Who Plays Elphaba In The Wicked Movie? Who is Cynthia Erivo?

Cynthia Erivo plays Elphaba in the Wicked movie, portraying the iconic character known as the Wicked Witch of the West. Through her performance, Erivo brings depth and emotion to Elphaba's complex journey, capturing her strength, vulnerability, and resilience.

by Ruksana

Updated Feb 14, 2024

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Who Plays Elphaba In The Wicked Movie? Who is Cynthia Erivo?
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Who Plays Elphaba in The Wicked Movie?

In the Wicked movie, the character of Elphaba is played by Cynthia Erivo. Elphaba, also known as the Wicked Witch of the West, is the main protagonist of the story. She is a young woman born with green skin, which sets her apart from others in the Land of Oz.

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Elphaba's journey is central to the narrative, as it explores her evolution from a misunderstood and marginalized individual to the infamous Wicked Witch. Despite facing discrimination and prejudice due to her appearance, Elphaba possesses remarkable intelligence, courage, and a strong sense of justice. She challenges the oppressive social norms of Oz and becomes an advocate for the rights of marginalized groups. 

Elphaba's character is complex and multifaceted. She is depicted as a fiercely independent and determined individual who is willing to defy authority to stand up for what she believes in.

Throughout the story, Elphaba forms unlikely friendships, particularly with Glinda, the Good Witch, and Fiyero, a fellow student at Shiz University. These relationships play a crucial role in shaping her journey and challenging her perceptions of herself and the world around her. 

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Cynthia Erivo's portrayal of Elphaba brings depth and emotion to the character, capturing her strength, vulnerability, and resilience. Through her performance, Erivo embodies the essence of Elphaba, bringing to life a character who is both relatable and inspiring to audiences.

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Who is Cynthia Erivo?

Cynthia Erivo is a highly acclaimed English actress and singer, known for her exceptional talent on both stage and screen. Born on January 8, 1987, in Stockwell, London, England, Erivo rose to prominence for her portrayal of Celie Harris Johnson in the Broadway revival of "The Color Purple" from 2015 to 2017.

Her performance in this production earned her numerous prestigious awards, including the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical and a Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album.

Beyond her theater success, Erivo has also made a significant impact in the world of film and television, with notable roles in productions such as "Widows" (2018), "Bad Times at the El Royale" (2018), and "Harriet" (2019), where she portrayed American abolitionist Harriet Tubman.

Erivo's versatility extends to her musical career, where she has showcased her exceptional vocal abilities across various genres, including R&B, soul, gospel, and Broadway. Her dedication to her craft, coupled with her advocacy for social issues, has solidified her reputation as one of the most talented and influential performers of her generation.

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Full Name

Cynthia Erivo

Date of Birth

January 8, 1987

Age

36

Place of Birth

Stockwell, London, England

Occupation

Actress, Singer

Years Active

2011-present

Genres

R&B, soul, urban contemporary, gospel, Broadway

Instruments

Vocals

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Cynthia Erivo Early Life

Cynthia Erivo's early life is rooted in Stockwell, South London, where she was born on January 8, 1987, to Nigerian parents. Raised in a Roman Catholic household, Erivo attended La Retraite Roman Catholic Girls' School before embarking on her academic journey.

Initially pursuing a degree in music psychology at the University of East London, Erivo's passion for performing arts led her to change course. She subsequently applied and trained at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA).

Erivo's early career saw her making appearances on British television programs like "Chewing Gum" and "The Tunnel," before making her mark in theater. Her breakthrough role came in the Menier Chocolate Factory production of "The Color Purple" in 2013, where she portrayed Celie Harris Johnson, a character originally brought to life onscreen by Whoopi Goldberg. This role catapulted Erivo into the spotlight, setting the stage for her illustrious career in both theater and film.

Cynthia Erivo Career

Cynthia Erivo's career is marked by versatility and acclaim in both the theater and film industries. Beginning with roles on British television programs such as "Chewing Gum" and "The Tunnel," Erivo quickly gained attention for her talent.

She made her stage debut in "Marine Parade" and soon ventured into musical theater with roles in productions like "I Was Looking at the Ceiling and Then I Saw the Sky" and "Sister Act."

However, it was her portrayal of Celie Harris in the Menier Chocolate Factory production of "The Color Purple" that catapulted her to international fame. Her performance earned her a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical, among other accolades.

Erivo seamlessly transitioned into film, making her debut in 2018 with roles in "Widows" and "Bad Times at the El Royale." Her breakout role came in the biopic "Harriet" (2019), where she portrayed the iconic American abolitionist Harriet Tubman, garnering critical acclaim and award nominations, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.

In addition to her acting career, Erivo is a talented singer with a diverse range of musical styles. She has released solo albums and collaborated with other artists. Erivo's advocacy work and involvement in social issues, including her support for LGBTQ+ rights, further highlight her multifaceted talents and commitment to making a positive impact beyond the entertainment industry.

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Cynthia Erivo Films

Film Name

Year

Widows

2018

Bad Times at the El Royale

2018

Harriet

2019

Chaos Walking

2021

Needle in a Timestack

2021

Disney's Pinocchio

2022

Drift

2023

Luther: The Fallen Sun

2023

Wicked: Part One

2024

Wicked: Part Two

2025

Cynthia Erivo Age

Cynthia Erivo, born on January 8, 1987, in Stockwell, London, England, is currently 37 years old. Throughout her career, Erivo has demonstrated remarkable talent and versatility in both acting and singing.

Despite her relatively young age, she has already achieved significant success and acclaim in various entertainment fields, including theater, film, and television. Erivo's ability to portray diverse characters with depth and authenticity has earned her numerous awards and nominations, including a Tony Award and Grammy Award for her performance in the Broadway revival of "The Color Purple."

She has also received critical acclaim for her portrayal of historical figures such as Harriet Tubman in the biopic "Harriet." Beyond her artistic achievements, Erivo's advocacy work and commitment to social issues, such as LGBTQ+ rights, showcase her maturity and dedication to making a positive impact on society.

As she continues to expand her repertoire and take on new challenges, Cynthia Erivo remains a dynamic and influential figure in the entertainment industry.

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Wicked

Wicked is an upcoming American musical fantasy film directed by Jon M. Chu and based on the stage musical of the same name by Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman. The film serves as a two-part adaptation of Gregory Maguire's 1995 novel, which reimagines the story of L. Frank Baum's classic novel "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" from the perspective of its iconic villain, the Wicked Witch of the West.

Set in the Land of Oz before and after Dorothy Gale's arrival from Kansas, Wicked follows the journey of Elphaba Thropp, a young woman born with green skin, and her unlikely friendship with Galinda Upland, who later becomes Glinda the Good Witch. The story delves into themes of friendship, identity, discrimination, and the consequences of power.

Wicked explores the complexities of good and evil, challenging traditional notions of morality and inviting audiences to reconsider the perspectives of familiar characters. Through its captivating storytelling and memorable musical numbers, the film offers a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant experience for viewers of all ages.

With a talented cast led by Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda, Wicked promises to enchant audiences with its dazzling visuals, compelling performances, and timeless themes. Scheduled for release on November 27, 2024, the film is poised to captivate audiences around the world and reignite the magic of one of Broadway's most beloved musicals.

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Who Plays Elphaba In The Wicked Movie? - FAQs

1. Who plays Elphaba in the Wicked movie?  

Cynthia Erivo portrays Elphaba in the Wicked movie.

2. Who is Cynthia Erivo?  

Cynthia Erivo is a highly acclaimed English actress and singer.

3. What is Cynthia Erivo's full name?  

Cynthia Erivo's full name is Cynthia Erivo.

4. When was Cynthia Erivo born?  

Cynthia Erivo was born on January 8, 1987.

5. What is Cynthia Erivo's age?  

Cynthia Erivo is currently 37 years old.

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