Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Cynthia Erivo

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Cynthia Erivo

Discover the career path of Cynthia Erivo, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Cynthia Erivo is a highly acclaimed British actress and singer celebrated for her versatile performances across stage and screen. She is a near-EGOT winner, having been nominated for an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award, winning all but the Oscar. Her career showcases her talent and success in both acting and music.

1966: Performed Alfie

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.

2011: West End Debut

In 2011, Cynthia Erivo made her West End debut in the stage musical "The Umbrellas of Cherbourg".

December 2012: Performance in Living Every Day

On December 9, 2012, Cynthia Erivo performed in Alexander S. Bermange's and Stephen Clark's "Living Every Day", as part of The 24 Hour Musicals Celebrity Gala at the Old Vic in London’s West End.

2013: The Color Purple at Menier Chocolate Factory

In 2013, Erivo played Celie Harris in the Menier Chocolate Factory production of "The Color Purple".

March 2014: Opening of I Can't Sing!

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.

August 2014: Starring in Dessa Rose

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

On December 10, 2015, Erivo made her Broadway debut in the revival of "The Color Purple", reprising her role as Celie Harris at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre.

2015: Broadway Debut in The Color Purple

In 2015, Erivo made her Broadway debut playing Celie in the musical revival of "The Color Purple".

September 2016: The Last Five Years Benefit Concert

On September 12, 2016, Erivo starred as Cathy in a one-night benefit concert performance of Jason Robert Brown's "The Last Five Years", with proceeds going to the Brady Center.

November 2017: Night of Too Many Stars Performance

In November 2017, Erivo appeared on the charity benefit "Night of Too Many Stars", performing a duet of Andra Day's "Rise Up" with Jodi DiPiazza, accompanied by Questlove and The Roots.

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2017: The Color Purple Finale

Erivo concluded her role as Celie in "The Color Purple" in 2017 after a successful run that garnered her significant recognition.

October 2018: Production of Harriet Begins

In October 2018, production began for "Harriet", a biographical film about Harriet Tubman, in which Erivo portrayed the title role.

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2018: Film Debut in Widows and Bad Times at the El Royale

In 2018, Erivo expanded her career to films, starring in the crime thrillers "Widows" and "Bad Times at the El Royale".

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2018: Film Debut

In 2018, Erivo made her film debut in "Bad Times at the El Royale" and starred in "Widows".

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January 2019: Filming of Harriet Completed

In January 2019, filming was completed for "Harriet", starring Erivo as Harriet Tubman.

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November 2019: Release of Harriet

On November 1, 2019, the biographical film "Harriet", starring Erivo as Harriet Tubman, was released.

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2019: Harriet Film and "Stand Up" Song Nomination

In 2019, Erivo portrayed Harriet Tubman in "Harriet", earning nominations for the Academy Award for Best Actress and Best Original Song for "Stand Up" from the film.

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2019: Carrier Podcast

In 2019, Erivo produced and starred in the scripted science fiction thriller podcast "Carrier", voicing the lead role of Raylene Watts.

2020: The Outsider

In 2020, Erivo portrayed Holly Gibney in the HBO crime drama miniseries "The Outsider".

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2020: The Outsider, Edith's Daughter, and MRC Deal

In 2020, Erivo starred in HBO's "The Outsider", launched her production company Edith's Daughter, and signed a deal with MRC.

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March 2021: Chaos Walking Release and Genius: Aretha Premiere

In March 2021, Erivo appeared in "Chaos Walking" and portrayed Aretha Franklin in "Genius: Aretha", which premiered.

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September 2021: Ch. 1 Vs. 1 Album Release and Venice Film Festival Jury

In September 2021, Erivo released her debut album "Ch. 1 Vs. 1" and joined the jury of the 78th Venice International Film Festival.

2021: Genius: Aretha and Ch. 1 Vs. 1 Album Release

In 2021, Erivo portrayed Aretha Franklin in National Geographic's "Genius: Aretha", earning an Emmy nomination, and released her solo album "Ch. 1 Vs. 1".

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July 2022: BBC Proms Performance

In July 2022, Erivo performed at the BBC Proms, singing tributes to women who have inspired her, including performances of "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" and "Ain't No Way".

2023: Luther: The Fallen Sun and Drift

In 2023, Erivo appeared in the Netflix crime thriller "Luther: The Fallen Sun" and portrayed Jacqueline in the film "Drift".

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2024: Starring in Wicked

In 2024, Cynthia Erivo portrayed Elphaba in the musical fantasy film "Wicked", and also received nominations for her performance.

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2024: Appointment as Vice President of RADA

In 2024, Erivo was appointed vice president of her alma mater, the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art.