Cynthia Erivo’s 6 Best Roles (Besides ‘Wicked’)

It should come as a surprise to no one that Cynthia Erivo is stealing the hearts of millions of fans as Wicked and Wicked: For Good‘s Elphaba. While in the theater world, she garnered much attention for her vocal chops and stage presence, even earning a Tony Award for her portrayal of Celie in the hit Broadway revival of The Color Purple. And since the days of that remarkable performance, she’s gone on to become quite the actress onscreen, earning nominations for her roles as legendary historical figures, and impressing fans and critics alike with her ability to add something special to crime thrillers.

Speaking of these roles, all of which predate Wicked, below is a list of her best works, all of which are worth watching and rewatching. Although the number one project on this list may come as a shock to some, there’s enough reason to justify its placement.

6

Jacqueline Kamara in ‘Drift’ (2023)

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It flew under many people’s radar, but Drift is greatly beloved among critics, and for good reason. It tells the heroic story of a Liberian refugee who makes it to Greece in hopes of starting over and escaping the ghosts of her past. Erivo stars as the main protagonist, Jacqueline Kamara, and has to rely on her rawest of emotions and talents to adequately tell Jacqueline’s story. She doesn’t lean on CGI, high-octane action sequences, or even her beautiful singing voice, but rather just utilizes her acting skills to convey vulnerability and a level of heroism.

Erivo also does a remarkable job showcasing the chemistry between her character, Jacqueline, and Callie (Alia Shawkat). Their relationship is touching to watch unfold as they get to know one another and provide a safe space for each other.

5

Belle in ‘Widows’ (2018)

Widows is a phenomenal crime thriller, and it has a lot of veteran star power attached to it. The movie is from the Oscar-winning director of 12 Years a Slave director Steve McQueen, it stars EGOT-winning actress Viola Davis, Emmy-winning actress Elizabeth Debicki, Oscar-winning actor Daniel Kaluuya, and legendary thespians Colin Farrell and Liam Neeson. And yet, even with all of this world-renowned talent attached, Erivo still manages to stand out in the movie in her supporting role as Belle, the hairstylist turned getaway driver.

Now, Erivo doesn’t wow you with any vocal acrobatics as Belle, but she does a great job in her banter back and forth with Davis’s Veronica Rawlings. The two are hardly best friends, and when it becomes evident that Veronica initially resents Belle being brought into their heist scheme, and Belle resents the apparent disrespect, they have a heavily shady exchange. Kudos to Erivo for hanging in there with Davis.

4

Holly Gibney in ‘The Outsider’ (2020)

cynthia erivo plays holly in the outsider

For many, Erivo and world-renowned horror expert Stephen King aren’t readily a duo many people would think goes together, given her resume. However, they pair quite well in the thriller miniseries, The Outsider. She plays the unorthodox, yet highly intelligent, private detective, Holly Gibney, on a quest to untangle a murder mystery. Erivo is again in a supporting role, but viewers can’t help but pay attention to her as she not only delivers stellar dialogue but also evokes subtle mannerisms that help her transform into this crime-solving savant.

Erivo’s contributions to the film are best exemplified in a scene when she tries her best to explain to a room full of law enforcement officials and interested parties why the murder they are investigating has supernatural forces at play. There are no fewer than seven other characters in the scene, and Erivo shines brightest.

3

Odette Raine in ‘Luther: The Fallen Sun’ (2023)

A woman & man have a conversation in Luther: The Fallen Sun

What started out as an exciting thrill ride of a crime series, became an official must-watch movie in 2023 when Idris Elba once again stepped into the role of the famous detective, John Luther, in Luther: The Fallen Sun. Erivo portrays Odette Raine, a police captain of sorts who spends the majority of the film in hot pursuit of Luther, who at the start of the movie is disgraced and technically an escaped convict. The cat-and-mouse game between Erivo and Elba’s characters is at times like watching a dramatic tennis match, with each trying to outdo the other. And Erivo does her best in keeping up with Elba’s wit by showing some of her own.

Furthermore, like with The Outsider, Erivo, in the intellectual problem-solver role, is a joy to see, as she’s quite convincing. You believe there’s no mystery she can’t eventually get to the bottom of. It’s another part for her that shows her talent extends beyond the bright lights of a New York City musical stage.

2

Harriet Tubman in ‘Harriet’ (2019)

It’s not an easy task to step into the shoes of arguably the greatest abolitionist in American history, and that’s exactly what Erivo does playing Harriet Tubman in the appropriately titled Harriet. Erivo rightfully earned her first Oscar nomination for this role, as she added layers to the legend of Harriet. At times, it’s as if Erivo’s Harriet is a Marvel character with no powers or a cowboy of yesteryear with no lasso. She’s harrowing in the brave moments, and leaves one biting their nails in fear every time she’s left to battle against those who would rather see her dead.

What adds to Erivo’s allure in Harriet is her singing voice. Hearing her belt out the movie’s anthem, “Stand up,” is just breathtaking. Her vocals are emotionally charged, paired with the incredible lyrics. For those who found themselves mesmerized by Erivo’s singing in Wicked, they are more than likely going to be equally entranced by her song for Harriet.

1

Aretha Franklin in ‘Genius: Aretha’ (2021)

Cynthia Erivo in Genius: Aretha Franklin

With all due respect to Jennifer Hudson’s portrayal as the Queen of Soul, Erivo’s depiction of Aretha Franklin is arguably more captivating. From start to finish, Erivo shines, telling a layered story of one of the greatest musicians the world has ever known, aptly showing the ups and downs in Franklin’s career, family dynamics, and romantic life. In particular, it’s interesting to watch Erivo play off of the award-winning actor Courtney B. Vance, who stars as Franklin’s father. The two pair well together in telling the complex relationship between child and parent. Additionally, Vance is a phenomenal talent and has the ability to eclipse the performance of many stars onscreen, but Erivo makes that impossible.

Besides her acting, Erivo deserves a lot of applause again for her vocal chops. She sings most of the songs in the miniseries, and covering any Franklin song successfully is something to be admired. It should come as no surprise that she earned SAG, Emmy, and Golden Globe nominations for her role.