If you haven’t heard the name Cynthia Erivo lately, then it’s time to tune in.

With the hustle and bustle around Evil With his film adaptation, Erivo has captivated audiences around the world, astounding us all (and literally defying gravity).

It’s safe to say that Erivo’s career is nothing short of extraordinary.

From her unforgettable performance as Celie in The color purple for her Oscar-nominated portrayal of Harriet Tubman in HarrietErivo has continued to raise the bar – not just for themselves, but for anyone who wants to follow in their footsteps.

And it was a great honor to sit down with this incredible artist at Diane Warren’s Oscars event, where she shared her inspiring journey, love of storytelling, and advice for aspiring creatives.

How The color purple Everything changed

Cynthia Erivo’s career didn’t start on Broadway or in front of Hollywood cameras – it started with a simple love of musicals.

Raised in London, where her Nigerian heritage heavily influenced her identity, Erivo pursued her passion by studying at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA).

She celebrated her first breakthrough with a London production of “ The color purple. At the time, it seemed like just another gig – but it proved to be the catalyst for everything that followed.

“If I hadn’t done this little play in London, I wouldn’t have been on Broadway,” Erivo shared. “And if I hadn’t been on Broadway, I wouldn’t be here now.”

This role ultimately earned her a Tony Award as well as a Grammy and an Emmy for her work on the Broadway adaptation, making her one of a few artists to receive this “Triple Crown” of awards.

Her journey from a small stage in London to the global spotlight is a powerful reminder: no opportunity is too small and no dream is too big.

Balance between acting and music

Erivo’s talents extend far beyond acting – she is also a gifted musician and songwriter.

Her talent for connecting with audiences in a variety of ways really stands out in an industry where people are often forced to focus on just one thing.

This mix of acting and music has given her performances an even deeper emotional appeal, whether she’s on stage or screen. It is this ability to weave stories into different forms that has made her a true inspiration to creatives around the world.

From stage to screen

After Cynthia’s prominent role in The color purpleHollywood had no choice but to take notice. Her portrayal of Harriet Tubman in the 2019 film Harriet was nothing short of inspiring and even earned her an Oscar nomination for Best Actress.

And that’s not all – Erivo also co-wrote and sang the song Stand up for the film, which earned her a second Oscar nomination in the Best Original Song category.

She has also shown her range in films such as Widows And Bad times at the El Royale– not to mention the voice of the Blue Fairy in Disney’s live-action adaptation Pinocchio.

Whatever the role, Erivo always brings something special to the screen.

Words of wisdom for aspiring artists

During her conversation with Los Angeles Film School, Erivo took a moment to speak directly to emerging filmmakers, musicians and storytellers.

Her advice was simple but profound:

1. Start small: “Take all the little moments and understand that they count.”
2. Dream big: “We’re all dreamers,” she said. “If you keep dreaming big and working toward those dreams, you will see them come true. Definitely. I’m definitely proof of that.”

Her words struck a chord with anyone navigating the creative world. Whether you’re a student just starting out or a professional looking to make a change, Erivo’s message is simple: believe in yourself and keep making progress.

Watch the full interview at LA Film School