Beloved Actress Mourns the Passing of Her Mother with Sweet Tribute

Ariana DeBose is one of the most acclaimed actresses working today, thanks to her several movie roles as well as her stint in “Hamilton.” However, the Oscar-winning actress recently took to social media to share some sad news. Her mother, Gina DeBose, recently passed away. 

DeBose said on Instagram, “At 10:28 am on August 17th, my gorgeous, hilarious, outspoken, warrior queen Mother – Gina Michelle DeBose – passed away due to complications with stage 3 ovarian cancer. I couldn’t be more proud of her and how she fought this insidious disease over the past 3 years. She was 57 years young.”

DeBose continued, “She was my favorite person, my biggest fan, and toughest critic. My best friend. She was my date to every important moment in my professional and personal life – and I wouldn’t have it any other way. It had always been the two of us for as long as I can remember.”

The beloved actress went on, “Through lean times, and there were many of those & green times. She fought like hell to give me a good life, a good education, and every opportunity in the world. 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.'”

DeBose had quite a bit more to say regarding her mother. However, she concluded with, “For the record: my greatest and most proud achievement will always be to have made her proud. I love you, Mommy. Now travel amongst the seas, the winds, and the angels as I know you always loved to do.”

DeBose Thanked Her Mother in her Oscar Speech

As she said in her tribute, DeBose had a special place in her heart for her mother. In many ways, she credited her mom for her career. Notably, upon winning her Oscar in 2021 for “West Side Story,” the actress mentioned her mother in her speech. 

According to the Oscars website, she mentioned her toward the end of the speech. She said, “I’m gonna wrap this up and talk about my family. My mother, who is here tonight. Mama, I love you with my whole heart, and this is as much yours as it is mine.”

Her Mother Leaves Behind a Legacy

DeBose paid tribute to her mother several times during her career. However, she also leaves a legacy all her own. According to CBS 17, she was a teacher with Wake County Schools in North Carolina. Notably, she was in the profession for almost 30 years, which means she touched the lives of countless students. 

DeBose also mentioned her mother’s career as an educator in her post. She said, “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.”

The “Hamilton” actress added, “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.”