Full Name
Anika Noni Rose
Date of Birth
September 6, 1972
Place of Birth
Bloomfield, Connecticut, United States
Education
Florida A&M University, (BA) American Conservatory Theater, (MFA)
Spouses Names
Jason Dirden, (m. 2022)
Parents Names
Affiliated Organizations’ Names
Personal Life
Anika Noni Rose was born on September 6, 1972, in Bloomfield, Connecticut. She is the daughter of John Rose Jr., who served as corporate counsel for the city of Hartford, and Claudia Rose. From a young age, Anika was exposed to the arts, often attending theater, dance, and opera performances in New York City with her family. This early exposure sparked her interest in performing arts, although she initially considered pursuing a career in music, playing instruments such as the saxophone and trumpet during her school years[15].
Anika pursued her passion for theater at Florida A&M University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in theater in 1994. She further honed her acting skills at the prestigious American Conservatory Theater (ACT) in San Francisco, obtaining a Master of Fine Arts in 1998[15][19].
Career
Anika Noni Rose’s professional career began on the stage, where she quickly made a name for herself. Her Broadway debut came with her role in “Footloose,” but it was her performance in “Caroline, or Change” that earned her critical acclaim, including the 2004 Tony Award for Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical[19]. She also received praise for her roles in other stage productions, such as “Eli’s Comin’,” for which she received an Obie Award, and her portrayal of Maggie the Cat in “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof”[19][18].
Rose’s film career took off with her role in “Dreamgirls” (2006), where she played Lorrell Robinson. This role garnered her nominations for an NAACP Image Award and a Screen Actors Guild Award. She made history as the voice of Princess Tiana in Disney’s “The Princess and the Frog” (2009), becoming the first African American Disney princess[19][18]. Her performance in “The Princess and the Frog” was not just a milestone in her career but also a significant moment in animation history, as it introduced a new era of diversity in Disney’s princess lineup[18].
On television, Anika has appeared in several notable series, including “The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency,” “The Good Wife,” and “Power.” Her role in “The Quad” as Eva Fletcher further showcased her versatility as an actress[19][11].
Achievements
Anika Noni Rose’s portrayal of Princess Tiana in “The Princess and the Frog” stands out as a significant achievement in her career, not only for the historical importance of the role but also for the impact it had on representation in media[18]. Her Broadway performances have earned her numerous awards, including a Tony Award for “Caroline, or Change” and an Obie Award for “Eli’s Comin’“[19]. She was also honored as a Disney Legend in 2011, recognizing her contribution to the Disney legacy[1].
Controversies, Myths, Misconceptions
Anika Noni Rose was at the center of a controversy regarding the depiction of Princess Tiana in “Ralph Breaks the Internet.” Fans and Rose herself noted changes to Tiana’s appearance that seemed to lighten her skin and alter her features. Rose addressed the issue directly with Disney, leading to the character’s appearance being adjusted to more closely match her original depiction in “The Princess and the Frog.” This incident highlighted the importance of representation and staying true to character portrayals[20].
Bibliography
Anika Noni Rose has not authored any books.
Citations
D23, Vanity Fair, Encyclopedia.com, AOL,
Citations: