Cynthia Erivo on Surviving 'Wicked,' Texting Ariana Grande Every Day

Key Points:

• Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande starred as Elphaba and Glinda in the "Wicked" film adaptations, which became a $1.2 billion franchise, but the intense media scrutiny and public backlash took a toll on Erivo.
• Erivo highlighted the challenges of being misunderstood and misrepresented, especially after an incident in Singapore where she defended Grande from a fan, which sparked both praise and racially charged mockery online.
• Despite critical acclaim and multiple award nominations for "Wicked," the sequel "Wicked: For Good" faced a lukewarm reception and Oscar snubs, contributing to Erivo’s decision to step back from awards campaigning.
• Erivo is currently starring in a demanding one-woman show, "Dracula," in London, while also expressing interest in diverse future roles, including portraying activist Miriam Makeba and possibly playing Storm from the X-Men.
• Beyond her acting career, Erivo supports LGBTQ+ causes, collaborating with co-star Jonathan Bailey’s charity, The Shameless Fund, which aids grassroots organizations promoting acceptance and safety for LGBTQ communities worldwide.