History of Cynthia Erivo in Timeline

Cynthia Erivo is a highly acclaimed British actress and singer, celebrated for her versatility across stage and screen. She has earned widespread recognition, including nominations for an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award (EGOT). Though she hasn't won an Oscar, she has won the other three awards, demonstrating her exceptional talent and impact on the entertainment industry. Her accomplishments underscore her significant contributions to both musical theatre and film.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1966: Performance of Alfie at the Kennedy Center Honors

In 2023, 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's Birth

On January 8, 1987, Cynthia Chinasaokwu Onyedinmanasu Owezuke Amarachukwu Echimino Erivo was born in Stockwell, London, England.

January 1987: Birth of Cynthia Erivo

On January 8, 1987, Cynthia Erivo was born to Igbo Nigerian immigrant parents in Stockwell, London, England.

2004: University of East London

In 2004, Cynthia Erivo began a music psychology degree at the University of East London.

2010: Graduation from RADA

In 2010, Cynthia Erivo graduated from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) with a bachelor's degree in acting.

2011: West End Debut in 'The Umbrellas of Cherbourg'

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

December 2012: Appearance in 'Living Every Day'

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

2013: Role as Celie Harris in 'The Color Purple'

In 2013, Cynthia 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!' at the London Palladium

On March 26, 2014, Cynthia Erivo originated the role of Chenice in the West End musical "I Can't Sing!", which opened at the London Palladium.

August 2014: Starred in Dessa Rose at London's Trafalgar Studios

From July to August 2014, Cynthia 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, Cynthia Erivo made her Broadway debut in the revival of "The Color Purple" at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre, reprising her role as Celie Harris.

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".

2015: Broadway Debut in 'The Color Purple'

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

May 2016: The Color Purple Performance on The Today Show

In May 2016, The Color Purple cast performed on NBC's "The Today Show".

September 2016: Performance in '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 for Best Actress in a Musical

In 2016, Cynthia Erivo won the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her performance in "The Color Purple".

February 2017: Grammy Performance Tribute

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 over the past year.

April 2017: Daytime Emmy Award for The Color Purple Cast

In April 2017, Cynthia Erivo and the cast of "The Color Purple" won a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Musical Performance in a Daytime Program.

November 2017: Appearance on 'Night of Too Many Stars'

In November 2017, Cynthia Erivo appeared on the charity benefit "Night of Too Many Stars", performing "Rise Up" in a duet with Jodi DiPiazza.

2017: Tony and Grammy Awards for 'The Color Purple'

In 2017, Cynthia Erivo's work in "The Color Purple" earned her the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical and the Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album, in addition to a Daytime Emmy Award.

2017: Mary J. Blige's nomination for Mudbound

In 2017, Mary J. Blige received acting and song writing nominations for the same film, Mudbound.

October 2018: Production Start of Harriet

In October 2018, production began on the biographical film "Harriet", in which Cynthia Erivo played the title role of Harriet Tubman.

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

In 2018, Cynthia Erivo expanded her acting career to films with roles 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, Cynthia Erivo made her film debut in "Bad Times at the El Royale" and starred in "Widows", marking her first film role.

January 2019: Filming completed for Harriet

In January 2019, filming was completed for "Harriet".

November 2019: Release of 'Harriet'

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

2019: Lead Role in 'Carrier' Podcast

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

2019: Nomination for Academy Award 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 film.

Loading Video...

2020: Portrayal of Holly Gibney in 'The Outsider'

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

2020: Academy Award Nominations for 'Harriet'

In 2020, Cynthia Erivo received two Academy Award nominations for her work in "Harriet": one for Best Actress and one for Best Original Song for "Stand Up".

Loading Video...

2020: Starring Role in 'The Outsider' and Launch of Edith's Daughter

In 2020, Cynthia Erivo starred as Holly Gibney in the HBO miniseries "The Outsider". She also launched her production company, Edith's Daughter, and signed a first-look deal with MRC.

March 2021: Release of 'Chaos Walking' and Premiere of 'Genius: Aretha'

In March 2021, Cynthia Erivo appeared in the film "Chaos Walking", and portrayed Aretha Franklin in the third season of the anthology series "Genius".

September 2021: Release of 'Ch. 1 Vs. 1' and Venice Film Festival Jury Duty

On September 7, 2021, Cynthia Erivo released her debut studio album, "Ch. 1 Vs. 1", and in the same month, she joined the jury of the 78th Venice International Film Festival.

2021: Portrayal of Aretha Franklin and Solo Album Releases

In 2021, Cynthia 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.

2022: Role as the Blue Fairy in 'Pinocchio'

In 2022, Cynthia Erivo played the Blue Fairy in Disney's live-action adaptation of "Pinocchio".

2023: Appearances in 'Luther: The Fallen Sun' and 'Drift'

In 2023, Cynthia Erivo appeared in the Netflix crime thriller "Luther: The Fallen Sun" and portrayed Jacqueline, a Liberian refugee, in the film "Drift", which she also produced.

February 2024: Appointment as Vice President of RADA

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

2024: Portrayal of Elphaba in Wicked and Academy Awards Nomination

In 2024, Cynthia Erivo portrayed Elphaba in the musical fantasy film "Wicked", earning critical acclaim and nominations at the Golden Globes, Critics' Choice Awards, British Academy Film Awards, Screen Actors Guild Awards, and Academy Awards.

2024: Elphaba in Wicked

In 2024, Erivo portrayed Elphaba in Wicked.

May 2025: Return to the West End in 'Dracula'

In May 2025, it was announced that Cynthia Erivo would return to the West End in a one-woman adaptation of "Dracula" at the Noël Coward Theatre.

2025: Release of a Solo Album

In 2025, Cynthia Erivo released a solo album.

2025: Nomination for Golden Globe Award for Wicked: For Good

In 2025, for reprising her role as Elphaba in "Wicked: For Good", Cynthia Erivo became the first black actress to be nominated twice for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy at the Golden Globe Awards.