Cynthia Erivo Reveals the Project That Made Her Question Why She Hadn’t Explored Her Queerness: “I got to do the same for myself”

Actress Cynthia Erivo revealed how her role in The Color Purple encouraged her to openly explore her own queerness.

Before publicly coming out, Cynthia Erivo, renowned for her commanding performances on both screen and stage, had already shared her truth with those closest to her. But it was her celebrated role in the Broadway revival of The Color Purple that truly empowered her to embrace her identity and explore her sexuality more openly.

Erivo took on the role of Celie Harris Johnson, the central character in Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning 1982 novel, in her Broadway debut, a role that had a profound personal impact on her, serving as a turning point in her journey toward living authentically.

The Color Purple role empowered Cynthia Erivo to embrace her queerness

Cynthia Erivo made a powerful Broadway debut in the revival of The Color Purple, portraying the iconic and empowering role of Celie Harris Johnson, a performance that earned her widespread acclaim and a Tony Award for Best Leading Actress in a Musical.

However, beyond professional recognition, the role had a deeply personal impact on Erivo, as she revealed in a recent interview how playing Celie helped her find the strength to embrace her identity openly.

Cynthia Erivo | Credit: Rhododendrites/CC-BY-SA-4.0/Wikimedia Commons

“I hadn’t really ever explored [my queerness], I hadn’t really ever discovered or understood or really learned about it,” she told Billboard.

She further explained how taking on the role allowed her to discover and embrace her identity in parallel with the character’s journey, making it a transformative and personal experience.

I was like, ‘Oh, I get to play this woman who is exploring and learning about her own queerness at the same time as trying to discover what love is.’ This sort of wonderful thing happened at the same time.

“I got to do the same for myself,” she continued, adding, “It’s like your feet finally hit the ground.” Over the course of her two-year run in the show, she gained the confidence to come out publicly.

That personal growth, she explained, has brought a sense of ease to every aspect of her career, whether she’s on set or in the recording studio.

Cynthia Erivo says coming out was about inspiring others through visibility

During her conversation with Billboard, Cynthia Erivo also reflected on her decision to come out as queer in British Vogue in 2022. She emphasized that sharing her identity publicly wasn’t about seeking personal validation; it was about visibility and representation for the community.

“I think I was actively looking for those who were encouraged to be more themselves,” she said.,

“I can’t change a person’s opinion of me; if they want to feel some way, there is nothing I can do about that.”

Cynthia Erivo | Credit: CBS Sunday Morning via YouTube

Her hope was to inspire others by being a relatable and visible example.

But I was so excited about being able to at least be one more face where someone could say, ‘Oh, my God, she did it and can still do it. She’s still creating, she’s still making. So maybe I can also do the same.’

Since then, Erivo has continued to deliver acclaimed performances, from Harriet to Wicked, and now she’s breaking new ground with her upcoming lead role in a three-night production of Jesus Christ Superstar, a casting choice that has sparked some backlash.

In addition, she is set to portray Dracula in a bold one-woman stage adaptation of Bram Stoker’s classic novel, in which she will play the titular character along with 23 supporting roles.

The Color Purple is available for streaming on Apple TV and Max