Landing The Groundbreaking Role
In 2009, Anika Noni Rose won the role of Tiana in Disney’s “The Princess and the Frog”, finally bringing an African-American princess to life after 72 years of exclusively white Disney royalty.
Rose already had a Tony award for her acclaimed performance in the Broadway musical “Caroline, Or Change.” She also played a supporting role in 2006’s “Dreamgirls.” But voicing Disney’s first Black princess catapulted her to new heights of visibility and cultural impact.
Bringing Joy To Young Black Girls
Tiana gave Black children the fantasy representation long denied them. As Rose stated, discounting kids of color from fantasy sends a strong exclusionary message.
Thanks to “The Princess and the Frog,” the doors opened further with Halle Bailey recently cast as Ariel in the live-action “Little Mermaid.” Bailey’s singing talent convinced Rose she would beautifully embody that magical role.
A Lasting Legacy
Over a decade later, Rose still gets recognized as Tiana by kids of all backgrounds. The iconic character left an indelible mark on visual imagination.
At one Comic-Con event, Rose comforted a frightened little girl in full Tiana costume by singing “Almost There.” The transformative power of seeing one’s self in beloved fictional characters is why onscreen diversity matters so profoundly.
Rose succeeded in translating that representation into reality for countless children by portraying Disney’s inaugural Black princess, which remains her proudest legacy.
