

In the story of Ariana DeBose, birth-date January 25, 1991 meets electrifying stage lights and Oscar gold. Her partnership with Sue Makkoo, her journey through Broadway and cinema, and her evolving net worth—estimated in the multi-million-dollar realm—combine in a narrative of steadfast ambition and meaningful impact. She didn’t just step into the spotlight—she built her own stage, and invited others to join.