Hold onto your hats, because Cynthia Erivo, the powerhouse performer, has unexpectedly become the internet's latest obsession! Forget the green skin and gravity-defying antics of 'Wicked' for a moment; it's Erivo's expressive reactions that are currently dominating social media feeds. But how did this award-winning actress transform into a meme sensation? Let's dive in!
For years, Cynthia Erivo has been a celebrated name in both theatre and film. However, it's during the global promotional tour for the upcoming film 'Wicked: For Good,' starring alongside Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey, and Jeff Goldblum, that she's found herself in the viral spotlight.
So, how did the memes begin?
The promotional tour has gifted us with several meme-worthy moments. The film itself premiered on November 21st, but the buzz started long before, thanks to fans enthusiastically sharing and resharing clips of Erivo. One of the earliest memes stemmed from an interaction with a fan in Paris. Erivo later explained on 'The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon' that the fan returned a hat she thought she'd lost a year prior. Her surprised reaction became a popular social media joke. Another viral moment occurred at the 'Wicked: For Good' premiere, where Erivo appeared genuinely stunned by the applause. Her direct gaze into the camera created a screenshot that spread like wildfire across social media platforms.
Protecting Ariana Grande
Erivo's quick actions at the Singapore premiere of 'Wicked' further cemented her meme status. When an intruder breached the red carpet barricade to approach Ariana Grande, Erivo instinctively stepped in to shield her co-star. This protective gesture was widely praised online, with fans applauding her quick thinking.
Older Moments Resurface
Following the success of these new clips, online users dove into Erivo's past red carpet appearances, unearthing expressions perfectly suited for today's meme culture. One image shows Erivo with her fingers pressed to her temples, as if deep in thought while deciding which films to recommend. Another captures her offering an exaggerated polite smile at the SAG Awards, a moment fans have cleverly repurposed for various situations. These resurfaced clips prove that Erivo's expressive nature has always been a part of her public persona, even if it's only now being fully appreciated in meme form.
Who is Cynthia Erivo, anyway?
Cynthia Erivo is a highly accomplished English actor, singer, and songwriter known for her powerful voice and captivating performances. She rose to fame for her leading role in the Broadway revival of 'The Color Purple,' earning her a Tony Award, a Grammy Award, and a Daytime Emmy Award. Her transition to film was equally impressive. She portrayed abolitionist Harriet Tubman in the 2019 biographical drama 'Harriet,' receiving an Oscar nomination for Best Actress. She's now starring as Elphaba in 'Wicked,' a performance that has already secured her two more Oscar nominations: one for Best Actress and another for Best Original Song for 'Stand Up.' With three of the four major entertainment awards already under her belt, she is now only one award away from achieving EGOT status, a remarkable feat!
But here's where it gets controversial... Some might argue that focusing on Erivo's reactions overshadows her incredible talent. What do you think? Is it harmless fun, or does it detract from her achievements? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
