How does Cynthia Erivo balance her acting and singing careers?
Crafting a Multifaceted Career
Cynthia Erivo is a British actress and singer renowned for her versatility and talent across multiple platforms. Her journey from stage to screen has been marked by numerous accolades, including a Tony Award, a Grammy Award, and an Emmy Award, making her one of the few artists to achieve this prestigious “Triple Crown” of awards[1][3]. Erivo’s ability to balance her acting and singing careers is a testament to her dedication, creativity, and strategic approach to her craft.
Early Beginnings: The Stage
Erivo’s career began with a passion for musicals, which led her to study at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA). Her early roles included appearances in British television shows and stage productions like The Umbrellas of Cherbourg and I Was Looking at the Ceiling and Then I Saw the Sky[1]. However, it was her portrayal of Celie in the musical The Color Purple that catapulted her to international recognition. This role not only earned her a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical but also marked her Broadway debut in 2015[1][3].
Transition to Film and Television
Following her success on Broadway, Erivo transitioned to film with roles in Widows and Bad Times at the El Royale in 2018[1]. Her portrayal of Harriet Tubman in the biopic Harriet (2019) garnered her Academy Award nominations for Best Actress and Best Original Song for the song “Stand Up,” which she co-wrote and performed[1][3]. This transition showcased her ability to adapt her acting skills across different mediums while maintaining her musical talents.
Balancing Acting and Singing
Erivo’s approach to balancing her acting and singing careers involves a deep understanding of storytelling and emotional connection. She emphasizes the importance of rhythm and emotion in both acting and singing, noting that “singing isn’t necessarily just making sound and making things sound pretty. It’s about telling a story even if you haven’t written it”[2]. This philosophy allows her to seamlessly integrate her musical talents into her acting roles, as seen in her performances in The Color Purple and Wicked.
Expanding Horizons: Television and Production
In addition to her film and stage work, Erivo has made significant strides in television. She played Holly Gibney in the HBO miniseries The Outsider and portrayed Aretha Franklin in National Geographic’s Genius: Aretha,
Creating Opportunities: Production and Music
Erivo’s career expansion includes launching her production company, Edith’s Daughter, and signing a deal with MRC to develop television projects[1]. This move reflects her desire to create platforms for other artists, particularly women of color, and to produce content that resonates with diverse audiences[2]. Additionally, she has released her debut studio album, Ch. 1 Vs. 1, in 2021, showcasing her musical talents beyond acting[1].
Future Projects and Legacy
Looking ahead, Erivo is set to star in the second part of the Wicked film adaptation, Wicked: For Good, anticipated for release in 2025[4]. Her portrayal of Elphaba in the first film earned her critical acclaim and nominations for several awards, including the Academy Awards and Golden Globes[1]. This role not only highlights her acting prowess but also her ability to bring depth and emotion to her musical performances.
Erivo’s legacy extends beyond her own achievements; she serves as an inspiration for aspiring artists. Her advice to fellow creatives emphasizes the power of believing in oneself and manifesting one’s dreams through hard work and determination[2]. As she continues to navigate the peaks and troughs of her career, Erivo remains committed to creating meaningful content and opportunities for others.
The Art of Storytelling: A Common Thread
Throughout her career, Cynthia Erivo has consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of storytelling. Whether through acting or singing, she approaches each role with a focus on emotional authenticity and narrative depth. This approach allows her to connect with audiences across different mediums, from the stage to the screen.
Emotional Connection in Performance
Erivo’s performances are characterized by their emotional intensity and authenticity. In her portrayal of Celie in The Color Purple, she brought a sobering and stirring presence to the role, earning widespread acclaim[1]. Similarly, her performance as Elphaba in Wicked was praised for its emotional depth and vocal richness[4]. This ability to convey complex emotions through her performances is a hallmark of her craft.
The Role of Rhythm and Music
Music plays a crucial role in Erivo’s storytelling. She views singing not just as a technical skill but as a means of conveying narrative and emotion[2]. This perspective is evident in her performances, where she often integrates music into her acting roles. For instance, her song “Stand Up” for the film Harriet became an anthem of hope and resilience, reflecting her ability to use music to enhance the storytelling in her films[3].
Collaborative Storytelling
Erivo’s approach to storytelling also involves collaboration. She has worked with a variety of directors and writers, from Stephen King’s The Outsider to the musical adaptation of Wicked. Her ability to interpret and bring characters to life through collaboration is a testament to her versatility as an artist.
Navigating Challenges and Opportunities
Cynthia Erivo’s career has not been without its challenges. She has navigated the uncertainty of the entertainment industry, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on film and television production[2]. Despite these challenges, she has continued to thrive, using her platform to advocate for diversity and create opportunities for underrepresented voices.
Overcoming Uncertainty
Erivo’s advice to aspiring artists emphasizes the importance of believing in oneself and manifesting one’s dreams[2]. This mindset has helped her navigate the unpredictable nature of her career, from the early days of performing in small British television shows to her current status as a leading figure in Hollywood.
Advocacy and Diversity
Erivo is committed to using her platform to promote diversity and inclusion. She has expressed her desire to create content that showcases women of color and to provide opportunities for emerging artists[2]. This commitment is reflected in her production company, Edith’s Daughter, which aims to develop projects that highlight diverse voices and stories.
Future Possibilities
As Erivo continues to expand her career, she is poised to explore new mediums and genres. Her involvement in film, television, and music positions her as a versatile artist capable of adapting to changing trends in the entertainment industry. Her legacy will likely be marked by her contributions to promoting diversity and her ability to inspire future generations of artists.
A Legacy of Inspiration
Cynthia Erivo’s career serves as a powerful inspiration for aspiring artists. Her journey from small stage productions to international recognition is a testament to her dedication, talent, and perseverance. As she continues to evolve as an artist, her impact on the entertainment industry will undoubtedly be felt for years to come.
Impact on the Entertainment Industry
Erivo’s influence extends beyond her own achievements; she has paved the way for other artists to pursue careers in multiple disciplines. Her success in both acting and singing has shown that it is possible to excel in multiple areas of the entertainment industry, encouraging others to explore their diverse talents.
Personal and Professional Growth
Throughout her career, Erivo has demonstrated a commitment to personal and professional growth. She has continuously sought new challenges and opportunities, whether through acting, singing, or producing. This willingness to evolve and adapt has been key to her success and will likely continue to shape her career in the future.
A Beacon of Hope
Erivo’s story is one of hope and resilience. Her ability to overcome obstacles and achieve her dreams serves as a beacon of inspiration for those aspiring to careers in the arts. As she continues to create and innovate, her legacy will undoubtedly inspire future generations of artists to pursue their passions with determination and creativity.
