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

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.

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.

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.

Setting the Stage

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.

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.

“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.

Musical Reality

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.

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.

Love in the Face of Hate

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.

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.”

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.

Embracing the Light

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.

“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.

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.”

Legacy Beyond Performing

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.

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.

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.

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.

Defying Gravity

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.

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.

Best Dressed Ladies at the 2020 Golden Globe Awards

When it comes to any award show, most of us never fail to take notice of the stunning looks worn on the red carpet. Thereby, as much as we were interested in seeing which deserving actor won which award, we also kept an eye for the best dressed ladies at the recent 2020 Golden Globe Awards show. Below are the ladies of Hollywood who caught our attention with their sense of style ‒ all, of course, in the best possible way.

Ana de Armas

2020 Golden Globe Awards

Ana de Armas, who was nominated for Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical Or Comedy award shined on the red carpet with her sparkling dark blue Ralph & Russo gown. The Knives Out heroine elevated the look further with her Tiffany & Co. jewellery. An elegant necklace made of 19 pear-shaped sapphires with princess-cut diamonds between each sapphire stone that matched the colour of her dress was paired with pear-shaped diamond earrings and tanzanite ring. Her accessories complemented her strapless dress so well that our only dilemma was in deciding if she stood out or her ensemble did. 

Charlize Theron 

2020 Golden Globe Awards

Another Hollywood lady who finished her red carpet look with ornaments by the American high-end jewellery brand Tiffany & Co. was Charlize Theron, who was nominated for Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama. Designed to mimic a grosgrain ribbon, the Tiffany & Co.’s Blue Book Collection necklace worn by the lead actor of Bombshell featured baguette sapphires and diamonds that was centered by an emerald gemstone that was the true highlight of the piece. Moreover, her bold and minimalistic look with Dior’s black and green Haute Couture dress was equally mesmerising. Her entire look was timeless. 

Cynthia Erivo

2020 Golden Globe Awards

While this year’s nominee for Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama, Cynthia Erivo ’s Thom Browne tuxedo dress was remarkable, it was her BVLGARI necklace– valued up to US$3 million – that made jaws drop. With a 40-carat cabochon sapphire pendant attached to a necklace made of diamonds and sapphires, the BVLGARI high jewellery accentuated her look perfectly. She paired the necklace with the luxury brand’s earrings and rings that were made of sapphires and diamonds too. The Harriet star’s song, Stand Up, was also nominated for Best Original Song – Motion Picture. Put together, her vogue on the award this award show was on the point. 

Jennifer Lopez

2020 Golden Globe Awards
Photo Credits © Steve Granitz

Often appreciated for her fashion sense, Hustlers actor Jennifer Lopez obviously made it to our list of best dressed ladies for good reason. Draped in a tri-colour Valentino Haute Couture dress, she completed her red carpet look with a Harry Winston jewellery set, starring an 18K gold and platinum necklace lined with Colombian emeralds and diamonds. The nominee for Best Supporting Actress – Motion Picture matched it with a cushion-cut Colombian emerald and diamond earrings.  In conclusion, J Lo’s entire outfit was yet another testimony to her long-standing sense of fashion.

Scarlett Johansson

2020 Golden Globe Awards

The iconic Hollywood star Scarlett Johansson looked marvellous as ever with her crimson Vera Wang silk dress. Johansson, who was nominated for the Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama award for her starring role in Marriage Story, accentuated her red carpet look with a BVLGARI diamond necklace,  a heritage bracelet and stud earrings. With striking white diamonds that went well with her red gown, her red carpet look was simple yet sophisticated. Thus, making it as one of Gafencu’s favourite red carpet look at the 2020 Golden Globe Awards.

Click here to read our article on the best dressed men at the 2020 Golden Globe Awards.