Cynthia Erivo Books In Order

Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books

Cynthia Erivo

Cynthia Erivo is an English artist known for her acting, singing, and songwriting. Her career spans major theater stages, film sets, and recording studios, earning her a remarkable collection of honors. She stands among a very small group of performers recognized with nominations for all four major American entertainment awards, known as an EGOT. She has already secured three of these prestigious awards, needing only one more to complete the set.

Her professional journey began on the West End in the musical The Umbrellas of Cherbourg. Her breakthrough arrived when she crossed the Atlantic to star as Celie in the Broadway revival of The Color Purple. This powerful performance became a defining moment, showcasing her profound emotional depth and stunning vocal power. It firmly established her as a formidable talent capable of captivating live audiences night after night.

For this role, she received the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical and a Grammy for the show’s album. She also earned a Daytime Emmy Award for a related television special. These accolades highlight a rare versatility, proving she excels in multiple artistic disciplines. Her compelling presence and authentic connection to her material consistently draw viewers and listeners into every story she tells, making her work deeply resonant on a global scale.

Her reach expanded globally through film, beginning with roles in the thrillers Widows and Bad Times at the El Royale. Portraying historical figure Harriet Tubman in Harriet brought her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. This performance, along with her powerful original song ‘Stand Up’ from the film, showcased her ability to convey deep resilience and passion. These qualities resonate widely, creating a strong and genuine connection with international audiences.

She later brought the iconic character Elphaba to life in the film Wicked, earning another Oscar nomination. Continuing the role in the sequel further demonstrated her consistent dedication to complex parts. This commitment has made her a recognizable figure in major motion pictures. Her authentic approach ensures each character feels true and compelling to viewers everywhere.

Her work in musical film also made Golden Globes history, recognizing her as the first Black woman with multiple lead actress nominations in the comedy category. This milestone highlights how her performances successfully cross cultural and genre boundaries. By choosing roles that demand emotional honesty and vocal strength, she engages people in a direct and impactful way. Her global appeal stems from this consistent, powerful truth in her artistry.

Her talents also shine on television, where she has taken on significant roles in acclaimed limited series. Each performance, from a sharp investigator to the legendary Aretha Franklin, earned serious praise and award attention. As a recording artist, she has released her own music, including two full studio albums. With this proven range across every major medium, her future projects in all forms are eagerly anticipated by a worldwide audience.

Early and Personal Life

Cynthia Erivo was born the 8th of January, 1987, in London to parents who had immigrated from Nigeria. She and her younger sister were raised by their mother, who worked as a nurse. From a young age, Erivo found a strong interest in performing, taking part in school plays and early television appearances.

Her formal path into the arts began at university, where she initially studied music psychology. She soon decided to focus fully on acting, successfully applying to the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. She completed her training there, graduating with a degree that provided a strong foundation for her future career.

The profound respect and gratitude she holds for her mother is clear in her professional choices. She named her production company Edith’s Daughter as a direct and personal tribute. This connection to her family story is a part of her own narrative as she continues to grow as a compelling performer.

In her personal life, Cynthia Erivo is a person of Catholic faith. She has described her dietary choices at times as vegan. She identifies openly as queer and bisexual. She has been in a relationship with producer Lena Waithe since late 2024.

Writing Career

Cynthia Erivo has also built a career as a writer. She has authored various books, including a memoir released in 2025. This personal project allowed her to share her own story directly with readers.

Her voice extends to audio storytelling as well. She has narrated several audiobooks and starred in narrative podcasts. These endeavors show her continued growth as a storyteller across different media, with more to come.

Simply More

Cynthia Erivo authored the nonfiction memoir titled Simply More. The publisher, Macmillan, released the book. Its publication date was November 20, 2025.

The book argues it is never too late to pursue the life one wants. Cynthia Erivo learned the music for Wicked years before performing it, illustrating how skills develop over time. Through personal stories, she reflects on growth as a performer and finding balance through running. These experiences show that personal discovery is an ongoing journey, where each small effort contributes to larger goals.

Readers found this book to be a truly encouraging and thoughtful reflection. Many appreciate its honest perspective on personal growth and creative life. The blending of artistic and physical journeys feels unique and inspiring. It leaves audiences feeling motivated about their own potential for ongoing development.

Remember to Dream, Ebere

Cynthia Erivo authored the children’s picture book Remember to Dream, Ebere. The illustrations were created by Charnelle Pinkney Barlow. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers published the title on September 28, 2021.

The story presents an inspirational tale about a mother and child building dreams together. Each night, the mother tells her daughter, Ebere, to remember to dream. Ebere dreams vividly, imagining herself as a rocket ship captain exploring the universe. This debut picture book serves as an ode to imagination and a parent’s encouraging love.

This book delivers a heartwarming and uplifting message. Readers find its celebration of imagination and parental support to be very charming. The illustrations beautifully complement the inspirational story. It is widely regarded as a delightful and encouraging read for young children.