Cynthia Erivo

Cynthia Chinasaokwu Onyedinmanasu Amarachukwu Owezuke Echimino Erivo MBE (born January 8, 1987) is a British actress, singer, and songwriter, widely recognized for her powerful vocal performances and versatility across stage and screen. She is one of the few artists nominated for an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar, and a Tony Award (EGOT), having won all but the Oscar. Erivo’s career trajectory is defined by acclaimed roles in both West End and Broadway productions, and high-profile cinematic and television projects. Early Life and Education Cynthia Erivo was born in Stockwell, London, England, to Nigerian parents. She attended La Retraite Roman Catholic Girls’ School in Clapham Park. Erivo initially pursued a music psychology degree at the University of East London starting in 2004. However, after one year, she transferred upon acceptance to the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), graduating in 2010 with a bachelor's degree in acting. Career Progression and Notable Works Erivo’s career began in British television with roles in programs such as *Chewing Gum* and *The Tunnel*. Her early theatre work included roles in *Marine Parade* (2010), *Sister Act* (2011–2012), and *I Can't Sing\! The X Factor Musical* (2014). Her breakthrough came with the role of Celie Harris Johnson in the Menier Chocolate Factory production of *The Color Purple* in 2013, a role she reprised for her acclaimed Broadway debut in the 2015 revival. She transitioned to film in 2018 with roles in the crime thrillers *Widows* and *Bad Times at the El Royale*. She headlined the 2019 biopic *Harriet*, portraying abolitionist Harriet Tubman, a performance that brought her widespread critical recognition. In television, she starred as Aretha Franklin in the 2021 biographical series *Genius*. Major Achievements Erivo is an EGOT nominee, having achieved a Tony Award (Best Actress in a Musical for *The Color Purple*), a Grammy Award (Best Musical Theater Album for *The Color Purple*), and a Daytime Emmy Award (Outstanding Musical Performance in a Daytime Program). For her role in *Harriet*, she received two Academy Award nominations: one for Best Actress and one for Best Original Song ("Stand Up"). Her work as Aretha Franklin in *Genius* earned her nominations for a Golden Globe Award and a Primetime Emmy Award. Erivo also identifies as a singer-songwriter and record producer, and her musical genres include R\&B, soul, urban contemporary, gospel, and Broadway. Current Status As of late 2025, Cynthia Erivo remains a highly active and influential figure in entertainment. She is set to star as Elphaba in the two-part film adaptation of the musical *Wicked*, with the first film, *Wicked Part One*, and the second part, *Wicked: For Good*, debuting in late 2024 and November 2025, respectively. She has also been cast in the upcoming Netflix sci-fi movie *Blink Speed*. In recognition of her services to drama, Erivo was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).