Anika Noni Rose, the esteemed actress who brought Princess Tiana to life in Disney’s animated classic “The Princess and the Frog,” shared her deep sentiments regarding the role during an interview with PEOPLE. Although over 15 years have passed since she voiced the character, Rose expressed her enduring connection to Tiana and revealed her aspirations for a potential Broadway adaptation of the film.
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Speaking at the opening night of her latest Broadway venture, “The Balusters,” Rose, 53, revealed her desire to play a part in producing a stage version of “The Princess and the Frog.” While she joked that by the time such a production materialises, she might fit the role of Mama Odie, she affirmed, “It’s very personal to me. It lives deeply in my heart.” The actress noted her commitment to staying involved with projects that hold significance in her life.
In addition to her work on stage, Rose has continued to celebrate her legacy as Tiana in creative ways. In 2024, she published her first children’s book, “Tiana’s Perfect Plan”, which encourages young readers to embrace their true selves rather than strive for unattainable perfection. The story conveys the message that perfection may not be the ultimate goal, aligning with Rose’s mission to help alleviate the pressures of perfectionism experienced by many children.
Explaining her inspiration for writing the book, Rose told PEOPLE that she aims to “release children from the chains of perfectionism.” She acknowledged her own struggles with these issues, adding that it is essential for children to learn early on that they can find grace in imperfection. Rose’s emotional narrative during the writing process was underscored by a touching phone call with her mother, who reminded her of her long-held dream to become an author.
Following the success of her debut book, Rose is set to release another children’s book titled “A Princess is a Princess,” with an expected publication date in September 2026. The new book, illustrated by Jessica Gibson, builds on themes of self-acceptance and empowerment for young readers. Rose emphasises that kids need to feel comfortable as they are, without feeling compelled to conform to traditional expectations.
“Whenever we played princesses, we had to do something to make our hair long or to make our hair blonde; it was always something to make you different,” she reflected. Rose hopes her work will inspire young girls to recognise that they do not need to change anything about themselves to be seen as worthy or beautiful.
On the stage front, Rose is currently performing as Kyra Marshall in “The Balusters,” a play penned by David Lindsay-Abaire. The narrative revolves around the significance of community among a group of neighbours, and Rose described her love for the production as well as the talented cast and crew. She remarked, “David Lindsay-Abaire is a stunningly brilliant writer, and I think that the show is bringing something that people weren’t expecting.”
The production has garnered critical acclaim and received five Tony Award nominations, including Best Play and Best Direction. Rose herself is nominated for a Drama Desk Award for her outstanding lead performance in this poignant and humorous work. The show is currently running at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre in New York City until June 7.
Reflecting on the success and ongoing journey of her career, Anika Noni Rose has proven to be an influential figure in both the realms of theatre and literature. Her passionate portrayal of Princess Tiana continues to resonate with audiences, and her dedication to promoting self-acceptance through her books showcases her commitment to inspiring the next generation. As she navigates her artistic path, Rose remains a vibrant presence in the creative landscape, embracing opportunities to shine a light on meaningful stories that connect with people of all ages.