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

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It’s no surprise that Cynthia Erivo is captivating audiences as Elphaba in Wicked and Wicked: For Good. She first gained recognition in the theater world for her incredible voice and powerful stage presence, even winning a Tony Award for her role as Celie in The Color Purple. Since then, she’s become a successful film actress, receiving award nominations for portraying iconic historical figures and consistently impressing viewers and critics with her talent for adding depth to suspenseful thrillers.

Before she starred in Wicked, she had some fantastic roles. Here’s a list of her best work from that time – everything on it is worth seeing again and again. The top pick might surprise you, but there’s a good reason why it’s there.

6
Jacqueline Kamara in ‘Drift’ (2023)


MetFilm Distribution

Despite not getting much mainstream attention, the film Drift has earned high praise from critics, and rightfully so. It’s a powerful story about a Liberian refugee named Jacqueline Kamara who seeks a fresh start in Greece, hoping to leave her painful past behind. Actress Cynthia Erivo delivers a compelling performance as Jacqueline, relying on her acting ability and emotional depth to bring the character to life. The film avoids relying on special effects, action, or even Erivo’s singing, instead focusing on portraying vulnerability and quiet strength.

Erivo beautifully portrays the connection between her character, Jacqueline, and Callie (Alia Shawkat). It’s heartwarming to see their relationship develop as they become close and offer each other support.

5
Belle in ‘Widows’ (2018)


20th Century Fox

Widows is a fantastic crime thriller boasting an impressive cast of established stars. Directed by Steve McQueen, the Oscar-winning filmmaker behind 12 Years a Slave, the film features powerhouse performances from Viola Davis, Elizabeth Debicki, Daniel Kaluuya, Colin Farrell, and Liam Neeson. Despite this wealth of talent, Cynthia Erivo shines as Belle, the skilled hairstylist who unexpectedly becomes the group’s getaway driver.

Cynthia Erivo’s Belle doesn’t showcase flashy vocals, but she has fantastic chemistry with Veronica Rawlings, played by Viola Davis. Their characters aren’t immediately friendly, and a tense conversation reveals Veronica’s initial annoyance at Belle joining the heist, and Belle’s reaction to what she perceives as disrespect. It’s impressive how Erivo holds her own against Davis’s strong performance.

4
Holly Gibney in ‘The Outsider’ (2020)


HBO

Cynthia Erivo, known for her diverse roles, might seem an unexpected pairing with horror master Stephen King. However, they create a compelling duo in the thriller miniseries, The Outsider. Erivo plays Holly Gibney, a uniquely brilliant private detective investigating a puzzling murder. Though a supporting character, Erivo captivates audiences with both her powerful delivery of lines and the nuanced details she brings to the role, truly embodying this gifted crime solver.

Cynthia Erivo truly stands out in a scene where she attempts to convince a room full of police officers and others that the murder they’re investigating involves supernatural elements. Despite being surrounded by seven other characters, she commands attention and delivers a particularly strong performance.

3
Odette Raine in ‘Luther: The Fallen Sun’ (2023)


Netflix

In 2023, the popular crime series Luther returned as a thrilling movie, Luther: The Fallen Sun, with Idris Elba reprising his iconic role as detective John Luther. Cynthia Erivo plays Odette Raine, a police captain relentlessly chasing Luther, who is on the run and in disgrace at the beginning of the film. The dynamic between their characters is a captivating game of cat and mouse, full of clever moves and countermoves, with Erivo skillfully matching Elba’s intelligence and intensity.

As with her role in The Outsider, Cynthia Erivo is wonderful to watch as a smart and determined investigator. She’s incredibly believable – you really feel like she could solve any puzzle. This role, like others, proves she’s a talented actress who’s much more than just a Broadway star.

2
Harriet Tubman in ‘Harriet’ (2019)


Universal Pictures

Playing Harriet Tubman, one of America’s most famous abolitionists, is a huge challenge, and Cynthia Erivo meets it brilliantly in the film Harriet. Her performance rightfully earned her an Oscar nomination, as she brings a complex and nuanced portrayal to the legendary figure. Erivo’s Harriet feels almost superhuman in her courage, like a classic hero facing incredible odds. The film is gripping and suspenseful, keeping you on the edge of your seat as she fights for her life against those who want to harm her.

Cynthia Erivo’s captivating voice is a major strength in Harriet. The power and emotion in her performance of the film’s song, “Stand Up,” is truly stunning, especially when combined with the song’s meaningful lyrics. Anyone who enjoyed Erivo’s singing in Wicked will likely be just as captivated by her performance in Harriet.

1
Aretha Franklin in ‘Genius: Aretha’ (2021)


Tumbleweed Productions

While Jennifer Hudson did a great job playing Aretha Franklin, Cynthia Erivo’s performance is arguably even more compelling. Erivo truly shines throughout the film, delivering a nuanced portrayal of the legendary singer’s life, including the highs and lows of her career, family, and love life. The chemistry between Erivo and Courtney B. Vance, who plays Franklin’s father, is particularly captivating, beautifully showcasing their complex relationship. Vance is a remarkably talented actor who often steals the scene, but Erivo’s performance is so strong that she holds her own and prevents that from happening.

Erivo isn’t just a talented actress; her singing is also exceptional. She performs most of the songs in the series, and doing justice to Aretha Franklin’s music is a real achievement. It’s no wonder she received nominations for the Screen Actors Guild, Emmy, and Golden Globe awards for this role.

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2025-11-30 02:04