Wicked Star Cynthia Erivo Talks Career, Music and Dreaming Big
If you haven’t heard the name Cynthia Erivo recently, then it’s about time you tuned in.
With the buzz around the Wicked film adaptation, Erivo has been captivating audiences worldwide, dazzling us all (and quite literally defying gravity).
It’s safe to say that Erivo’s career is nothing short of extraordinary.
From her unforgettable performance as Celie in The Color Purple to her Oscar-nominated portrayal of Harriet Tubman in Harriet, Erivo has consistently raised the bar—not just for herself, but for anyone looking to follow in her footsteps.
And we were beyond honored to sit down with this incredible artist at the Diane Warren Oscar Event, where she shared her inspiring journey, love of storytelling and advice for aspiring creatives.
How The Color Purple Changed Everything
Cynthia Erivo’s career didn’t begin on Broadway or in front of Hollywood cameras—it began with a simple love of musicals.
Growing up in London, with her Nigerian heritage deeply influencing her identity, Erivo pursued her passion by studying at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA).
Her first break came in the form of a 200-seat London production of The Color Purple. At the time, it seemed like just another gig—but it turned out to be the catalyst for everything that followed.
“Had I not done that small play in London, I wouldn’t have done Broadway,” Erivo shared. “And if I hadn’t done Broadway, I wouldn’t be here right now.”
This role would eventually earn her a Tony Award, as well as a Grammy and an Emmy for her work on the Broadway adaptation, making her just one of a handful of artists to achieve this “Triple Crown” of awards.
Her journey from a small stage in London to the global spotlight serves as a powerful reminder: No opportunity is too small, and no dream is too big.
Balancing Acting and Music
Erivo’s talents go far beyond acting—she’s also a gifted musician and songwriter.
Her knack for connecting with audiences in so many ways really makes her stand out in an industry that often pushes people to stick to just one thing.
This blend of acting and music has given her performances an even deeper emotional pull, whether she’s on stage or on screen. It’s this ability to weave stories across different forms that has made her a true inspiration for creatives everywhere.
From Stage to Screen
After Cynthia’s standout role in The Color Purple, Hollywood had no choice but to take notice. Her portrayal of Harriet Tubman in the 2019 film Harriet was nothing short of inspired and even earned her an Oscar nomination for Best Actress.
And that’s not all—Erivo also cowrote and performed the song Stand Up for the movie, which scored her a second Oscar nomination for Best Original Song.
She’s also shown her range in movies like Widows and Bad Times at the El Royale—not to mention voicing the Blue Fairy in Disney’s live-action Pinocchio.
Whatever the role, Erivo always brings something special to the screen.
Words of wisdom for aspiring artists
During her conversation with The Los Angeles Film School, Erivo took a moment to speak directly to aspiring filmmakers, musicians and storytellers.
Her advice was simple yet profound:
- Start small: “Take all the small moments and understand they count.”
- Dream big: “We’re all dreamers,” she said. “If you keep dreaming big and working toward those dreams, you’ll see them come true. Definitely. I’m definitely a testament to that.”
Her words hit home for anyone finding their way in the creative world. Whether you’re a student just starting out or a pro looking to switch things up, Erivo’s message is simple: Believe in yourself and keep pushing forward.
Watch the full interview at The L.A. Film School
So, what did we learn from our chat with Cynthia Erivo?
It was more than just an interview—it was a crash course in how to use your determination to succeed in the industry.
For more top tips from Cynthia and other artists, check out our video on our YouTube channel.
Stay Connected
For more behind-the-scenes glimpses, inspiring interviews and resources for aspiring filmmakers and musicians, follow us on social media.
And let Cynthia Erivo’s story remind you: Your stage may start small, but your dreams should always be big.