Anika Noni Rose (born September 6, 1972) is an American singer and actress known for her work on stage, in film, and as a voice performer. She gained widespread attention for her Tony Award-winning turn in the Broadway production Caroline, or Change and for prominent film roles including Dreamgirls (2006) and the animated feature The Princess and the Frog (2009).

Early life and training

Rose was born in Bloomfield, Connecticut, and raised with an interest in music and theatre. She pursued formal study in the performing arts, completing undergraduate work and advanced training in musical theatre and voice. Her education laid a foundation for a career that crosses stage and screen while keeping singing central to many of her projects.

Stage and screen career

On Broadway Rose earned critical acclaim for her performance in Caroline, or Change, receiving a Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical. Her stage work is notable for strong dramatic presence and vocal versatility. Transitioning to film, she appeared in the ensemble drama Dreamgirls and then reached wider audiences as the voice and singing performer for Disney's Tiana in The Princess and the Frog, a role often highlighted for its cultural significance.

Notable roles and achievements

  • Broadway: Tony-winning performance in Caroline, or Change.
  • Film: Supporting and leading roles in productions such as Dreamgirls and The Princess and the Frog.
  • Voice work: Brought a Disney princess to life, expanding representation in mainstream animation.
  • Recording and concert appearances that draw on her training as a singer.

Beyond individual credits, Rose's career is often cited for blending theatrical discipline with screen sensibilities: she moves between musical theatre’s demands and the different pacing of film and television work. That range has allowed her to take varied parts across genres while maintaining a public profile as both performer and vocalist.

Her achievements include major awards, critical recognition, and roles that have had cultural resonance. As an artist who trained in classical and contemporary musical forms, she continues to work in projects that emphasize strong storytelling, musicality, and representation on stage and screen.