Maleah Joi Moon, born on September 23, 2002, in Franklin Township, Somerset County, New Jersey, is an American singer and actress who has garnered considerable acclaim for her stage and television work. From a young age, she showcased her passion for the performing arts, studying theatre and singing, and performing in school plays, including a standout role as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz during sixth grade.

She graduated from Franklin High School in 2020 and rapidly transitioned into professional performance, landing her first television role in 2022 on the Disney show "Disney Television Discovers: Talent Showcase," followed by an appearance as Brooke in the TV movie "Mystic Christmas" in 2023.

Her breakthrough came in Alicia Keys' musical "Hell's Kitchen," where she starred as Ali in both its Off-Broadway and Broadway productions. Her performances received widespread critical acclaim, earning her the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical, the Drama Desk Award, and the Theatre World Award for her lead role.

The musical, debuted at The Public Theater before transferring to the Shubert Theatre, highlighted her powerful vocal presence and compelling stagecraft, drawing praise from top critics for her rich voice, expressive dance, and nuanced characterization. She was recognized as one of The New York Times’ "2023 Theater Artists to Watch" and achieved further industry recognition with a Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album for "Hell's Kitchen".

In addition to her musical theater success, she made her Met Gala debut in May 2024 and has continued to pursue both stage and screen opportunities.