Ten years as a working actress on Broadway has given Ariana DeBose a grounded approach to the swell of accolades accompanying her performance as the iconic Anita in Steven Spielberg’s remake of West Side Story.
Following a legacy of iconic performances, both on stage and film, DeBose is allowing herself to pave her own path, giving this moment of successes and critical appreciation a charming, honest, culturally modern spin.DEADLINE: What was your first impression of the character of Anita growing up?ARIANA DEBOSE: I grew up watching West Side Story on my grandmother’s television.
Turner Classic Movies was playing it and I was really into old movies as a kid. That and soap operas with my grandmother because that’s what we did together.DEADLINE: Which soap opera did you like to watch?DEBOSE: Days of Our Lives.
I’m still invested in Marlena and John.DEADLINE: What was it about the character of Anita stood out to you when you watching the movie as a child?DEBOSE: I was obsessed with the woman in the purple dress.
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