Cynthia Erivo's 6 Career-Defining Roles, From 'Harriet' to 'Wicked'
The award-winning actor and former L’OFFICIEL cover star is said to be on the cusp of EGOT status thanks to her latest role in Wicked.
Cynthia Erivo has undoubtedly been one of 2024's most exciting actors to watch on-screen, thanks to her incredible performance as Elphaba in Wicked. But the 37-year-old actor has had a long list of powerful works before this latest breakout moment.
Erivo's rise to fame has been nothing short of extraordinary, beginning with her powerful stage performances before transitioning into film and television. Known for her incredible vocal range and emotive acting, the British star's early breakout role came in 2015 when she starred as Celie in The Color Purple on Broadway, earning the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical. She won a Grammy Award in 2017 for the Best Musical Theater Album, via The Color Purple. Erivo also won an Emmy in 2017 for her outstanding performance.
Her talent quickly transcended the stage, earning her critical acclaim in film, with standout roles in Harriet (2019), where she portrayed abolitionist Harriet Tubman. Erivo’s riveting performance earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress and a nomination for Best Original Song for "Stand Up." From captivating audiences on Broadway to the silver screen, Erivo’s story is a testament to the notion that mainstream success comes tenfold once it finds you, and it's not something that happens overnight.
Keeping scrolling to look back at Cynthia Erivo’s career through her most iconic roles thus far. These have cemented her status as one of the most versatile and celebrated performers of her generation.
Chewing Gum (2015)
Erivo made her screen debut in the first series of Michaela Coel’s acclaimed sitcom Chewing Gum. Playing Magdalene, a friend to Coel’s Tracey, Erivo brought vibrant energy and charm to her brief role, adding depth to the show’s colorful world. Her performance offered a glimpse of the versatility that would later define her career. Her future Wicked co-star Jonathan Bailey joined the series in its second season as Ash.
The Color Purple (2015-2017)
In the 2015 Broadway revival of The Color Purple, Erivo played Celie and the heart-wrenching journey of a woman overcoming immense adversity and finding strength in herself. Her portrayal of Celie garnered widespread acclaim, with critics praising her powerful voice and emotional range. Erivo’s performance was a masterclass in vulnerability and resilience, culminating in a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical. She brought a raw, transformative energy to the character, making Celie’s journey both poignant and empowering for audiences.
Widows (2018)
Steve McQueen's Widows saw Erivo in the role of Linda, a determined and resourceful woman who must navigate a world of crime and corruption after the death of her husband. Starring opposite industry heavyweights like Viola Davis and Michelle Rodriguez, her portrayal was fierce, driven by a desire for survival and justice. Erivo brought a sense of depth to Linda’s character, balancing her strength with vulnerability, making her one of the standout elements of the ensemble cast.
Harriet (2019)
Erivo's portrayal of Harriet Tubman in the biopic Harriet was a transformative moment in her career, earning her widespread recognition and an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. She embodied the strength, courage, and conviction of the iconic abolitionist with remarkable depth and authenticity. Erivo’s performance was not just an acting achievement but a testament to the power of storytelling, as she brought Tubman{s unbreakable will and compassion to life.
The Outsider (2020)
In The Outsider, Erivo portrays Holly Gibney, a sharp and intuitive private investigator who becomes central to uncovering the dark forces at play. Her performance blended intelligence and emotional depth into a character who is both vulnerable and strong. Erivo’s ability to navigate the thriller genre added a distinct layer to her already impressive range, as she embodied the determined, unconventional detective who is unafraid to challenge the unknown.
Wicked (2024)
Erivo's latest role as Elphaba opposite Ariana Grande’s Glinda in the film adaptation of Wicked has already proved to be another career-defining moment. As the green-skinned, misunderstood witch from the beloved Broadway musical, Erivo brings both her commanding stage presence and vocal prowess to the iconic role. Known for her powerful voice and intense performances, Erivo’s interpretation of Elphaba is both emotionally compelling and electrifying.
