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<p>With her powerful vocals and dynamic performances, Cynthia Erivo has not only captivated audiences but also redefined what it means to be a leading light in the modern entertainment landscape. From the London stage to the Hollywood silver screen, her journey is nothing short of extraordinary.</p>



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<p>Born on 8 January 1987, in Stockwell, South London, to Nigerian immigrants, Erivo faced challenges in childhood, particularly after her parents separated when she was still very young. Speaking about her upbringing, she reflects: “My mother has the strongest spirit I’ve ever encountered. She had to go through so much, and yet she still made sure that we had everything we needed, including love.” This early exposure to resilience undoubtedly shaped her identity as an artist.</p>



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<p>She attended a Catholic girls’ school, where she began exploring her passion for performance. “The theatre was my escape,” she says. She then enrolled at the University of East London to study music psychology but transferred to the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (Rada) to pursue her true calling. After graduating in 2010, she broke onto the scene with stage performances that showcased her vocal prowess and emotive range.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Setting the Stage</h3>



<p>Erivo’s rise to fame was rapid and remarkable, particularly her portrayal of Celie Harris in the 2015 Broadway revival of The Color Purple, when she stepped comfortably into shoes originally filled by Whoopi Goldberg. This performance earned her a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical, as well as a Grammy for Best Musical Theatre Album. “Part of me feels like I’ve always been meant to do this,” she notes, illustrating her profound connection to her craft.</p>



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<p>She expertly melded musicality with acting, performing pivotal roles in various productions. Following her Broadway success, she took her talents to film in 2018, making notable impressions in Widows and Bad Times at the El Royale. But it was her next role as American abolitionist Harriet Tubman in the biopic Harriet (2019) that solidified her status as a lead actor.</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/1124_Wicked-embed-04-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-85166" width="768" height="512" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/1124_Wicked-embed-04-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/1124_Wicked-embed-04-420x280.jpeg 420w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/1124_Wicked-embed-04-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/1124_Wicked-embed-04-200x133.jpeg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/1124_Wicked-embed-04-800x534.jpeg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/1124_Wicked-embed-04.jpeg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>


<p>“To play Harriet Tubman is to connect with the essence of courage and determination,” she said at the time. “It’s about giving voice to those who fought so hard for their freedom.” The film brought her numerous accolades, including Academy Award nominations for Best Actress and Best Original Song, further showcasing her indisputable talent.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Musical Reality</h3>



<p>That Erivo is a gifted singer-songwriter is also undeniable. Stand Up, which she co-wrote and performed for the film’s credits, resonated with audiences worldwide. “Music is an intrinsic part of who I am; it’s my means of expression,” she says, underscoring her artistic drive.</p>



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<p>Her career has flourished further through her recent venture into the musical fantasy realm. Alongside Ariana Grande, she heads the celebrated cast of Wicked, a two-film adaptation of the iconic musical; the first instalment hit cinemas in November 2024, with Wicked Part Two scheduled for release late this year. She embodies the complex character of Elphaba, who is often seen as emblematic of the quest for self-discovery and empowerment. “Elphaba’s story is about embracing who you are, flaws and all,” she shares, echoing her own path in the industry.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Love in the Face of Hate</h3>



<p>Beyond her professional accomplishments, Erivo’s personal life has become a topic of interest. A proud member of the queer community, she openly identifies as bisexual. “It’s essential for me to live my truth,” she asserts, taking to heart the multitude of identities she navigates.</p>



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<p>She is currently in a relationship with US actress and producer Lena Waithe, and it is a partnership is built on mutual support and understanding. She underlines the importance of love and authenticity in one’s life: “No matter the challenges you face, love should always be unfiltered, raw and honest.”</p>
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<p>Through her platform, she advocates representation and creates spaces for marginalised voices in the arts. “In a world that often silences marginalised stories, it’s crucial that we raise our voices and share our truths,” she says.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Embracing the Light</h3>



<p>Erivo’s journey is a compelling tapestry woven from her identities as a queer individual and a Roman Catholic, both of which shape her understanding of love and faith. She eloquently expresses her belief that “God makes people as they’re meant to be”, challenging the narrow interpretations of faith that some individuals might impose.</p>



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<p>“The rules for themselves that people put upon others have nothing to do with me and my faith,” she asserts. “Faith is so big – so much bigger than set rules.” For her, religion is not about stringent doctrines; it encompasses an expansive understanding of love and compassion.</p>



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<p>Erivo firmly states the fundamental principle of her beliefs: “The main rule that we’re all supposed to follow is to love one another as you would love yourself.” This guiding tenet informs her actions and relationships, prompting her to cultivate kindness and empathy. She concludes: “If those are the things I’m following, then I think I’m following my faith.”</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Legacy Beyond Performing</h3>



<p>In embracing both her queerness and Catholicism, she not only navigates her own identity but also illuminates a path for others, inviting everyone to reflect on their own capacity for love and acceptance.</p>



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<p>She emphasises the importance of growth and adaptation too, reflecting that “as time changes, we are also meant to change”. This perspective resonates deeply with her role in Wicked, where Elphaba’s journey symbolises a struggle against societal rejection and the quest for true belonging.</p>


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<p>The actor and singer’s influence extends beyond her performances; she is also passionate about providing opportunities for emerging artists. Recently appointed as Vice-president of Rada, she sees this role as a chance to shape the future of theatre. “I feel a responsibility to uplift others and share the wisdom I’ve gained throughout my journey,” she notes.</p>



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<p>Through her production company – named Edith’s Daughter in homage to her mother – Erivo is committed to developing inclusive projects that empower underrepresented communities. “I often think about how my mother fought for her voice to be heard. It’s a legacy I intend to honour through my work,” she reveals.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Defying Gravity</h3>



<p>In a field that values uniformity, she is tearing down barriers and defying expectations. She carries with her the dreams of many who came before her and will emerge after as she plays Elphaba in Wicked, a project that speaks to her own identity and struggle. “Above all else, I want my story to inspire others to embrace their uniqueness and defy gravity,” she says.</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/RROSALES_THR_CYNTHIA_ERIVO_1260-788x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-85172" width="591" height="768" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/RROSALES_THR_CYNTHIA_ERIVO_1260-788x1024.jpg 788w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/RROSALES_THR_CYNTHIA_ERIVO_1260-215x280.jpg 215w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/RROSALES_THR_CYNTHIA_ERIVO_1260-768x998.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/RROSALES_THR_CYNTHIA_ERIVO_1260-200x260.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/RROSALES_THR_CYNTHIA_ERIVO_1260-800x1040.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/RROSALES_THR_CYNTHIA_ERIVO_1260.jpg 923w" sizes="(max-width: 591px) 100vw, 591px" /></figure></div>


<p>Cynthia Erivo turns every position, every endeavour and every personal obstacle into a chance for development and transformation because of her genuineness, inventiveness and unshakable dedication to her work. Truly, she is more than just an actor and singer. An Academy Award winner this year? That would be wicked – and well deserved.</p>


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Witch Way Up: The multiple talents of Wicked star Cynthia Erivo have a growing legion of admirers spellbound