History of Cynthia Erivo in Timeline
Cynthia Erivo is an acclaimed English actress and singer-songwriter recognized for her significant achievements in both theater and film. She stands out as one of the few individuals to have been nominated for the prestigious EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award), having won all except the Oscar. Her talent and versatility have solidified her place as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.
1966: Tribute to Dionne Warwick
Cynthia Erivo paid tribute to Dionne Warwick at the Kennedy Center Honors, where she sang a rendition of "Alfie" from the 1966 film of the same name.
January 1987: Cynthia Erivo Born
In January 1987, Cynthia Erivo was born as Cynthia Chinasaokwu Onyedinmanasu Amarachukwu Owezuke Echimino Erivo. She is an English actress and singer-songwriter and one of few individuals nominated for an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar, and a Tony Award (EGOT), winning all but the Oscar.
January 1987: Cynthia Erivo's Birth and Family Background
In January 1987, Cynthia Erivo was born in Stockwell, London, England, to Igbo Nigerian immigrant parents. Her mother, Edith, experienced the Nigerian Civil War, and both parents arrived in the UK in their early twenties. Her parents separated when she was young, and she and her sister were raised by their mother. She was disowned by her father at 16.
2004: University Enrollment
In 2004, Cynthia Erivo began a music psychology degree at the University of East London.
2010: Graduation from RADA
In 2010, Erivo graduated from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) with a bachelor's degree in acting.
2011: West End Debut
In 2011, Erivo made her West End debut in the stage musical 'The Umbrellas of Cherbourg'.
December 2012: Living Every Day Performance
On Sunday, December 9, 2012, Cynthia Erivo appeared in Alexander S. Bermange's and Stephen Clark's 'Living Every Day', performed at the Old Vic in London’s West End as part of The 24 Hour Musicals Celebrity Gala.
2013: The Color Purple at Menier Chocolate Factory
In 2013, Cynthia Erivo played Celie Harris in the Menier Chocolate Factory production of 'The Color Purple'. She also portrayed Sister Mary Clarence / Deloris Van Cartier in a UK tour of the stage musical 'Sister Act'.
March 2014: I Can't Sing! Opening
On March 26, 2014, Erivo originated the role of Chenice in the West End musical 'I Can't Sing!', which opened at the London Palladium and garnered mixed reviews.
August 2014: Dessa Rose at Trafalgar Studios
From July to August 2014, Erivo starred in the European premiere of 'Dessa Rose' at London's Trafalgar Studios.
December 2015: Broadway Debut in The Color Purple Revival
From December 10, 2015, Cynthia Erivo made her Broadway debut in the revival transfer of 'The Color Purple', reprising her role as Celie Harris at Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre.
2015: Broadway Debut in The Color Purple
In 2015, Cynthia Erivo made her Broadway debut playing Celie in the musical revival of 'The Color Purple'.
2015: BroadwayWorld UK Awards Nomination
In 2015, Cynthia Erivo was nominated as Best Leading Actress in a musical at the BroadwayWorld UK Awards for her role in Dessa Rose.
May 2016: The Color Purple Performance on The Today Show
In May 2016, Cynthia Erivo and the cast of The Color Purple performed on The Today Show.
September 2016: The Last Five Years Benefit Concert
On September 12, 2016, Cynthia Erivo starred as Cathy alongside Joshua Henry in a one-night benefit concert performance of Jason Robert Brown's 'The Last Five Years'.
2016: Tony Award Win
In 2016, Cynthia Erivo won the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her performance in 'The Color Purple'.
2016: Tony Award for Best Actress
In 2016, Cynthia Erivo won the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her performance in the Broadway revival of "The Color Purple".
February 2017: "God Only Knows" Performance at the Grammys
In February 2017, at the 59th Annual Grammy Awards, Cynthia Erivo performed "God Only Knows" alongside John Legend as a tribute to musicians who had died.
March 2017: Daytime Emmy Nomination for The Color Purple Cast
In March 2017, Erivo and the cast of 'The Color Purple' were nominated for a Daytime Emmy Award for their performance on NBC's The Today Show in May 2016.
April 2017: Daytime Creative Arts Emmy Award Win
In April 2017, Erivo and the cast of 'The Color Purple' alongside 'The Today Show' won the Daytime Creative Arts Emmy Award in the Outstanding Musical Performance in a Daytime Program category.
November 2017: Night of Too Many Stars Performance
In November 2017, Cynthia Erivo appeared on the charity benefit 'Night of Too Many Stars', performing a duet with Jodi DiPiazza of Andra Day's hit "Rise Up".
2017: Tony and Grammy Awards
In 2017, Cynthia Erivo won the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical and Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album for her work in 'The Color Purple', as well as a Daytime Emmy Award.
October 2018: Harriet Film Production Begins
In October 2018, production began on 'Harriet', a biographical film about Harriet Tubman, starring Cynthia Erivo in the title role.
2018: Film Expansion
In 2018, Erivo expanded to films with the crime thrillers 'Widows' and 'Bad Times at the El Royale'.
2018: Film Debut in Bad Times at the El Royale and Widows
In 2018, Erivo made her film debut in 'Bad Times at the El Royale' and also starred in 'Widows'.
January 2019: Filming Completed for Harriet
In January 2019, filming was completed for 'Harriet'.
November 2019: Harriet Film Release
On November 1, 2019, the film 'Harriet' was released, starring Cynthia Erivo as Harriet Tubman.
2019: Carrier Podcast
In 2019, Cynthia Erivo produced and starred in the scripted science fiction thriller podcast 'Carrier', voicing the lead role.
2019: Academy Award Nominations for Harriet
In 2019, Erivo earned nominations for the Academy Award for Best Actress for portraying Harriet Tubman in 'Harriet' and for Best Original Song for "Stand Up" from the same movie.
2020: Academy Award Nominations for Harriet
In 2020, Cynthia Erivo garnered nominations for two Academy Awards for her portrayal of Harriet Tubman in 'Harriet', including Best Actress and Best Original Song for "Stand Up".
2020: The Outsider, Edith's Daughter and MRC Deal
In 2020, Cynthia Erivo starred in 'The Outsider' and launched a production company named Edith's Daughter, signing a deal with MRC to develop television projects.
2020: The Outsider
In 2020, Erivo portrayed Holly Gibney in the HBO crime drama miniseries 'The Outsider'.
March 2021: Chaos Walking and Genius: Aretha Premieres
In March 2021, Cynthia Erivo appeared in 'Chaos Walking' and portrayed Aretha Franklin in 'Genius: Aretha'.
September 2021: Album Release and Venice Film Festival Jury
In September 2021, Cynthia Erivo released her debut studio album, 'Ch. 1 Vs. 1', and joined the jury of the 78th Venice International Film Festival.
2021: Genius: Aretha and Solo Albums
In 2021, Erivo portrayed Aretha Franklin in National Geographic's anthology series 'Genius: Aretha', earning an Emmy nomination. She also released singles and two solo albums.
July 2022: BBC Proms Performance
In July 2022, Cynthia Erivo performed as part of the BBC Proms, singing tributes to women who have inspired her, including the songs "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" and "Ain't No Way".
2022: The Blue Fairy in Pinocchio and AFI Life Achievement Award Tribute
In 2022, Cynthia Erivo played The Blue Fairy in Disney's live-action film adaptation of 'Pinocchio' and performed the song "Edelweiss" from 'The Sound of Music' in tribute to Julie Andrews.
2023: Luther: The Fallen Sun and Drift
In 2023, Cynthia Erivo appeared in 'Luther: The Fallen Sun' and portrayed Jacqueline in 'Drift', drawing inspiration from her mother's experience as a refugee during the Nigerian Civil War. She was also a producer for the film.
2024: Elphaba in Wicked Nomination
In 2024, Cynthia Erivo received an Academy Award Nomination for playing Elphaba in Wicked.
2024: Wicked Film Adaptation
In 2024, Erivo portrayed Elphaba in the musical fantasy film 'Wicked', the first of a two-part adaptation. She earned acclaim for the role and received nominations for Best Actress at the Golden Globes, British Academy Film Awards, Screen Actors Guild Awards, and Academy Awards.
2024: Appointed Vice President of RADA
In 2024, Erivo was appointed as the vice president of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, her alma mater.
2024: Began Dating Lena Waithe
In late 2024, Cynthia Erivo started dating actress and producer Lena Waithe.
May 2025: Dracula Play Adaptation Announcement
In May 2025, it was announced that Erivo would return to the West End in a one-woman play adaptation of 'Dracula', where she would play all 23 roles.
June 2025: Host of the 78th Tony Awards
On June 8, 2025, Cynthia Erivo hosted the 78th Tony Awards where she received positive reviews.
August 2025: Starred in Jesus Christ Superstar Revival
In August 2025, Cynthia Erivo played the lead role in a revival of "Jesus Christ Superstar" for a three-night performance at the Hollywood Bowl.
May 2026: End of Dracula Play Engagement
The engagement for Dracula will end in May 2026.
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