Anika Noni Rose

Anika Noni Rose is a celebrated American actress renowned for voicing Tiana, Disney's first African-American princess, in The Princess and the Frog (2009). Due to her remarkable performance, she was honored as a Disney Legend in 2011. Rose is highly recognized for her roles in the Academy Award-winning film Dreamgirls (2006) and her performances in theatre, notably as Emmie Thibodeaux in the Broadway production of Caroline, or Change (2004), and as Beneatha Younger in Broadway revival of A Raisin in the Sun (2014), earning her a Tony Award and a nomination in the same category respectively.

Born to Claudia and John Rose in Bloomfield, Connecticut, Rose exhibited her talent from an early age, debuting in a school production during her freshman year at Bloomfield High School. Her passion for the theatre was further developed at Florida A&M University, followed by a drama study tenure at the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco. Rose's career took off with her role as Rusty in Broadway's Footloose. Over the years, she showcased her remarkable talent in multiple films, such as From Justin to Kelly (2003), Surviving Christmas (2004), Just Add Water, and Razor. A highlight of her career was starring as Tiana in Disney's 2009 animated feature The Princess and the Frog. Her performance won her the Black Reel Award for Best Outstanding Voice Performance and an NAACP Image Award nomination. More recently, she received critical acclaim for her role in Tyler Perry's movie For Colored Girls (2010).