Cynthia Onyedinmanasu Chinasaokwu Erivo (born 8 January 1987) is an actress who will play Elphaba in Wicked: Part One/Wicked: Part Two.
Biography[]
Born in Stockwell, South London, to Nigerian parents. Erivo discovered her passion for the arts at a young age. She attended La Retraite Roman Catholic Girls' School, where she was actively involved in school productions. Her early exposure to music and theater set the stage for her future career in the performing arts.
Erivo furthered her education at the University of East London, where she studied music psychology. During her time in university, she continued to hone her skills in singing and acting, laying the foundation for her future career in the entertainment industry.
Career[]
Cynthia Erivo's breakthrough in the theater world came with her role as Celie Harris in the 2013 Menier Chocolate Factory production of "The Color Purple." Her performance was met with critical acclaim, earning her the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical. Following this success, she reprised her role on Broadway, where she won the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical, making her one of the youngest actresses to achieve this feat.
Erivo's theatrical success continued with roles in productions such as "Sister Act the Musical," "I Can't Sing! The X Factor Musical," and "The Last Five Years." Her ability to seamlessly blend her powerful vocals with emotionally resonant performances established her as a force to be reckoned with in the world of musical theater.Cynthia Erivo transitioned to the world of film and television with equal success. She made her film debut in 2018 with a starring role in Steve McQueen's "Widows." However, it was her portrayal of Harriet Tubman in the biographical film "Harriet" (2019) that brought her widespread recognition. Erivo's performance earned her nominations for the Academy Award for Best Actress and the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama.
In addition to her film work, Erivo has appeared in television series such as "Chewing Gum" and "The Outsider." Her versatility as an actress has been evident in the range of characters she has portrayed across different mediums.
Cynthia Erivo's musical talent extends beyond the stage and screen. She has showcased her vocal prowess in various performances, including her rendition of "Stand Up" for the soundtrack of "Harriet." Her ability to convey emotion through her singing has been a consistent aspect of her artistic identity. Beyond her artistic pursuits, Cynthia Erivo is known for her activism and advocacy work. She has been vocal about issues related to racial and gender equality in the entertainment industry and society at large.
Cynthia Erivo's journey from the stages of London to the glitz of Hollywood reflects her undeniable talent and determination. Whether captivating audiences with her theatrical performances or delivering powerful on-screen portrayals,
Erivo continues to leave an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. Her achievements serve as an inspiration for aspiring artists, and her commitment to social causes adds depth to her legacy in the industry. As she continues to explore new artistic horizons, Cynthia Erivo remains a multifaceted talent with a bright future ahead.