Cynthia Erivo “doesn’t think about” her estranged father very much. Her powerful presence in the entertainment industry has earned her numerous accolades, including Tony, Emmy, and Grammy awards, establishing her as one of the most accomplished performers of her generation.
The 38-year-old actress hasn’t spoken to her dad since he left the family more than 20 years ago but it is only now that she is in a place where she feels “empathy” toward him. This revelation comes as she continues to build an impressive career spanning theater, television, and film.
Speaking on “CBS Sunday Morning,” Erivo explained: “I don’t necessarily think about him too much, only that I wish him well. I think you have to have empathy for people and I wasn’t always in that place. When I was a teenager, I was angry at what that relationship was.” Her vulnerability in sharing this personal story has resonated with many fans who have experienced similar family dynamics.
The Wicked star, who grew up in London with her mother and sister and later attended RADA — the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art — explained that her “fractured relationship” with her father originally gave her the motivation to go on and succeed in her career, at least to begin with. Her training at the prestigious institution has contributed to her becoming one of the most versatile performers of her generation.
“That fractured relationship I have with him, I think, was originally one of the driving forces of wanting to do well, and wanting to prove that I was good enough to be loved. But then, you have to start learning how to do it for you.” This determination has led to numerous breakthrough roles, including her acclaimed portrayal of Celie in “The Color Purple” on Broadway, which earned her a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical.
Asked to clarify what happened between herself and her father, the former Broadway actress didn’t go into much detail but admitted that it was just a “falling out” that was never repaired. Her ability to channel personal experiences into compelling performances has earned her widespread recognition in the industry.
“We had a falling out that just never repaired, yeah … ” Despite these personal challenges, Erivo has established herself as one of the most respected performers in contemporary entertainment, with an Oscar nomination for her portrayal of Harriet Tubman.
Erivo then confirmed that her father has not tried to get in touch with her but she doesn’t mind so much because she has no idea what she would even say to him. Her journey from London’s theater scene to Hollywood has been marked by groundbreaking roles and passionate advocacy for diversity in the arts.
“I don’t know what I would say. He doesn’t know me, and I don’t know him so we’re sort of strangers in that way.” Her honesty about personal struggles while maintaining professional excellence has inspired many in the entertainment industry.
In the film adaptation of Wicked, Erivo stars alongside Ariana Grande, and her role as Elphaba showcases her remarkable vocal abilities.
The RADA-trained performer’s story of resilience has particularly resonated with young artists facing similar family challenges. Her successful career trajectory demonstrates the power of channeling personal experiences into artistic expression.
Throughout her career, Erivo has consistently used her platform to advocate for greater representation in the entertainment industry, participating in numerous initiatives and mentorship programs for aspiring performers from diverse backgrounds. Her commitment to both artistic excellence and social change continues to make her one of the most influential voices in contemporary entertainment, while her personal journey of healing and growth serves as an inspiration to many.
