History of Cynthia Erivo in Timeline
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.
January 1987: Cynthia Erivo's Birth
Cynthia Erivo was born on January 8, 1987. She is a British actress and singer, and has received nominations for an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar, and a Tony Award.
January 1987: Cynthia Erivo's Birth and Family Background
On January 8, 1987, Cynthia Erivo was born in Stockwell, London, England, to Nigerian immigrant parents. Her mother experienced displacement during the Nigerian Civil War. She was raised by her mother after her parents separated.
2004: University Studies
In 2004, Erivo began studying music psychology 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 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".
2015: BroadwayWorld UK Awards Nomination
In 2015, Erivo was nominated as Best Leading Actress in a musical at the BroadwayWorld UK Awards for her role in "Dessa Rose".
May 2016: Performance on The Today Show
In May 2016, Erivo and the cast of "The Color Purple" performed on NBC's The Today Show.
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.
2016: Tony Award Win
For the Broadway revival of "The Color Purple", Erivo won the 2016 Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical.
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 Awards Performance
In February 2017, at the 59th Annual Grammy Awards, Erivo performed "God Only Knows" with John Legend as a tribute to deceased musicians.
March 2017: Daytime Emmy Nomination
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.
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, 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.
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.
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".
2018: Film Debut
In 2018, Erivo made her film debut in "Bad Times at the El Royale" and starred in "Widows".
January 2019: Filming of Harriet Completed
In January 2019, filming was completed for "Harriet", starring Erivo as Harriet Tubman.
November 2019: Release of Harriet
On November 1, 2019, the biographical film "Harriet", starring Erivo as Harriet Tubman, was released.
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.
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: Academy Award Nominations for Harriet
In 2020, Erivo garnered two Academy Award nominations for her work in "Harriet": Best Actress and Best Original Song for "Stand Up".
2020: The Outsider
In 2020, Erivo portrayed Holly Gibney in the HBO crime drama miniseries "The Outsider".
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.
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.
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".
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".
2024: Starring in Wicked
In 2024, Cynthia Erivo portrayed Elphaba in the musical fantasy film "Wicked", and also received nominations for her performance.
2024: Appointment as Vice President of RADA
In 2024, Erivo was appointed vice president of her alma mater, the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art.
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