Cynthia Erivo is one of the most talented stars to emerge in the world of entertainment in recent years.
Born in London on January 8, 1987, the powerhouse performer’s journey to fame is nothing short of inspiring.
She is famous for her incredible voice and acting skills. As we all remember, Cynthia brought the house down with her portrayal of Elphaba, aka the Wicked Witch of the West, in Wicked. Her performance of “Defying Gravity” sent chills through fans.
Cynthia has certainly made her mark in theatre, television, and film.
Cynthia Erivo’s Best Movies and TV Show Performances
With a background in musical theatre, she has performed on stage in a number of iconic West End and Broadway productions, including the musical revival of The Color Purple, which earned her a Tony Award.
Her path to stardom began at the University of East London, where she studied music psychology. However, she did not finish her degree there. She transferred to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) and graduated with a degree in acting.
After graduating, the singer starred in West End shows and made cameos in shows such as Chewing Gum and The Tunnel. Her first stage role came in Marine Parade by Simon Stephens at the Brighton Festival.
Cynthia has bagged some accolades over the years thanks to her talents, including a Tony Award, a Grammy Award, and an Emmy Award. Not surprisingly, the actress was also nominated for an Oscar in 2025 thanks to her role in Wicked.
Now let’s look at some of her best performances. Here are some of the amazing TV shows and movies Cynthia Erivo has starred in.
The Colour Purple (Broadway)
Cynthia Erivo is probably best recognised for her role as Celie in the Broadway revival of The Color Purple.
The production was based on Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel.
The show opened in 2015 and became an instant hit. Cynthia played the character Celie, and her role earned her widespread acclaim, including the 2016 Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical.
We mustn’t forget her rendition of “I’m Here,” which became a defining moment in the production.
Harriet (Film)
Cynthia Erivo is also known for her portrayal of Harriet Tubman in Harriet, the biographical drama about the iconic abolitionist. She took on the role in 2019.
Kasi Lemmons directed the film which follows Tubman’s story from slavery to becoming one of the most celebrated figures in American history.
Cynthia’s portrayal of Tubman earned her widespread praise, including nominations for Academy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, and Screen Actors Guild Awards.
Genius: Aretha (TV Series)
Cynthia played the legendary Aretha Franklin in the National Geographic series Genius: Aretha. First airing on the channel in 2017, each series takes a look at famous people from the past, such as Albert Einstein. Erivo was praised for her honest and powerful portrayal of Franklin.
The Outsider (TV Series)
Another standout television role for Erivo came in 2020 when she starred in the HBO miniseries The Outsider.
Based on Stephen King’s novel, the show follows a detective investigating a gruesome murder involving a young boy. The series is intriguing, mysterious, and one you won’t want to miss watching. Erivo played Holly Gibney, a private detective with an incredible ability to solve difficult cases.
Bad Times at the El Royale (Film)
In 2018, Cynthia starred in the thriller Bad Times at the El Royale. Set in the 1960s, the film revolves around a group of strangers who cross paths at a mysterious motel. Erivo plays Darlene Sweet, a singer with a troubled past who finds herself caught up in a web of deception.
West End Theatre Performances
Before making her mark on Broadway, the Hollywood icon had already established herself in London’s West End. In addition to her role in The Color Purple, she also starred in the West End production of I Can’t Sing! The X Factor Musical.
Cynthia Erivo in Wicked
In 2024, the actress and her co-stars Ariana Grande and Jonathan Bailey blew fans away after their performances in the musical movie Wicked.
Speaking about her iconic role and the powerful defying gravity scene, she told Variety: “But it’s one of those things that don’t permeate if you don’t go through the hard work,” Erivo explained. “I want you to feel like it’s easy … I want you to feel the pain that she’s feeling because the pain is real to me. It comes from a very real place.”