Cynthia Erivo began her career in London’s theater scene, performing in productions such as I Was Looking at the Ceiling and Then I Saw the Sky and Sister Act. However, it was her role as Celie in The Color Purple that brought her widespread acclaim.
After earning recognition in the Off-West End production, Erivo reprised the role on Broadway in 2015 at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre. Her performance received critical praise and earned her a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical, firmly establishing her as a leading talent in theater.
Following her theater triumphs, Erivo transitioned to screen acting with roles in critically acclaimed films like Widows, where she starred alongside Viola Davis, and Harriet, where she portrayed Harriet Tubman. She also made memorable appearances on television in Michaela Coel’s Chewing Gum and the comedy series Broad City. These roles demonstrated her versatility and prepared her for her current role as Elphaba in the film adaptation of Wicked, one of the most iconic characters in musical theater.
Cynthia Erivo (@cynthiaerivo/Instagram)Financial Growth and Net Worth
As of 2025, Cynthia Erivo’s net worth is estimated at $5 million, reflecting a significant increase from $3 million prior to Wicked’s release. Her rising earnings highlight her growing prominence in the entertainment industry. Despite this success, Erivo has been vocal about the challenges of pay inequity, particularly for women of color. At TheWrap’s Power Women Summit, she shared her experiences of fighting for fair compensation, shedding light on systemic challenges faced by many in the industry.
In 2021, Erivo ventured into music with the release of her debut solo album, Ch. 1 Vs. 1, drawing inspiration from artists like Aretha Franklin and Kate Bush. While the album’s commercial performance was modest, it showcased her vocal talent. Reflecting on the project, Erivo later expressed dissatisfaction with the production process during the pandemic but confirmed plans for new music. In addition to her personal creative pursuits, she has also expressed a desire to produce and develop projects that provide opportunities for women of color in the entertainment world.
Erivo’s casting as Elphaba in Wicked drew considerable attention, including rumors about pay disparities between her and co-star Ariana Grande. Reports speculated that Grande earned significantly more, but Universal Pictures issued a statement denying these claims, asserting that both stars received equal pay. While exact salary figures remain undisclosed, Erivo’s central role in this high-profile film solidifies her growing influence and success in the industry.
Cynthia Erivo is on the brink of achieving EGOT status, with a Tony, Grammy, and Daytime Emmy already to her name. Her Grammy and Emmy awards stemmed from her work on The Color Purple, which also earned her critical acclaim on Broadway. Now, with Oscar buzz surrounding her performance in Wicked, Erivo’s chances of completing the EGOT seem within reach. Her achievements demonstrate her exceptional talent and dedication to excellence across multiple artistic fields.
