Cynthia Erivo Headshot

Cynthia Erivo

Birth Place: Stockwell, South London

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Cynthia Erivo BIO

Erivo is an English actress, singer, and songwriter. She is the recipient of several accolades, including a Grammy Award and a Tony Award, in addition to nominations for two Academy Awards and a Primetime Emmy Award.



Erivo began acting in a 2011 stage production of The Umbrellas of Cherbourg. She gained recognition for starring in the Broadway revival of The Color Purple from 2015 to 2017, for which she won the 2016 Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical and the Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album. Erivo ventured into films in 2018, playing roles in the heist film Widows and the thriller Bad Times at the El Royale. For her portrayal of American abolitionist Harriet Tubman in the biopic Harriet (2019), Erivo received a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actress; she also wrote and performed the song "Stand Up" on its soundtrack, which garnered her a nomination in the Best Original Song category.

On television, Erivo had her first role in the British series Chewing Gum (2015). She went on to star in the crime drama miniseries The Outsider (2020), and received a nomination for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress for her portrayal of American singer Aretha Franklin in National Geographic's anthology series Genius: Aretha (2021).

Cynthia Erivo Photos

Cynthia Erivo STAGE CREDITS

[West End]
2024
Guest star

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival Production, 2015
Celie

[Off-Broadway]
St. Ann's Warehouse and Donmar Warehouse Off-Broadway Revival, 2015
Poins/The Earl of Douglas

[West End]
West End Original Production, 2014
Chenice


Cynthia Erivo Movies

Widows
[ 2018 ] Belle
Bad Times at the El Royale
[ 2018 ] Darlene Sweet
Harriet
[ 2019 ] Harriet, Minty
Chaos Walking
[ 2021 ] Hildy
Needle in a Timestack
[ 2021 ] Janine Mikkelsen
Pinocchio
[ 2022 ] Blue Fairy
Wicked
[ 2024 ] Elphaba
Wicked: Part Two
[ 2025 ] Elphaba

Cynthia Erivo TV Shows

Broad City
Lisa

Cynthia Erivo Awards and Nominations


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2016 - Outstanding Actress in a Musical

Cynthia Erivo, The Color Purple

Drama League Awards - 2016 - Distinguished Performance Award

Cynthia Erivo, The Color Purple


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2016 - Outstanding Actress in a Musical

Cynthia Erivo, The Color Purple


winner
Tony Awards - 2016 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical

Cynthia Erivo, The Color Purple

Evening Standard Awards - 2013 - Best Musical Performance

Cynthia ErivoThe color Purple

Cynthia Erivo Videos

Cynthia Erivo News


Jon M. Chu Says Cynthia Erivo 'Blew Us Away' on Set of WICKED Film


In a new interview with Variety, Wicked director Jon M. Chu discussed his first meeting with Cynthia Erivo and their time together on the set of the highly anticipated movie. He highlighted the magic of Erivo's performance in the film, specifically citing the powerful anthem Defying Gravity.

Finalists Revealed For The 2024 Stephen Sondheim Society Student Performer of the Year


The Stephen Sondheim Society Student Performer of the Year competition – affectionately known as SSSSPOTY – was inaugurated in 2007, and in 2024 returns for its 16th year.

Scott Alan Will Return to Birdland This Summer


Birdland will present the return of songwriter Scott Alan, along with some of today’s brightest stars singing his compositions.  The one-night-only event will take place on Monday, August 5th at 7pm.

THE COLOR PURPLE to be Presented at Arts Garage in June


Arts Garage is presenting another stirring and thought-provoking theatrical event—with general admission tickets priced at only $10 each. Learn more about The Color Purple and see how to purchase tickets.

Video: Watch Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo Sing THE PRINCE OF EGYPT at the Met Gala


At the close of the 2024 Met Gala, pop star Ariana Grande and Tony Award-winner Cynthia Erivo joined the stage together to perform a powerful rendition of When You Believe from the animated film The Prince of Egypt. Watch the performance here!

Michelle Yeoh to Star in BLADE RUNNER Sequel Series


According to reports, Michelle Yeoh, who will play Madame Morrible in the upcoming musical film Wicked, has found her latest project. Yeoh will be playing the lead in the upcoming Blade Runner limited series from Prime Video, which recently began production. Later this year, Yeoh will be seen in Wicked alongside Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo.

Ariana Grande & Cynthia Erivo Talk WICKED At the 2024 Met Gala


Tony Award-winner Cynthia Erivo and pop star Ariana Grande, the stars of the upcoming Wicked film adaptation, are in attendance at tonight's Met Gala. While climbing the iconic steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the two stopped for a chat about their experiences working on the high-profile adaptation. 

Social: WICKED Stars, Sarah Jessica Parker, Lea Michele And More Hit the 2024 Met Gala!


It's the first Monday in May and the stars are stepping out once more for this year's Met Gala to benefit the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Hit the iconic steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art with all your faves in our social roundup!

Cynthia Erivo, Ruthie Ann Miles & More to Perform at PBS' NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT


Tony Award-winner Cynthia Erivo, Tony Award-winner Ruthie Ann Miles, and more have been confirmed to perform in the upcoming concert. Segments in the special will be hosted by Bryan Cranston, BD Wong, and more.

Michelle Yeoh Receives Presidential Medal of Freedom


Actress Michelle Yeoh, who will play Madame Morrible in the upcoming musical film Wicked, is one of the recipients of this year's Presidential Medal of Freedom. The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the Nation’s highest civilian honor, presented to individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public or private endeavors.

Listen: GUTENBERG! THE MUSICAL! Cast Album is Now Available Digitally


The Original Broadway Cast Album of Gutenberg! The Musical! featuring GRAMMY® Award winners and Tony Award® nominees Josh Gad and Andrew Rannells has been released digitally on Friday, May 3. Listen to the album here!

Adrianna Hicks Will Lead GREASE at Casa Mañana


Adrianna Hicks will return to Casa Mañana to star in Grease this summer as Rizzo. Casa Mañana’s production of Grease is part of the 2023-24 Broadway season and is directed and choreographed by Gerry McIntyre and music directed by Matthew Stern.

The Kennedy Center & Renée Fleming VOICES to Present John Gallagher Jr. And Band


Renée Fleming VOICES at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts will present an additional program this season: John Gallagher Jr. and Band. Learn how to purchase tickets.

Erich Bergen, Heidi Blickenstaff, and More Will Lead Industry Reading of New Musical SWITCHED


There will be a private industry presentation of the new musical SWITCHED on Friday, May 3, 2024, led by Erich Bergen, Heidi Blickenstaff, Beth Malone, and more!

Interview: Vivian Reed Introduces a New Generation of Singers at Green Room 42


Legendary singer and Tony Award winner Vivian Reed is bringing a showcase of talented singers to the Green Room 42 on April 27th with DON’T JUST STAND THERE, PERFORM! We spoke about the upcoming showcase.

Songwriter Scott Alan to Perform at London's Cadogan Hall in November 2024


Songwriter Scott Alan will perform at Cadogan Hall in November. Learn more about Alan and see how to purchase tickets.

GUTENBERG! THE MUSICAL! Original Broadway Cast Album to be Released in May


The Original Broadway Cast Album of Gutenberg! The Musical! featuring GRAMMY Award winners and Tony Award nominees Josh Gad and Andrew Rannells will be released in May.

Breaking: Jon M. Chu Will Direct Musical Adaptation of CRAZY RICH ASIANS


A musical adaptation of Crazy Rich Asians is set to hit the Broadway stage! The contemporary romantic comedy is based on the 2013 novel by Kevin Kwan and 2018 Warner Bros. Pictures film directed by  Jon M. Chu.  

Henry Mancini Family Celebrates Late Composer's 100th Birthday with Tribute Album


The Henry Mancini family continues to celebrate what would have been the late legendary composer’s 100th birthday with the announcement of The Henry Mancini 100th Sessions – Henry Has Company. The album is the latest installment in what will be a year-long endeavor honoring the 20-time GRAMMY® and 4-time Academy Award winner whose centennial is being celebrated on April 16th. The Henry Mancini 100th Sessions – Henry Has Company will be available June 21st via Primary Wave, and the first single, “Peter Gunn,” featuring Quincy Jones, John Williams, Herbie Hancock, and Arturo Sandoval, is out now. Listen to the song here!

Wake Up With BroadwayWorld April 12, 2024


Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is April 12, 2024 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.

Cynthia Erivo FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Cynthia Erivo been in?

Cynthia Erivo has appeared on Broadway in 1 shows.

How many West End shows has Cynthia Erivo been in?

Cynthia Erivo has appeared on London's West End in 2 shows.

What was Cynthia Erivo's first West End show?

Cynthia Erivo's first West End show was I Can't Sing: The X Factor Musical which opened in 2014

What awards has Cynthia Erivo been nominated for?

Cynthia Erivo has been nominated for several awards for her role in "The Color Purple," including Outstanding Actress in a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards, Distinguished Performance Award at the Drama League Awards, Outstanding Actress in a Musical at the Outer Critics Circle Awards, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards, and Best Musical Performance at the Evening Standard Awards.

What awards has Cynthia Erivo won?

Cynthia Erivo has won the following awards for her role in The Color Purple: Outstanding Actress in a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards, Outstanding Actress in a Musical at the Outer Critics Circle Awards, and Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards.

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