Cynthia Erivo Bio, Age, Height, Partner, Movies, Songs, Net Worth

Cynthia Erivo Biography

Cynthia Erivo is a Grammy-, Emmy-, and Tony-winning actress, singer, and producer, known for her extraordinary versatility. Born on 8 January 1987 in London to Nigerian parents, she trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, building a solid foundation for her career.

Her breakout came on stage when she portrayed Celie in The Color Purple on Broadway—earning her a Tony Award, a Grammy, and a Daytime Emmy. She then transitioned to film with roles in Widows and Bad Times at the El Royale, but her international fame skyrocketed when she played Harriet Tubman in Harriet (2019), earning Oscar nominations for both acting and songwriting.

In 2024, Erivo starred as Elphaba in the blockbuster film adaptation of Wicked opposite Ariana Grande. Her performance received critical acclaim and earned her Golden Globe, BAFTA, SAG, Critics’ Choice, and Academy Award nominations. Additionally, Wicked made history by winning Best Film from the National Board of Review.

Beyond film, she is making waves on television. She recently wrapped production on Season 2 of Poker Face, where she will appear as a guest star. Meanwhile, as a music artist, she released her second studio album, I Forgive You, in June 2025—an emotionally honest collection blending R&B, gospel, folk, and pop.

In 2025, Erivo also hosted the 78th Tony Awards, making history in the theatre world. Her ongoing advocacy earned her the Stephen F. Kolzak Award at the GLAAD Media Awards for LGBTQ+ visibility.

Raised by her mother after estrangement from her father, Erivo’s journey has also been deeply personal. She continues to use her platform to celebrate authenticity, self-acceptance, and creative resilience.

Cynthia Erivo Age | How Old is Cynthia Erivo?

Cynthia Erivo is 38 years old as of 2025. She was born on January 8, 1987. She hails from Stockwell, London, England. Despite her age, she continues to command major roles in film and theatre. Transitioning from stage to screen, she has earned critical acclaim and award nominations. Her age underscores her impressive maturity, talent, and experience.

Cynthia Erivo Height | How Tall is Cynthia Erivo?

Cynthia Erivo stands at 5′0½″ (approximately 154 cm). Despite her petite frame, she exudes a powerful presence on stage and screen. Her height often surprises fans, yet she carries herself with remarkable confidence. Over the years, she has shown that stature does not limit talent. Indeed, her dynamic performances prove that her height enhances her commanding and unforgettable stage and screen presence.

Cynthia Erivo Ethnicity

Cynthia Erivo is British-Nigerian, born in London to immigrant parents of Igbo Nigerian heritage. Her full Igbo names reflect her deep roots in Nigerian culture. Moreover, she proudly embraces her Black identity and Nigerian ancestry throughout her career.

Cynthia Erivo Partner | Wife

Who is Cynthia Erivo in a relationship with?

Cynthia Erivo is in a long‑term relationship with Lena Waithe, an actress, producer, and screenwriter. They first met at the 2018 Met Gala, and chemistry grew over time. They made their romance more public in May 2022. Erivo came out as bisexual in 2022, embracing her truth.

Cynthia Erivo Children | Kids

Cynthia Erivo does not have any children at present. Moreover, she has spoken publicly about parenthood and reflecting on her own estranged relationship with her father. While she has expressed deep thoughts on family and legacy, she has not started a family of her own.

Cynthia Erivo Family | Parents | Sister

Cynthia Erivo grew up in a close‑knit family led by her mother, Edith, a nurse and Nigerian immigrant. Her father, whose name she has rarely spoken publicly, disowned her and her younger sister, Stephanie, when she was 16. Her mother raised both daughters in Stockwell, London after the parents separated early. Despite the estrangement, Cynthia honors her mother through her production company, Edith’s Daughter.

Cynthia Erivo Movies & TV Shows

Cynthia Erivo has built a remarkable body of work across film and television, showcasing her range as an actress, singer, and producer. Her credits include:

• Wicked (2024) — She stars as Elphaba, delivering a powerful musical performance.
• Drift (2023) — She plays Jacqueline, a Liberian refugee, and also produced the film.
• Luther: The Fallen Sun (2023) — She appears as Odette Raine, heading a serious crimes unit.
• Pinocchio (2022) — She voices the Blue Fairy in this live-action Disney remake.
• Harriet (2019) — She portrays Harriet Tubman, earning major award nominations.
• Widows (2018) — She stars as Belle, a woman drawn into a heist.
• Bad Times at the El Royale (2018) — She plays the singer Darlene Sweet in this ensemble neo-noir.

On television, her standout roles include:

• The Outsider (2020) — She portrays detective Holly Gibney in the Stephen King–based crime drama.
• Genius: Aretha (2021) — She embodies Aretha Franklin in the biographical limited series.
• Chewing Gum (2015) — Her first TV credit, in this British comedy sitcom.

Moreover, she is attached to Prima Facie (film), an upcoming drama that she will star in.

Cynthia Erivo Songs | Top Tracks & Key Singles (2025)

Cynthia Erivo’s music combines emotion, storytelling, and her powerful voice. Below are some of her most noteworthy songs:

• “Stand Up” — A gospel-tinged anthem co-written by Erivo for the Harriet film.
• “Replay” — Her 2025 lead single exploring self-doubt, trauma, and looping thoughts.
• “Worst of Me” — A deeply emotional ballad about heartbreak from her album I Forgive You.

From her 2025 album I Forgive You, other stand-out tracks include:

• Best for Me
• More Than Twice
• You First
• Save Me From You
• Holy Refrain
• Play the Woman
• Brick By Brick

Overall, Cynthia Erivo’s songs highlight her vulnerability, strength, and commitment to healing—all delivered through her soaring, soulful voice.

Cynthia Erivo Awards & Nominations | Major Honors

Cynthia Erivo has won a Tony, a Grammy, and a Daytime Emmy, placing her just one award away from an EGOT. She won the 2016 Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for The Color Purple. In 2017, she earned a Grammy for Best Musical Theater Album. That same year, she and her cast won a Daytime Emmy for their performance on the Today show. Moreover, she has earned Oscar nominations for Harriet and Wicked. She also boasts multiple Golden Globe, BAFTA, and Critics’ Choice nominations. Through her many accolades, Cynthia Erivo demonstrates her exceptional talent and versatility.

Cynthia Erivo Hair | Why doesn’t Cynthia Erivo have Hair?

Cynthia Erivo embraces a bold, shaved‑head look, which she has made her signature style in recent years. She says shaving her head made her feel more “open and vulnerable.” For her role as Elphaba in “Wicked,” she shaved off her brows too so her scalp could be painted green. Meanwhile, she chose micro braids for her Elphaba wigs. She explained that the braided look connected her identity as a Black woman to the character. Before going bald, she rocked cropped natural curls, buzzcuts, and bright, platinum-blond colors. She stresses that her shaved head isn’t due to hair loss — she does it because she feels beautiful without hair.

Cynthia Erivo as Jesus | Her Role in Jesus Christ Superstar

Cynthia Erivo will star as Jesus Christ in the Hollywood Bowl’s 2025 production of Jesus Christ Superstar. She is set to perform from August 1 to August 3, under the direction of Sergio Trujillo. Interestingly, she previously sang “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” on an all‑female concept album of the musical. Critics describe her as delivering a transcendent and emotionally powerful portrayal. Moreover, her casting sparked conversations but also applause, including from Adam Lambert, who defends her groundbreaking role. Through this bold performance, Erivo continues to challenge traditional casting and bring fresh depth to this classic rock opera.

Cynthia Erivo & Ariana Grande

Are Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo friends?

Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande star together in the blockbuster musical Wicked, playing Elphaba and Glinda, respectively. They negotiated their Wicked contracts side‑by‑side, prioritizing fairness and mutual respect. Moreover, Erivo describes working with Grande as “addictive” because of their deep creative synergy. Their friendship strengthened through open communication while filming and promoting the movie. In 2025, they reunited for an NBC special titled Wicked: One Wonderful Night, celebrating their onscreen bond. Their powerful duet of “Defying Gravity” at the Oscars underscored their shared passion and vocal chemistry.

Cynthia Erivo Net Worth 2025

Cynthia Erivo’s net worth is $5 million, reflecting her success in acting, music, and producing. She earns income from major film roles, Broadway performances, and music royalties. Furthermore, her role in Wicked includes lucrative back‑end bonuses, which continue to boost her earnings.