Sophia Michaels
Cynthia Erivo has achieved remarkable success on Broadway and in film, but her journey has not been without challenges.
One significant issue arose during the promotion of her role in the film “Harriet.” Despite receiving acclaim for her performance in the 2019 biopic about Harriet Tubman, Erivo faced backlash due to her British and Nigerian heritage, with critics questioning her authenticity as an African American actress. This controversy was intensified by her decision to support author Luvvie Ajayi after a perceived slight against singer Tevin Campbell, which sparked disputes about cultural representation. A petition emerged demanding that a Black American actress replace her in the role, stating, “We will boycott the film ‘Harriet’ until you hire an actual Black American actress to play the part.”
Despite the criticisms, Erivo continued in the role, receiving several award nominations for her acting as well as for the song “Stand Up,” which she co-wrote and performed. In a now-deleted Instagram post, she expressed the complexity of the discussion surrounding heritage and identity, stating that her journey toward understanding Tubman was extensive. In later interviews, she acknowledged the naivety of not anticipating backlash but reiterated her commitment to storytelling without intent to offend anyone.
Shooting Drift was deeply personal for Cynthia Erivo
Following “Harriet,” Erivo starred in “Drift,” a film focusing on a Liberian woman’s escape from a war-torn country to Greece. The film received multiple award nominations, and during an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Erivo described her emotional reaction upon viewing it for the first time.
Erivo had been emotionally engaged throughout the filming process, requiring her to tap into deep pain for authenticity. After shooting a particularly challenging scene where her character’s sister faces sexual assault, she spoke of the difficulty in separating from her character. Grateful for the support she received during filming, she mentioned feeling completely drained after wrapping up the project.
Additionally, Erivo had a personal connection to the narrative, recalling her mother’s displacement during the Nigerian Civil War, which influenced her perspective and understanding of safety and survival in crisis situations.
Cynthia got sick auditioning for Wicked
Cynthia Erivo’s rigorous audition process for the “Wicked” film, like Ariana Grande’s, proved to be a strenuous endeavor. She revealed on “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon” that her determination to secure the role of Elphaba had serious consequences for her health.
After a marathon three-hour audition, Erivo reported being severely ill for several days, battling a high fever. Her busy schedule, including a concert the night before, likely contributed to her condition. Reflecting on her overwhelming commitments while working on “Drift,” she humorously acknowledged her tendency to overextend herself in pursuing her career ambitions.
Cynthia Erivo’s Transformative Journey in “Wicked”
Cynthia Erivo Embraces the Challenges of Elphaba
Cynthia Erivo shared her intense approach to acting while discussing her role in “Wicked.” In an interview alongside Ariana Grande with Vanity Fair, Erivo reflected on the emotional impact of the Ozdust Ballroom scene, where her character Elphaba faces public humiliation at the hands of Grande’s character, Glinda. Erivo’s emotional portrayal left a strong impression on both the audience and her co-star.
She expressed the difficulty of repeatedly performing such heavy scenes, leading to a breakdown during filming. Grande noted that the emotional toll was so significant that they encouraged Erivo to take a break from the set, emphasizing the need for support amongst colleagues.
In discussions about their personal experiences, both actresses opened up about their past struggles, illustrating the depth of emotion brought into their performances.
Fan Artwork Controversy Affects Erivo
While Erivo has embraced the challenges of her role in “Wicked,” she faced displeasure when a fan-edited poster obscured her identity. The original Broadway artwork features Elphaba with her eyes hidden, but the altered version drew criticism for further diminishing Erivo’s presence.
Expressing her feelings on Instagram, she stated that the edit was hurtful and disrespectful. Even though she acknowledged the difference between the Broadway and film posters was intentional, she felt diminished by the alteration.
Later, she clarified that her reaction wasn’t meant to shame the fan but stemmed from her protective feelings for a character she had worked hard to portray.
Aftermath of “Wicked” Raises Concerns About Erivo’s Health
Erivo’s all-consuming commitment to her roles raises questions about her well-being after “Wicked.” Some observers noted changes in both Erivo’s and Grande’s appearances, leading to speculation about potential health issues, including concerns about weight loss. While curiosity regarding their health may come from genuine worry, it often veers into judgment.
Erivo’s own remarks about training rigorously for her role suggest that her physical transformation stems from the preparation for the character rather than health complications. Ultimately, she should have the space to address any concerns on her terms as she channels her experiences into her craft.
