Hollywood loves a "happily ever after" narrative, especially when it involves a history-making star like Ariana DeBose. After her electric, Oscar-winning turn as Anita in West Side Story, the internet became obsessed with her personal life. People started Googling ariana debose wife faster than you can say "Angela Bassett did the thing."
But here is the thing: if you are looking for wedding photos or a marriage certificate, you’re going to be searching for a long time.
Ariana DeBose is not married. She doesn't have a wife.
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Honestly, the confusion is kind of understandable. For years, she was in a very high-profile, committed relationship with Sue Makkoo. They shared a home, they did the red carpets, and they even worked together on major projects like the Tony Awards. In the eyes of the public, they were basically the blueprint for a Broadway power couple. But "partner" and "wife" aren't the same thing, and it's worth getting the facts straight.
The Sue Makkoo Chapter: More Than Just a Plus One
Sue Makkoo isn't just someone who happened to date a celebrity. She is a powerhouse in her own right. A world-class costume designer and professor, Makkoo has been a fixture in the theater world for decades.
They met back in 2018. The setting? Broadway, naturally. They were both working on Summer: The Donna Summer Musical. Ariana was on stage playing "Disco Donna," and Sue was behind the scenes as a costume associate.
It wasn't just a flash-in-the-pan romance. They were together for years. They even bought a cozy two-bedroom cottage in upstate New York together. Ariana once told MyDomaine that the house was their "place for peace and solace," especially during the chaos of the pandemic. They weren't just dating; they were building a life.
Why people think they got married
It's the red carpets. Whenever Ariana had a massive moment—like becoming the first openly queer woman of color to win an Academy Award—Sue was right there. They walked the Vanity Fair Oscar Party carpet hand-in-hand. Sue was frequently on Ariana's Instagram, and Ariana was always gushing about how talented Sue was (especially when Sue designed costumes for the 2022 Tonys which Ariana hosted).
When you see that level of public support and long-term domesticity, the "wife" label starts trending. People just assume.
The Breakup Rumors and Current Status
Here is where things get a bit murky. If you follow the breadcrumbs on social media and fan forums, the "Ariana DeBose wife" search query starts to hit a wall in late 2023 and 2024.
While neither has released a dramatic "we are parting ways" PR statement—because let’s be real, they’ve always tried to keep things relatively low-key—the signs of a split have been there. They stopped appearing on each other's social media feeds. The red carpet appearances dried up.
There have been reports and whispers in the industry that the pair officially ended their long-term relationship. It’s a reminder that even the most "solid" couples in Hollywood deal with the same stuff we do: shifting priorities, the strain of massive fame, and just... growing apart.
Who Else Has Ariana Dated?
Before the era of Sue Makkoo, Ariana was in another serious relationship with Jill Johnson.
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Jill was a theater props master. Again, that Broadway connection! They met while working on Motown: The Musical around 2013. They dated for several years, and Jill was often by her side during the early "rise to fame" years of Ariana's career.
Ariana has always been open about being queer. She came out to her grandparents back in 2015 and has been a fierce advocate for the LGBTQ+ community ever since. She doesn't hide who she is, but she also doesn't feel the need to broadcast every single detail of her domestic life for clicks.
Realities of Dating in the Spotlight
Being a "first" of anything is exhausting. Being the first openly queer woman of color to win an acting Oscar means your dating life becomes a political statement whether you want it to be or not.
Ariana has talked about living in the "grey spaces" of identity. She’s Afro-Latina. She’s queer. She’s a dancer who can actually act (which shouldn't be a rarity, but here we are).
When users search for a "wife," they are often looking for stability in a star they admire. They want to see that someone who gives so much of themselves to their art has a soft place to land at night. For a long time, that was Sue. Now? Ariana seems to be focusing heavily on her career—from Wish to Kraven the Hunter to her ongoing stage work.
Fact Check: Quick Relationship Breakdown
- Current Marital Status: Single/Unmarried.
- Most Notable Partner: Sue Makkoo (Costume Designer).
- Relationship Duration: Approx. 2018–2023.
- Past Partners: Jill Johnson (Props Master).
- Sexual Orientation: Queer / Openly out since 2015.
What You Should Know Going Forward
If you see a headline tomorrow claiming Ariana DeBose had a secret wedding, take it with a massive grain of salt. She has historically been very intentional about her public appearances. If she were to get married, she’d likely do it on her own terms, probably with a very stylish, very "theatre" flair.
For now, the term "wife" is just a misconception fueled by her long-term partnership with Sue Makkoo.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Verify the Source: If you see "marriage" news, check reputable trades like The Hollywood Reporter or Variety. Tabloids often use the word "wife" loosely to describe any long-term partner.
- Follow Her Work: Ariana is most active on Instagram (@arianadebose), where she shares updates on her projects rather than her dating life.
- Respect the Privacy: Remember that even though she’s a public figure, she has never officially confirmed a marriage, and her relationship status is hers to disclose when—and if—she feels like it.