Cynthia Erivo’s journey with “Wicked” has been anything but ordinary. She describes the past four years as a whirlwind, where she and her co-star, Ariana Grande, navigated intense pressures together. “We were holding on by threads,” she reflects warmly.
Their friendship sparked major buzz online, with fans eager to see how their dynamic would translate on screen. Early in their promotional efforts, the duo made a point to highlight their bond, matching outfits on red carpets and conducting joint interviews. Yet, Erivo sensed skepticism about their friendship, noting, “People didn’t really believe that we were actually friends. But if I’m a friend, I’m a friend.”
Stepping into the role of Elphaba, Erivo faced the challenge of embodying a character often misunderstood. “People thought I was being myself, even though I was green,” she laughs softly. This blurring of lines between character and reality only intensified the scrutiny Erivo faced, a reflection on how society often perceives public figures, especially women.
As the excitement around “Wicked” grew, things turned darker. Media coverage sometimes veered into mockery, particularly surrounding a security incident in Singapore when an overzealous fan grabbed Grande. Erivo jumped in to protect her friend, but while many praised her quick actions, others made jokes about the situation. Erivo highlights a troubling aspect of society: “I think we haven’t really come to terms with how we view Black women.”
Her rise to fame is not a typical success story. Growing up in South London, she never considered applying to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art until encouraged by a mentor. Six years later, she won her first Tony Award for “The Color Purple.” Since then, she has earned accolades including a Grammy and an Emmy, and was nominated twice for an Oscar, including for her role in “Wicked.”
Despite the frenzy, Erivo stays grounded. Now starring in “Dracula,” she plays 23 characters, pouring herself into this intense role. “It’s exhausting, but it’s a different kind of adrenaline,” she explains. Her commitment is evident; she routinely greets fans after performances, exemplifying her gratitude for their support.
Looking back on the “Wicked” experience, Erivo admits the pressure took a toll. “I felt like my humanity had been bastardized,” she says candidly. As awards seasons come around, she wrestles with the industry’s expectations. The latest installment of “Wicked” received mixed reviews from critics, raising questions about whether it could ever measure up to the original.
Underneath all of this, one shining aspect of Erivo’s journey is her friendship with co-star Jonathan Bailey. Together, they acknowledge how their visibility as queer actors in leading roles is significant, not just for themselves, but for the broader LGBTQ+ community. Their collaborative spirit is evident, particularly in Bailey’s initiative, The Shameless Fund. This charity, aimed at helping LGBTQ+ individuals live freely, resonated with Erivo. “I want others to feel the comfort I’ve found,” she states.
As she reflects, she keeps an eye on the future. Conversations about a potential third “Wicked” film may be premature, but Erivo has other dreams. She hopes to play iconic roles like Storm from the X-Men and South African civil rights activist Miriam Makeba.
Through it all, Erivo remains resilient and hopeful. The world may have its challenges, but she continues to find strength and joy in both her personal and professional life. The sun shines brightly on her path ahead, and she’s ready for whatever comes next.
For more on Erivo’s contributions to the LGBTQ+ community, you can learn about The Shameless Fund here.
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Cynthia Erivo,Wicked
