Cynthia Erivo: A Multi-Talented Star Shining Bright in Music, Film, and Theatre

Cynthia Erivo’s remarkable journey from the stage to the silver screen has been nothing short of inspiring. As one of the most versatile and accomplished performers of her generation, Erivo has proven herself to be a powerhouse in both music and acting. From her powerful performance in the Oscar-nominated song “Stand Up” in Harriet, to her critically acclaimed portrayal of Elphaba in Wicked, Erivo continues to captivate audiences with her exceptional talent. Her ongoing success, including a 2024 Golden Globe nomination, showcases the depth and range of her abilities. Let’s dive into the highlights of Cynthia Erivo’s incredible career and the milestones that have made her a trailblazer in the entertainment industry.

The Breakthrough Moment: “Stand Up” from Harriet

In 2019, Cynthia Erivo’s life changed forever with the release of Harriet, the biographical drama based on the life of Harriet Tubman. Erivo starred as the courageous abolitionist, delivering a performance that garnered widespread acclaim. However, it was her contribution to the film’s soundtrack that truly solidified her place in Hollywood.

Erivo co-wrote and performed “Stand Up”, a powerful anthem that accompanied the film’s end credits. The song, which speaks to the power of resistance, freedom, and justice, resonated with audiences around the world. Its powerful message and Erivo’s commanding vocal delivery earned the song an Oscar nomination for Best Original Song. Erivo’s performance not only showcased her musical prowess but also deepened her connection to the themes of the film. The song’s success marked a major milestone in her career, demonstrating her ability to impact both the music and film industries in profound ways.

A Golden Voice and a Powerful Stage Presence

Born in London in 1987, Cynthia Erivo’s early career was rooted in musical theatre, where she quickly made a name for herself. After graduating from the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), Erivo’s stage career soared. In 2015, she made her West End debut in The Color Purple, playing the role of Celie. Her stunning performance not only earned her critical acclaim but also led to a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical. Erivo’s portrayal of Celie was both heartbreaking and empowering, cementing her as one of the most exciting talents in theatre.

Her success continued on Broadway, where she brought her dynamic voice and commanding stage presence to the role of Celie once again. For her portrayal, she won the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical, making history as the first Black actress to win in that category in over 40 years. Erivo’s raw, emotional performances and her ability to connect with the material set her apart from her peers.

Elphaba in Wicked: A New Chapter in Erivo’s Career

One of the most anticipated roles for Erivo came when she was cast as Elphaba in the upcoming film adaptation of Wicked, the beloved Broadway musical. Based on the novel by Gregory Maguire, Wicked tells the story of the witches of Oz, with Elphaba, the misunderstood “wicked” witch, being one of the central figures. Elphaba is a role known for its vocal demands and emotional depth, and it has been played by a number of celebrated actresses, including Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth.

Cynthia Erivo’s casting as Elphaba was met with excitement from both fans of the original musical and those eager to see her take on such an iconic character. Her exceptional vocal range and dramatic skills make her a perfect fit for the role, and many are eager to see how she will bring a new dimension to the character on screen. Erivo’s interpretation of Elphaba will surely be one of the highlights of the highly anticipated Wicked films, set to be released in two parts starting in 2024.

A Golden Globe Nomination: Erivo’s Continued Success

2024 marks another monumental year for Cynthia Erivo, as she receives a Golden Globe nomination for “Best Actress in a Motion Picture Musical or Comedy” for her role in Wicked. This recognition further establishes her as one of the most talented actresses in Hollywood today, and it comes on the heels of a series of high-profile roles that have only solidified her status as a rising star.

Erivo’s Golden Globe nomination is a testament to her versatility as an actress. From playing the fierce, unyielding Harriet Tubman in Harriet to bringing Elphaba to life in Wicked, Erivo has showcased an incredible range of emotions, from the raw power of activism to the vulnerable complexity of a misunderstood character. This latest nomination is just another chapter in her already impressive career, and it has many excited to see what she will do next.

A Role Model for Aspiring Artists

Cynthia Erivo’s journey is one of hard work, dedication, and an unwavering belief in the power of art to inspire change. As a Black woman in the entertainment industry, Erivo has broken down barriers and has become a symbol of strength and perseverance. She has used her platform to speak out on issues of racial injustice and inequality, and her work continues to inspire a new generation of performers to follow in her footsteps.

Her ability to seamlessly move between music, film, and theatre speaks to her immense talent and dedication to her craft. Whether she is belting out anthems like “Stand Up”, delivering a tour de force performance in Harriet, or preparing to conquer the role of Elphaba in Wicked, Cynthia Erivo is a name that will continue to resonate in the entertainment industry for years to come.



Cynthia Erivo is a true force to be reckoned with in the worlds of music, film, and theatre. Her journey from a talented musical theatre performer to an Oscar-nominated artist and Golden Globe-nominated actress is one of incredible growth and achievement. With each role she takes on, Erivo continues to demonstrate her range, resilience, and unyielding commitment to her craft. As we look ahead to her performance in Wicked, there’s no doubt that Cynthia Erivo will continue to inspire and captivate audiences around the world with her talent and passion.