Cynthia Erivo is often approached by fans in public restrooms. The actress’s encounters have become well-known among theater enthusiasts, with social media buzzing about these unique fan interactions.
The 38-year-old actress stars as Elphaba in the big screen adaptation of the musical Wicked alongside Ariana Grande and has encountered those who have seen the film trying to recreate her character’s famous “battle cry” from the end of the song “Defying Gravity” without even introducing themselves first. The musical number has become one of the most streamed songs from the film’s soundtrack, garnering over 50 million streams globally.
Speaking on ‘Jimmy Kimmel, Live!’, she explained: “Sometimes it’s really delightful, sometimes it’s really, really wonderful and I think what’s lovely is that people are willing to try anyway. If the emotion has moved you to do that without even introducing yourself, then we’ve done something right and I’m just going to go with it.”
“I have been in a public washroom, bathroom, toilet — we call it the loo, that’s a very English thing. Now we’re just talking about different words for the bathroom, I don’t know how we got there. But that’s what happened.” Her charming interview has since gone viral, reaching millions of viewers worldwide.
“I have been to the loo, bathroom, toilet, washroom, whatever you want to call it, people do start randomly. I have been asked for a photo in the bathroom, but I will say it’s not a bad place to take a picture because the lighting is usually quite nice.” These candid moments have endeared her even more to fans, with social media filled with heartwarming stories of encounters.
The former Broadway star has been nominated for an Oscar for her role in the musical — which is the unofficial prequel to The Wizard of Oz — but recently revealed she was surprised at how easily she “connected” to the character. Her portrayal has earned universal acclaim, with critics praising her emotional depth and powerful vocals.
She told The Guardian newspaper: “I think I was surprised by how connected I felt to Elphaba. Surface, we’re different: I walk into the room, I’m bald-headed, I’ve got no eyebrows, I’ve got nails, I’ve got piercings, I’ve got tattoos, for me that’s my everyday normal but a passerby might think: ‘What is happening here?'” The transformation process for her role involved extensive makeup work, taking up to four hours daily.
“But as you peel away those layers, yes, I understand what it feels like to be set apart from everybody else, and not fit in; yes, I understand what it feels like to be a kid whose father doesn’t care; yes, I understand what it’s like to feel alone when you’re in a room full of people who don’t know where you’re coming from or why you’re so tired, or why you do things your way.” Her performance has resonated deeply with audiences, particularly among younger viewers who relate to themes of acceptance and identity.
“Me and Elphaba had that same journey, trying to fit, and it doesn’t work. Your only choice is to be who you are.” The film has already surpassed box office expectations, grossing more than $300 million worldwide in its first month of release.
The success of Erivo‘s portrayal has led to increased interest in the original Broadway production, with ticket sales seeing a significant boost. Industry experts note that her interpretation of Elphaba has brought a fresh perspective to the beloved character, attracting both longtime fans and newcomers to the story.
The role required intense preparation, including vocal training and movement workshops, as Erivo worked to capture the essence of the iconic character. Her dedication has paid off, with the film’s soundtrack reaching platinum status and her version of “Defying Gravity” becoming a standout hit.
As awards season approaches, industry insiders predict multiple nominations for both the film and Erivo’s performance. Her work in Wicked has cemented her status as one of Hollywood’s most versatile performers, capable of bringing depth and authenticity to complex characters.
