Anika Noni Rose (born September 6, 1972, in Bloomfield, Connecticut) is an American actress and singer whose career spans Broadway, film and television. She won the Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for Caroline, or Change (2004) and made history as the voice of Tiana - Disney's first African American princess - in The Princess and the Frog (2009), a role that earned her the title of Disney Legend in 2011. On screen she is also known for Dreamgirls (2006), the Netflix series Maid (2021) and Mufasa: The Lion King (2024).
The Balusters closed on Broadway on June 21, 2026, after 72 regular performances at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre, with Rose in the lead role of Kyra Marshall.
Variety praised Rose's performance in The Balusters at its April 21 Broadway opening, calling the production 'the most vital and timely show on Broadway this season.'
Rose joined the Broadway world premiere of David Lindsay-Abaire's The Balusters in February 2026, stepping in for Renée Elise Goldsberry as Kyra Marshall.
Rose appeared in Mufasa: The Lion King (December 2024), voicing the character Afia in the Disney prequel directed by Barry Jenkins.
Rose was named the 2024 Legendary Women SuperStar honoree by BronzeLens Film Festival, recognizing her career achievements in film, television and stage.
