Vanderbilt Programming Board concluded the 2025 Impact Symposium with a conversation with actress Cynthia Erivo in Langford Auditorium on April 3. Known for both her stage and screen work, Erivo most recently portrayed Elphaba in the movie adaptation of “Wicked.”
Dr. Claire Sisco King, chair of the cinema and media arts program, moderated the conversation. She presented Erivo with student-submitted questions, as well as responses to anecdotes Erivo discussed.
Erivo began by explaining that when playing characters, she does not practice separating herself from the role she is playing, but that can be a taxing practice. When playing Harriet Tubman in the 2019 movie “Harriet,” Erivo said she carried the spirit of Tubman with her long after shooting wrapped. In order to move on and separate herself from the character and historical stories, Erivo explained that she relied on therapy and noted the process is much like grieving.
During the conversation, Erivo noticed first-year Mallory Otsuka coughing in the crowd and called out to ask if she needed water. Erivo then stood up and offered her own bottle. Otsuka recalled the moment, noting her appreciation of Erivo.
“Honestly, it was the coolest thing that’s ever happened to me in my entire life,” Otsuka said. “I was about to leave the room to try to catch my breath when I realized she was talking to me, and I just froze, and I couldn’t even process what was happening. She has been an absolute icon to me for so long and for her to be so kind to me just goes to show how truly amazing she is.”
King then posed a student-submitted question, asking what Erivo’s singing voice and acting voice would say if they could speak to each other. Erivo seemed to be taken aback by the question, and she shared her gratitude for it because she said no one had ever asked her such a question before. Erivo paused for a moment and then said her two voices would likely thank each other. In addition, she believes they likely would ask each other to “sit down” and allow one or the other to have their moments to shine.
King asked Erivo how she spends her time when she isn’t in rehearsal or fulfilling her commitments as an acting teacher, bringing attention to the fact that Erivo is training for a marathon. Erivo explained that she is not a natural runner and shared her experience of how intense marathon training can be. She unpacked her mantra of “one more mile.” When she gets tired while running, Erivo will tell herself to just go one more mile, and then one more mile after that. She reminded the audience how much of a mental challenge running is in addition to the physical challenge. King noted that “one more mile” can be a powerful reminder in life, that no matter what someone is going through, taking just one more step can help everyone reach the next goal or next step.
Sophomore Brianna Woods expressed appreciation for Erivo’s advice and insightful demeanor.
“I feel like Cynthia Erivo quite literally cast a spell on me,” Woods said. “She is so down to Earth, insightful and charming. Her mantra, ‘just one more mile,’ is one I will keep with me for a long time.”
