Ariana DeBose’s mom dead at 57 after cancer battle as Oscar winner pays heartbreaking tribute

The West Side Story star, 34, announced the devastating loss of Gina Michelle DeBose in a social media statement on Tuesday – revealing she passed away ‘due to complications with stage 3 ovarian cancer’.

Sharing an array of photos with her mother, DeBose wrote: ‘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.

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. 

‘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.”

‘My mom loved to paint, play cards, listen to good music & snuggle with her cats; but her life’s purpose, aside from being my mom, was educating young people. 

‘She passed just shy of delivering 30 years of service as a public school teacher (most currently 8th grade social studies). 

‘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. 

‘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.

‘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.

‘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 memorably lauded her mother as she picked up the Best Supporting Actress Oscar in 2022 , saying: ‘My mother, who is here tonight. Mama, I love you with my whole heart, and this is as much yours as it is mine.’ 

The actress – who played Anita in West Side Story – also recounted how her mom visited her on the set of the Steven Spielberg blockbuster and was left starstruck by the director.

She said: ‘Watching Gina become speechless was amazing. Love you, Mom.’