Cynthia Erivo on Playing Aretha Franklin, Meeting Oprah & The Outsider

TL;DR

Cynthia Erivo shares her experiences moving to LA and preparing to portray Aretha Franklin.

Transcript

our next guest is an emmy grammy and tony award-winning actress and singer and a private detective too she stars alongside jason bateman and the outsider which you can watch on hbo max say hello to cynthia arrivo hi cynthia hi what's behind you it's very beautiful i like what's going on and it's the blind in this room and it sort of has worked for ... Read More

Key Insights

• 🎭 Cynthia Erivo moved to the U.S. from England to advance her career in performing arts and settled in LA following the pandemic.
• 🏋️ Meeting Oprah Winfrey during "The Color Purple" rehearsal was a transformative moment, showcasing the emotional weight of performing in front of a personal idol.
• 🌚 Erivo's interaction with Jason Bateman reinforced the uncertainty artists face when navigating new roles in their careers, highlighting the importance of communication in the industry.
• 🛟 Preparing to portray Aretha Franklin requires a deep understanding of her music and life experiences, showcasing the complexities of translating a legendary figure onto the screen.
• ✋ Erivo's commitment to portraying Franklin includes singing iconic songs while developing her vocal technique to meet the high expectations associated with Franklin's musical legacy.
• 🎭 The emotional journey of transitioning from theater to screen acting is filled with growth, challenges, and the need for resilience, as exemplified by Erivo's experiences.
• ❓ Erivo’s recent nomination for a Critics Choice Award reflects the recognition of her talent and the impact of her performance in "The Outsider."

Questions & Answers

Q: What motivated Cynthia Erivo to move to the U.S.?

Cynthia Erivo moved to the U.S. about five years ago to pursue career opportunities, particularly in theater and television. She initially settled in New York to immerse herself in Broadway, and her artistic ambitions prompted her to relocate permanently to Los Angeles right after the pandemic began. This transition allowed her to explore new projects and expand her career in a different market.

Q: How did Erivo feel about meeting Oprah Winfrey?

Erivo’s first meeting with Oprah Winfrey was a magical experience for her. While rehearsing for "The Color Purple," Oprah walked into the room, leading to an emotional moment where Erivo continued singing the title track despite the overwhelming presence of such a legendary figure. Their encounter solidified her admiration for Oprah and showcased the deep emotional connection they both felt during that moment.

Q: What was the nature of Erivo's first interaction with Jason Bateman?

Cynthia Erivo’s first interaction with Jason Bateman was via a Facetime call, where they discussed her participation in "The Outsider." She found the conversation confusing because she left unsure if she had secured the role. After a brief spiral of uncertainty, she reached out to her manager, which ultimately led to her confirmation for the project, reflecting her dedication and eagerness to join the cast.

Q: What insights does Erivo provide about preparing to portray Aretha Franklin?

Erivo's preparation for her role as Aretha Franklin in an eight-part Nat Geo mini-series involved extensive research into Franklin's life and music. She emphasizes the challenge of accurately portraying a private figure like Aretha, relying on a combination of musical analysis, interviews, and images. Additionally, Erivo reveals the intimidation of singing Aretha's songs, particularly the difficulties she faced while tackling challenging pieces like "Never Grow Old."

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Cynthia Erivo, an award-winning actress and singer, moved from England to the U.S. five years ago, settling in LA one year after the pandemic began.

• Discussing her career highlights, she recalls emotional moments with Oprah during rehearsals and her journey in landing her role in "The Outsider" alongside Jason Bateman.

• Erivo also reveals her preparation to portray Aretha Franklin in an upcoming mini-series for Nat Geo, emphasizing the challenges of singing her iconic songs.