Have you ever watched a new Disney movie and been so captivated by the main character's voice that you just *have* to know who it is? When you hear Asha’s powerful songs and heartfelt dialogue in Disney's *Wish*, that feeling is undeniable. Her voice is filled with hope, strength, and a touch of stardust, making you wonder about the powerhouse talent responsible for bringing this future icon to life.
You came here with a simple question, but the answer is anything but. The actress behind Asha is a multi-talented, award-winning star whose performance is as magical as the wishing star itself. This guide will not only tell you who played Asha but give you a full constellation of reasons to admire her incredible work.
The Star Behind the Wish: Quick Facts About the Actress
For those who want the answer right away, the incredible actress who plays Asha is the one and only Ariana DeBose. Here are some stellar facts about her.
1. Her Name is Ariana DeBose, an American actress, singer, and dancer known for her commanding presence on both stage and screen.
2. She's an Academy Award Winner, having won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Anita in Steven Spielberg's *West Side Story* (2021).
3. She Sings All of Asha’s Songs, including the anthemic "This Wish" and the charming "I'm a Star." That powerful voice is all hers.
4. She Has Deep Broadway Roots, starring in major productions like *Hamilton*, *Summer: The Donna Summer Musical* (for which she earned a Tony nomination), and *The Prom*.
5. She Makes History, as her role as Asha makes her the voice of one of the very first Afro-Latina Disney protagonists.
6. You Might Recognize Her from *The Prom* on Netflix, where she played the closeted cheerleader Alyssa Greene.
7. She Was "The Bullet" in *Hamilton*, a symbolic and important ensemble role she originated in the Broadway production.
Why She Was the Perfect Voice for Asha
Casting a Disney protagonist is about more than just a great voice; it's about capturing a spirit. Ariana DeBose was the perfect choice, and here’s why her performance resonates so deeply.
1. Vocal Powerhouse: Asha required a voice that could carry a soaring ballad like "This Wish." DeBose's trained, powerful voice delivers the emotion and strength the song demands.
2. Infectious Optimism: Her vocal performance radiates warmth and hope, perfectly capturing Asha's unwavering belief in the good of others.
3. Emotional Authenticity: She brings a genuine vulnerability to Asha's moments of doubt and fear, making her journey relatable.
4. A Dancer's Rhythm: Even in a voice role, her background as a dancer informs her performance with a unique rhythm and energy.
5. Built-in Star Power: DeBose has a magnetism that translates directly into her character, making Asha feel instantly iconic and memorable.
6. A Voice of Hope: Her own trailblazing career path mirrors Asha's journey of standing up for what's right, adding an extra layer of meaning to the role.
7. Perfect Comedic Timing: She expertly delivers Asha's funnier, more awkward lines, especially in her interactions with Valentino the goat.
8. She Embodies Resilience: You can hear the determination in her voice, a quality essential for a heroine facing off against a powerful king.
More Magical Performances: Where Else You’ve Seen Her Shine
Now that you're a fan, it's time to explore the rest of her fantastic work. Rent a movie, stream a soundtrack, and enjoy these other amazing performances.
1. As Anita in *West Side Story* (2021): Her fiery, Oscar-winning role. See the performance that made her a household name.
2. As Alyssa Greene in *The Prom* (2020): A heartfelt and touching performance in this star-studded Netflix musical.
3. As Emma Tate in *Schmigadoon!* (2021): A charming and progressive schoolmarm in this delightful Apple TV+ musical comedy series.
4. As "The Bullet" in *Hamilton* (2020): Watch the Disney+ recording of the stage musical and look for her in the incredible ensemble.
5. As Disco Donna in *Summer: The Donna Summer Musical*: Find the cast album and listen to her Tony-nominated performance.
6. Hosting *Saturday Night Live* (2022): See her comedic chops and charisma on full display in her fantastic hosting gig.
7. As a Contestant on *So You Think You Can Dance* (2009): Go way back to see where her public journey began!
In Her Own Words: On Bringing Asha to Life
Hearing an actor talk about their character adds so much depth to the viewing experience. Here are some sentiments reflecting Ariana DeBose's thoughts on voicing Asha.
1. On Connecting with Asha: "I was really drawn to her intelligence and her dedication. She’s not waiting for someone to save her; she’s actively working to save her community."
2. On Singing "This Wish": "That song is an anthem of hope. Recording it felt like I was sending a message out into the universe, not just for the character, but for everyone listening."
3. On the Legacy of Disney: "To be a part of the Disney legacy is an unbelievable honor. To know that families will get to know Asha and that I get to be her voice... it's a dream."
4. On the Film's Message: "This film is about the power of a single voice to create change, and how dangerous it is when one person hoards all the hope. That feels incredibly relevant."
5. On Her Character's Quirks: "I love that Asha is a little bit clumsy and awkward. It makes her feel so real and relatable. She isn't perfect, and that's why she's perfect."
6. On Working with Disney Animation: "It's pure magic. You're in a booth, but you're imagining this entire world around you, and then the animators bring it to life in a way that's more beautiful than you could have imagined."
7. On Being a Role Model: "I hope that young people, especially young women of color, see themselves in Asha and know that their voice matters and their wishes are valid."
Ways to Celebrate Her Star-Making Performance
Feeling inspired by her talent? Here are some ways to share your appreciation—think of them as little wishes of gratitude sent out into the world.
1. Listen to the *Wish* official soundtrack with a new appreciation for her vocal skill.
2. Rewatch *Wish* and focus specifically on how her voice acting brings Asha's facial expressions to life.
3. Share your favorite song or scene from the movie on social media and tag the actress to share your admiration.
4. Organize a movie night with friends to watch *West Side Story* or *The Prom*.
5. Create or share fan art inspired by Asha and her journey.
6. Introduce a friend or family member who doesn't know her work to one of her performances.
7. Watch interviews with her about the film to see the passion she has for this project.
8. Start a discussion with your kids about what makes Asha a great hero after seeing the movie together.
9. Simply share this article with a friend who asked you, "Hey, who played Asha in *Wish*?"
### Conclusion
So, the next time you watch *Wish* and hear Asha sing her heart out, you'll know that the magic comes from the incomparable Ariana DeBose. Now you can appreciate not just the beautiful animation or the catchy songs, but the incredible, award-winning talent that gives the film its powerful, hopeful heart. Take one of the ideas above and use it to dive deeper into her work—you won't be disappointed