Cynthia Erivo Quotes

Powerful Cynthia Erivo for Daily Growth

About Cynthia Erivo

Cynthia Erivo, an eminent British-American actress, singer, and songwriter, was born on September 8, 1987, in Stockwell, London. Raised by a single mother in a working-class neighborhood, Erivo's love for the arts was nurtured at a young age through her involvement in church choirs and local theater productions. Erivo's professional acting career took off in 2015 when she made her West End debut as Celie Johnson in the revival of "The Color Purple," earning her an Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical. This role also brought her to Broadway, where she received a Tony Award for the same performance. In 2019, Erivo made her film debut as Harriet Tubman in "Harriet," a biographical film about the life of the abolitionist. The powerful portrayal earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress and a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress - Motion Picture Drama. Erivo's music career also flourished with the release of her debut album, "Speak on It," in 2017. The album showcases her versatile voice and thought-provoking lyrics, which often reflect her experiences as a black woman in America. In addition to her artistic pursuits, Erivo is an outspoken advocate for social justice and has used her platform to raise awareness about racial inequality and women's rights. She was named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time Magazine in 2020. Quotes by Cynthia Erivo embody her determination, resilience, and unwavering belief in herself: "I am not a victim; I am a victor," and "I'm always trying to show that you don't have to be one thing. You can be as many things as you want to be." These quotes reflect Erivo's journey from a working-class London neighborhood to an internationally acclaimed actress, singer, and songwriter.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"I've learned that it doesn't matter where you come from, what matters is where you're going."

This quote by Cynthia Erivo emphasizes the importance of one's journey over their origins. It suggests that while a person's past can shape who they are, it does not determine their future. The focus should be on personal growth, aspirations, and where an individual intends to go in life, rather than being held back by where they started. This perspective encourages resilience, determination, and optimism, as it underscores the possibility of transformation and success for everyone, regardless of their background.


"I think we all have the power to change our circumstances and create a better future for ourselves."

This quote underscores the empowering belief that individuals hold the capacity to shape their own destiny and improve their circumstances. It encourages personal responsibility and self-determination, suggesting that everyone has the potential to make positive changes in their life and create a brighter future for themselves. By emphasizing agency, this quote inspires resilience, optimism, and the drive to take charge of one's own life journey.


"I feel really proud when I think about where I came from and how far I've come."

This quote by Cynthia Erivo expresses a sense of pride in her journey, rooted in the contrast between her origin and current accomplishments. It underscores the personal growth she has experienced as well as the strength and resilience required to overcome adversity and make progress in life. It is a reminder that appreciating one's past can fuel motivation for continued growth and success.


"In my head, I'm always asking 'What would Harriet Tubman do?'"

This quote by Cynthia Erivo reflects a deep sense of inspiration drawn from Harriet Tubman, the legendary abolitionist. It indicates that when facing challenges or making decisions in her life, Erivo seeks guidance from Tubman's courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to freedom and justice – qualities that defined Tubman throughout her extraordinary journey as a conductor on the Underground Railroad. The quote suggests that Tubman continues to serve as an enduring symbol of strength and determination for Erivo and others who strive to make a positive impact in the world.


"I think it's really important for young people to see themselves represented in the media."

This quote by Cynthia Erivo emphasizes the significance of having diverse representations in media, particularly for the youth. It suggests that seeing characters or role models who share similar backgrounds, cultures, or experiences can help young people feel seen, valued, and empowered. Representation matters because it fosters a sense of belonging, breaks down stereotypes, and encourages self-expression and identity development among the younger generation.


There are days when I'm completely obsessed with Kate Bush, and there are days when I'm completely obsessed with the Eurythmics. Then it's Aretha Franklin, then it's Lena Horne, then it's Ella Fitzgerald, then it's John Legend, then it's Michael Jackson. Music, to me, is like food, so I feel like whatever I need that day, I can get from a song.

- Cynthia Erivo

Feel, I Feel Like, Bush, Legend

Watching Mum work hard made me do the same. I've watched her since I was little, and I've picked up on how hard she works and the fire she has in her belly.

- Cynthia Erivo

Work Hard, Belly, Works, Picked

I love that I can demonstrate that it's OK to look and be strong.

- Cynthia Erivo

Love, Strong, I Love, Demonstrate

I'm a very, very healthy eater, so it's proteins, greens, proteins, and more greens - and lots of water.

- Cynthia Erivo

Healthy, Very, Lots, Greens

Meditation, yoga, working out, and eating well. That's my wellness. And I think occasionally you have to treat yourself, so if you do need to take yourself shopping, go take yourself shopping.

- Cynthia Erivo

Treat, Think, I Think, Wellness

What's amazing with 'The X Factor' is that it gives people a chance who wouldn't normally have one. I couldn't go on it, because it would be, like, me being lazy, because I've definitely had my opportunities.

- Cynthia Erivo

Amazing, Lazy, Had, Factor

What I want to see is more mixed casts. We need it. People need to be brave - in the real world, everyone and anyone is around. So if people get to see themselves on the stage, they'll want to come.

- Cynthia Erivo

More, Need, Everyone, Casts

If you believe in chakras - head and heart - I think singing opens them up, like a wide open door.

- Cynthia Erivo

Door, Think, I Think, Opens

I don't think it's different to be a black girl in England than it is to be a black girl from America. We all collectively share in a pain of displacement and not feeling like we quite belong in places.

- Cynthia Erivo

Pain, Think, England, Collectively

When I was younger, I just liked the sound of different accents, and I used to just play around to see if I could do things. I hear accents like music, so that's what helps me to learn them.

- Cynthia Erivo

Play, Sound, Used, If I Could

I'm a geek when it comes to my voice. I know if it hurts, something's wrong. You shouldn't feel it! It's very important to look after your voice.

- Cynthia Erivo

Voice, Feel, Very, Geek

I became a fitness fiend when I was about 17 or 18.

- Cynthia Erivo

Fitness, About, Became, Fiend

One of my favourite pieces is 'Antony and Cleopatra' - I'd love to be in that. Or an alternative version of 'Romeo & Juliet' where I get to play Mercutio, something like that.

- Cynthia Erivo

Love, Play, Romeo, Cleopatra

I always say that I want to play Serena Williams if they ever did a biopic of hers. I definitely want to do that, and I want to do some films.

- Cynthia Erivo

Play, Some, Always, Hers

I would love to appear in 'Scandal,' something like that, or 'Grey's Anatomy' because I think they're incredible.

- Cynthia Erivo

Love, Think, I Think, Appear

When I was 15, I didn't think I was the prettiest at all. But then something happened when I was 20-something - I thought, actually, I really like what I look like. Just because I don't look like everybody else doesn't mean that I can't be just as beautiful.

- Cynthia Erivo

Thought, Everybody, Everybody Else

I've seen 'Hamilton.' I'm obsessed. The music is crazy.

- Cynthia Erivo

Music, Crazy, Obsessed, Hamilton

I discovered at the age of five that I could sing, and I realised people liked it. The sound that came out made people happy, so I kept doing it.

- Cynthia Erivo

Doing, Could, Discovered, Realised

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