Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Cynthia Erivo
Discover the career path of Cynthia Erivo, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.
Cynthia Erivo is a British actress and singer celebrated for her accomplishments in theater and film. She has achieved EGOT nomination status, having been nominated for an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award, winning all except the Oscar. This recognition highlights her versatile talent and significant contributions to the entertainment industry.
1966: Song Rendition
Erivo paid tribute to Dionne Warwick at the Kennedy Center Honors in 2023 where she sang a rendition of "Alfie" from the 1966 film of the same name.
2011: West End Debut
In 2011, Erivo made her West End debut in the stage musical 'The Umbrellas of Cherbourg'.
December 2012: Performance in Living Every Day
On Sunday, December 9, 2012, Cynthia Erivo appeared 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: Role in 'The Color Purple' at Menier Chocolate Factory
In 2013, Erivo played the role of 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
From December 10, 2015, Erivo made her Broadway debut in the revival transfer of 'The Color Purple' at Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre, reprising her role as Celie Harris.
2015: Broadway Debut
In 2015, Erivo made her Broadway debut, playing Celie in the musical revival of 'The Color Purple'.
September 2016: Performance in The Last Five Years Benefit Concert
On September 12, 2016, 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 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: Grammy Awards Performance
In February 2017, at the 59th Annual Grammy Awards, Erivo performed "God Only Knows" alongside John Legend, as a tribute to musicians who had died over the past year.
November 2017: Appearance on Night of Too Many Stars
In November 2017, Erivo appeared on the charity benefit 'Night of Too Many Stars', hosted by Jon Stewart, where she performed a duet with Jodi DiPiazza of the Andra Day hit "Rise Up" accompanied by Questlove and The Roots.
2017: Tony and Grammy Awards for 'The Color Purple'
In 2017, Erivo won the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical and a Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album for her work in 'The Color Purple'.
October 2018: Filming of Harriet Begins
In October 2018, production began on 'Harriet', a biographical film about Harriet Tubman, in which Erivo portrayed the title role.
2018: Film Debut with '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'.
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 starred in 'Widows', marking the first film she had ever shot.
January 2019: Filming of Harriet Completed
In January 2019, filming was completed for 'Harriet', the biographical film about Harriet Tubman starring Erivo.
November 2019: Release of Harriet
On November 1, 2019, the biographical film 'Harriet', starring Erivo as Harriet Tubman, was released.
2019: Academy Award Nominations for 'Harriet'
In 2019, Erivo earned nominations for the Academy Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of Harriet Tubman in 'Harriet', and for Best Original Song for "Stand Up" from the same film.
2019: Starred in Carrier Podcast
In 2019, Erivo produced and starred in the scripted science fiction thriller podcast 'Carrier', voicing the lead role of Raylene Watts.
2020: Role in 'The Outsider'
In 2020, Erivo portrayed Holly Gibney in the HBO crime drama miniseries 'The Outsider'.
2020: Academy Award Nominations for Harriet
In 2020, Erivo received two Academy Award nominations for her work in 'Harriet': Best Actress and Best Original Song for "Stand Up."
2020: Stars in The Outsider and Launches Production Company
In 2020, Erivo starred in the HBO miniseries 'The Outsider' and launched her production company, Edith's Daughter, also signing a deal with MRC.
March 2021: Release of Chaos Walking and Genius: Aretha Premiere
In March 2021, Erivo appeared in the science fiction film 'Chaos Walking', and portrayed Aretha Franklin in 'Genius: Aretha', which premiered in March 2021.
September 2021: Release of Ch. 1 Vs. 1 and Venice Film Festival Jury
In September 2021, Erivo released her debut studio album, 'Ch. 1 Vs. 1', and joined the jury of the 78th Venice International Film Festival.
2021: Portrayal of Aretha Franklin 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 this year.
July 2022: BBC Proms Performance
In July 2022, Erivo performed at 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".
2023: Appearances in 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'.
2024: Appointed Vice President of RADA
In 2024, Cynthia Erivo was appointed as the vice president of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), her alma mater.
2024: Portrayal of Elphaba in Wicked
In 2024, Erivo played Elphaba in Wicked and earned nominations for the Academy Award for Best Actress
2024: Role of Elphaba in Wicked and Academy Awards Nomination
In 2024, Erivo portrayed Elphaba in the musical fantasy film 'Wicked'. Erivo 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
May 2025: Announcement of West End Return in Dracula
In May 2025, it was announced that Erivo would return to the West End in a one-woman play adaptation of 'Dracula', playing all 23 roles. The play will run from February 4 to May 31, 2026.
June 2025: Hosting the 78th Tony Awards
On June 8, 2025, Erivo hosted the 78th Tony Awards and received positive reviews.
August 2025: Starring in Jesus Christ Superstar
In August 2025, Erivo starred as the title role in a revival of 'Jesus Christ Superstar' for a three-right run at the Hollywood Bowl.
May 2026: Performance in Dracula
In May 2026, Erivo would be performing in Dracula for a limited 16-week engagement from 4 February to 31 May 2026.
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