Broadway star Ariana DeBose mourns the passing of her mother, Gina Michelle DeBose, who died on August 17, 2024. Known for her acclaimed roles in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story and the Broadway hit Hamilton, Ariana shared the heartbreaking news on August 19, revealing that her mother lost her battle with stage 3 ovarian cancer.
Remembering Gina’s Courage and Impact
Ariana described her mother as a vibrant and powerful woman, calling her
“gorgeous, hilarious, outspoken, a warrior queen.”
Gina was 57 years old when she passed away early that morning at 10:28 a.m. after a courageous fight with cancer lasting three years.
I couldn’t be more proud of her and how she fought this insidious disease over the past 3 years,
Ariana shared with her followers, highlighting the strength her mother exhibited throughout her illness.
The Irreplaceable Bond Between Ariana and Her Mother
For Ariana, Gina was more than just a parent — she was her closest friend, biggest supporter, and toughest critic. The two shared a deep connection that shaped much of Ariana’s personal and professional life.
She was my date to every important moment in my professional and personal life. And I wouldn’t have it any other way,
Ariana revealed.
It had always been the two of us for as long as I can remember.
She fondly recalled how her mother worked tirelessly to provide her with a good life, excellent education, and opportunities that enabled Ariana to thrive in her career. Ariana emphasized,
I wouldn’t be where I am without her. I meant it when I said my Oscar ‘is just as much hers as it is mine.’
Honoring Gina’s Legacy Through Education and Love
Beyond motherhood, Gina was passionate about educating young people and thrived in her role as a public school teacher for nearly 30 years, most recently teaching eighth-grade social studies. Ariana described her mother’s creativity and commitment to students, noting that Gina was beloved by both colleagues and pupils.
She passed just shy of delivering 30 years of service as a public school teacher (most currently 8th grade social studies),
Ariana wrote.
And, my god, did she thrive in a classroom. Her creativity knew no bounds. She was beloved and incredibly respected by her colleagues and students alike.
Gina was a champion for the underdog, a passionate advocate for arts education, and known for her intelligence and willingness to speak her mind honestly, regardless of the consequences. Despite her strong spirit, she balanced this with compassion, empathy, and hard work.
The greatest advocate for the underdog, a believer in arts education and the smartest person I know – with a willingness to speak her mind regardless of the consequences. But she was also a heart forward individual who believed in hard work, compassion and empathy in the same breath.
Ariana’s Tribute and the Ways to Honor Gina’s Memory
Ariana spoke about how deeply Gina’s loss would be felt within her community, calling her mother a local celebrity and a “force of epic proportions.” For Ariana, her greatest achievement was making her mother proud throughout her journey.
I know that many people in her community will feel the loss of her deeply for she was her own brand of local celebrity. She was a force of epic proportion,
she stated.
I love you mommy. Now travel amongst the seas, the winds and the angels as I know you always loved to do.
To honor Gina, Ariana encouraged donations to organizations focused on ovarian cancer awareness and research, including The National Ovarian Cancer Society, OVARIES. TALK ABOUT THEM, and TEAL DIVA, so that others may benefit from increased support and understanding of this disease.
Ariana’s Oscar Moment as a Testament to Her Mother’s Role
In 2022, when Ariana won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Anita in West Side Story, her mother was the first person she hugged on stage. Ariana’s acceptance speech paid tribute to Gina’s unwavering support.
I’m going to wrap this up and talk about my family, my mother, who is here tonight,
Ariana said.
Mama, I love you with my whole heart, This is as much yours as it is mine.
She fondly remembered her mother’s enjoyment of painting, playing cards, listening to music, and caring for her cars, but emphasized that beyond being her mom, Gina’s life mission was educating and inspiring young people.
