Cynthia Erivo Graces Cover Of ‘Harper’s BAZAAR’
The illustrated Cynthia Erivo will grace the cover of Harper's BAZAARthe November 2025 issue, which hits newsstands on November 4, and inside, the Broadway and Hollywood powerhouse opens up about everything from self-expression and fame to the distinct mindset behind her iconic character – the green and mean Elphaba – in the Oscar-winning adaptation of Wicked.
She is happy that fame and stardom came later in her career and life.
Reflecting on her incredible career with writer Jazmine Hughes, Erivo, 38, says she's so grateful fame and stardom came with divine timing
“I'm really glad that fame came to me later, because I feel so complete now that it doesn't knock me off my shoulders,” she said.
Erivo recalled realizing her fame after starring in Netflix's 2023 thriller Luther: The Fallen Sunwhen she was recognized in a shop in the United Arab Emirates. At that time she was 36. That success would only catapult to new heights after the release of the first episode of Wicked in 2024, along with her awesome Tony Awards hosting gig earlier this year.
She valued being seen as her authentic self:
“Being in my skin color, as a black woman, on mainstream TV, hosting, not even playing a character.”
About how she expresses herself.
That incredible confidence has allowed the actress to look authentic, a confidence that overflows into her personal style. Most of the time, you'll see Erivo unapologetically sporting a shaved head, dove designs, an intricate nose ring, and sporting long, dramatic nails, among other cute outfits.
“This is what I want to look like,” she says. “I love a heel, I love a nail, I love a jaw, I love a bald head, I love a good outfit. It's honestly a way to express just parts of myself.”
Erivo told Hughes she's witnessed a wave of self-acceptance inspired by her bold individuality, with more people fearlessly embracing piercings, tattoos and personal style.
“If it's the only thing I put into this world, that everyone's individual beauty is worth seeing and experiencing, and you don't have to change it for anyone but yourself, then I'm happy. If you want to change and you want to get a new nose, you want to get new lips, fine. If that's good for you, so long for you.”
Farewell to Elphaba and how the character has changed since the first Wicked.
With the second and final installment of the beloved Wickedtitle Wicked: for good, premiering on November 21, Erivo reflected on how it feels to finally say goodbye to Elphaba, a character she brought to life for years.
“Elphaba will be a part of my life forever, but we need to separate,” she said. “We are not one and the same anymore, but we can be friends.”
Fans will see a different Elphaba when the film returns next month – a witch who is confident and empowered by her newfound strength, sense of self and pent-up anger. According to the film's synopsis, now labeled as the Wicked Witch of the West, Elphaba lives in exile deep in the forests of Oz, while Glinda, played by Ariana Grande, lives in the Emerald City palace, in the glow of fame and adoration. But when an angry mob rises up against the so-called Wicked Witch, Elphaba must reunite with Glinda to change herself – and all of Oz – forever.
“What I love is having the opportunity to play her when she has to figure out what she is and play her again when she knows,” Erivo said.
On her forthcoming book, Simply Moreand the meaning behind the title.
In addition to wicked, Cynthia Erivo will also debut her first book, Simply More, next month. With a US release date set for November 18, Simply More.
“In her quiet solitude, that is still a measure of rebellion and deserves a little more light,” she explained to Hughes. “What I wrote about was [that] those of us who stand in the light, who walk around cheerfully with our lanterns, just have to change the direction of the lanterns and shine it back on people who still don't know where their path is.”
Erivo feels particularly called to support people who use their/her pronouns and the ongoing fight for dignity.
Read the full Cynthia Erivo Harper's BAZAAR interview over here.
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