The latest screen adaptation of the novel Everything, Everything, by Nicola Yoon, has been on the lips of most cinema fans recently. With the film soon to be released right here in South Africa, we’re curious about the award-winning American singer and cast member, Anika Noni Rose.
Anika has starred in multiple theatre productions, such as Footloose, A Raisin in the Sun and Caroline, or Change, and has ventured into film over the years. Some of her more favoured roles were in movies such as Dreamgirls, For Colored Girls and Half of a Yellow Sun. The stunning vocalist has even been a main voice cast member, featuring in Disney’s The Princess and the Frog as ‘Tiana’ – which was a film that broke longstanding Disney princess stereotypes.
With her newest cinematic release on the way, we’re waiting in anticipation to see what the multi-talented beau offers her character.
Today we’re honouring Anika Noni Rose, and zooming in on her life and achievements.
She was raised in Bloomfield, Connecticut, and studied drama at the American Conservatory Theatre in San Francisco.
Anika is quite the style icon, opting for vibrant colour palettes, classic silhouettes and gorgeous heels.
In 1998 she made her Broadway debut as ‘Rusty’ in the musical Footloose and won her very first Tony Award for her role in the musical, Caroline, or Change.
Anika has had the privilege of co-starring alongside greats such as Eddie Murphy, Jennifer Hudson and Beyonce Knowles.
She happens to be an avid supporter of multiple health organisations and charities such as the American Heart Association, Red Cross and The Elephant Project (works towards raising funds and awareness for Alzheimers patients).