Anika Noni Rose is an American singer and actress born on September 6, 1972, with an extraordinary but widely recognizable career in Broadway and Hollywood and many other productions. Rose is widely credited with being Disney’s first African American princess, Tiana, in “The Princess and the Frog (2009)”. Putting her career and legacy in the spotlight for everyone that has ever watched a Disney movie and/or experienced the theatre. Rose’s accomplishments in life have made her a collection of things, and she has made an impact in this role by being one of only four Black women to be honored as a Disney Legend in 2011.
Early Life and Education
Anika Noni Rose was born in Bloomfield, Connecticut to John Rose who was a corporate lawyer, and Claudia Rose. She inadvertently started her performing career inadvertently during her freshman year at Bloomfield High School in a school play that had piqued her interest. Clearly, her first play had taken her heart.
As a result, she pursued her own dreams and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in theatre from Florida A&M University. Additionally, she attended and graduated from the highly-regarded American Conservatory Theatre in San Francisco with a degree in drama.
Broadway Debut, Acclaim and Awards
Rose’s first big break came when she starred on Broadway as Emmie Thibodeaux in Caroline, or Change (2004). Rose’s Tony award-winning performance did not disappoint, as a Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical could be awarded for a variety of reasons, as Rose was called to the stage for her historical noms. She also won Theatre World Award and the Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Featured Actress, and her place as a rising star in theater was firmly established.
Success in Hollywood: From Dreamgirls to Disney Royalty
Anika Noni Rose quickly transitioned to film, with her feature film debut in King of the Bingo Game, and roles in From Justin to Kelly (2003), Temptation (2004), and Surviving Christmas (2004) alongside fellow Dreamgirls alumna, Jennifer Hudson. However, it was her role as Lorrell Robinson in the musical drama, Dreamgirls (2006), that showed the depth of her range and talent as an actress. She shared the stage with Jamie Foxx, Eddie Murphy, Jennifer Hudson, and Beyoncé Knowles and although Rose was surrounded by talented artists, she held her own, and the performance was memorable for audiences everywhere.
Rose’s most recognizable role was in 2009, as the voice of Tiana in Disney’s The Princess and the Frog. Tiana, as the first African-American princess from Disney, represented a major milestone in diversity and inclusion. In reflecting how important this role was, Rose stated, “Not only is “Tiana” the first American princess, but she’s the first black princess as well. So, more than most think, there’s a lot our comprehension doesn’t offer in this instance, to understand the scope and importance…” To date, her role continues to inspire young children.
Anika Noni Rose has had a career path that has showcased an ability to perform across genres. Tyler Perry’s For Colored Girls (2010) critics lauded her strength and emotional dexterity in her portrayal of Yasmine, particularly calling her performance “especially fierce,” showcasing she could portray complicated characters.
Over the course of Rose’s performance (2010-2013) as a guest star in the legal drama The Good Wife, Rose received accolades again for her performance. In 2011 Rose starred as Sara Tidwell, the character in Stephen King’s novel, in the A&E miniseries Bag of Bones.
Additionally, Rose has recently shined in performances . She played in Netflix’s Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (2020) as Jessal Jangle, a musical production illustrating black and brown professionals in a storyline based in Victorian England. In 2021, Rose starred in Netflix’s limited series Maid as a rich and conflicted attorney and was both recognized for her performance and nuanced in her portrayal.
Personal Life: a love uncovered.
In October 2022, Anika Noni Rose wed fellow performer Jason Dirden in a private ceremony officiated by Colman Domingo, at Paramour Estate in Los Angeles. The couple kept their wedding a secret until January 16, 2023 when they shared their wedding story in Brides magazine to a frenzy.
Legacy and Net Worth.
Anika Noni Rose has thoughtfully constructed an acclaimed career for over decades, with an estimated net worth of $3 million. Rose’s legacy in theatre, film and television ultimately cements herself as a trailblazer and role model on stage and screen. While Rose’s current net worth is reflected in a figure too large to ignore, Rose’s impact addressing representation and storytelling relentlessly influences, inspires and educates audiences everywhere.
Final thoughts.
Anika Noni Rose is much more than a performer of theatre, film and television; she is a pioneer who travelled spaces and defined what it means to be a leading lady of Hollywood. From Broadway and her acclaimed Tony-winning performances, to movie fans, who identify her voice as Princess Tiana that launched Rose’s career, Rose’s journey is catalyzed by talent, determination, and representation. As she navigates newfound challenges tirelessly, she expands her legacy as a cultural figure.
