Cynthia Erivo | Biography

• By Stone Palmer
• Original : May 05, 2025

Who is Cynthia Erivo?

Cynthia Erivo is a British actor and singer renowned for her powerful performances both on stage and screen. Born on January 8, 1987, in London, England, Erivo's passion for performing emerged at a young age. She grew up in a nurturing environment in the Stockwell district, where her mother, a nurse, encouraged her artistic pursuits. Despite a tumultuous relationship with her estranged father, Erivo found solace and inspiration in music and acting, eventually attending the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts, where she honed her craft.

Erivo's breakthrough came with her portrayal of Celie in the Broadway revival of "The Color Purple," which earned her a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical. Following this remarkable achievement, she ventured into film, gaining significant recognition for her role as Harriet Tubman in the biopic "Harriet," which garnered her two Academy Award nominations. As of late 2023, Erivo is set to star alongside Ariana Grande in the much-anticipated film adaptation of the beloved musical "Wicked," where she plays Elphaba, a role that showcases her immense talent and versatility.

Early Life and Education

Cynthia Onyedinamanasu Chinasaokwu Erivo was born on January 8, 1987, in the Stockwell district of South London, England. Raised by her mother, Edith, a nurse who emigrated from Nigeria, Cynthia had a challenging childhood marked by the early absence of her father. Despite this, her mother provided a loving environment, nurturing Cynthia's artistic talents from a young age. Edith's belief in her daughter’s potential was evident when she documented Cynthia's musical inclinations in her baby book. This encouragement blossomed into Cynthia's early performances, including singing "Silent Night" at a school pageant when she was just five years old.

Cynthia attended La Retraite Roman Catholic Girls’ School in Clapham Park and initially pursued a degree in music psychology at the University of East London. However, she soon realized her passion lay in the performing arts and dropped out after two years to attend the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (RADA). At RADA, Cynthia briefly struggled to fit in due to her confidence, yet she ultimately impressed her classmates and instructors with her vulnerability showcased in performances like Look Homeward, Angel. Graduating in 2010, she emerged ready to take on the professional stage and make her mark in the entertainment industry.

Breakthrough Role in The Color Purple

Cynthia Erivo's breakthrough role came with her portrayal of Celie in the critically acclaimed musical "The Color Purple." This production first premiered at London's Menier Chocolate Factory in 2013, where Erivo's performance garnered significant attention and accolades. Her talent shone brightly in this powerful narrative, which is based on Alice Walker's novel, effectively capturing the resilience and emotional depth of her character. Following this success, she transitioned to Broadway, where she made her highly anticipated debut in December 2015, joining a star-studded cast that included Jennifer Hudson and Danielle Brooks.

In 2016, "The Color Purple" was nominated for four Tony Awards, and Erivo's portrayal earned her the coveted award for Best Actress in a Musical. The show not only achieved critical success but also had a lasting impact on Erivo's career trajectory. She further solidified her status in the industry by winning a Grammy Award for the musical's soundtrack and a Daytime Emmy Award for her contribution as part of the cast. This remarkable success marked the beginning of her ascent to stardom, paving the way for her transition into prominent film roles, including her portrayal of Harriet Tubman in the biopic "Harriet."

Career Success: Harriet and Wicked

Cynthia Erivo has established herself as a powerhouse in both theater and film, with notable career successes that range from her acclaimed stage performances to her compelling film roles. After making her Broadway debut in 2015, Erivo received widespread recognition for her portrayal of Celie in the revival of "The Color Purple," which earned her a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical. This landmark role not only showcased her extraordinary vocal talents but also propelled her into Hollywood, where she quickly became a sought-after talent. Her subsequent role as Harriet Tubman in the biopic "Harriet" further solidified her status, earning her two Academy Award nominations for Best Actress and Best Original Song.

In addition to her impressive theatrical background, Erivo has made significant strides in her film career with high-profile roles. Her portrayal of Harriet Tubman highlighted her dedication to embodying historical figures with authenticity and depth, drawing both critical acclaim and audience admiration. Following this success, Erivo is set to star as Elphaba in the much-anticipated film adaptation of "Wicked," alongside Ariana Grande as Glinda. The film, which is based on the beloved Broadway musical, promises to showcase Erivo's vocal prowess once again and is set to release in November 2024. As she continues to thrive in the entertainment industry, Erivo remains a role model and inspiration to many, both on and off the screen.

Movies and TV Shows

Cynthia Erivo's career blossomed as she transitioned from stage to screen, establishing herself as a versatile performer in both movies and television. In 2015, she made her television debut with a role in the British sitcom "Chewing Gum", followed by appearances in series such as "Mr. Selfridge" and "The Tunnel". Her ability to captivate audiences was further showcased through her roles in "Broad City", "The Outsider", and voice acting in "Star Wars: Visions". This groundwork laid the foundation for her future in film.

Erivo's film career began ambitiously with her performances in "Widows" and "Bad Times at the El Royale" in 2018. Yet, it was her groundbreaking portrayal of Harriet Tubman in the 2019 biopic "Harriet" that garnered her significant acclaim, securing her two Academy Award nominations. In addition to her film achievements, she took on the role of Aretha Franklin in the anthology series "Genius", earning Golden Globe and Primetime Emmy nominations. Her diverse range of characters demonstrates her powerful presence and ability to navigate various genres in the entertainment industry.

Personal Life: Dating and Relationships

Cynthia Erivo identifies as queer and bisexual, and she has been a proud advocate for LGBTQ rights throughout her career. In her own words, she has expressed that she never felt the need to come out, as her sexuality was often assumed. During an interview with The Standard in 2021, Erivo stated, “I have never felt like I necessarily needed to come out, just because no one ever really asked.” Her candidness about her identity showcases her commitment to authenticity, and she continues to inspire many in the community.

Regarding her romantic life, Cynthia has maintained a level of privacy. While she was previously in a two-year relationship with actor Mario Martinez and had a prior connection with British actor Dean John-Wilson, details about her current dating status are not widely known. Erivo has mentioned in interviews that she prefers to keep her personal life "very tight-lipped." This choice perhaps stems from her desire to focus more on her career and personal growth, allowing her artistry to take center stage.

Net Worth and Earning: $3 million

Cynthia Erivo is a remarkable British actor and singer, known for her powerful performances both on stage and screen. Born on January 8, 1987, in London, England, she has garnered critical acclaim and industry recognition, including a Tony Award, Grammy Award, and Daytime Emmy Award. She gained prominence with her leading role in the Broadway revival of "The Color Purple," where her performance as Celie captivated audiences and marked her transition from stage to film. With notable roles in the biopic "Harriet," where she portrayed abolitionist Harriet Tubman, and the upcoming film adaptation of "Wicked," Erivo has firmly established herself as one of the leading talents of her generation.

As of September 2024, Cynthia Erivo's net worth is estimated to be around $3 million. Her earnings come from a combination of stage performances, film roles, and various endorsements. After making a notable Broadway debut in "The Color Purple," Erivo expanded her career with various projects in television and film, including her portrayal of Aretha Franklin in the anthology series "Genius." The blend of her success in theater and her rising film career has helped her accumulate significant wealth over the years, reflecting her status as a versatile and talented artist in the entertainment industry.