#BlackGirlMagic: 10 Things You Should Know About Cynthia Erivo

Everyone’s talking about her. From Oprah, to Jennifer Hudson. From The New York Times, to The Guardian; the whole world is paying attention to this magnificently talented thespian. Of course, it also noteworthy to mention that she picked up the win for leading actress in a musical for her role as Celie in The Colour Purple.

Everyone agrees that this is an honour well-deserved.

And because we’re totally inspired by this incredible woman, here’s 10 things you should know about British-Born Cynthia Erivo:

1. She’s the daughter of Nigerian immigrants, who moved to England. She was born in London and raised there by her mother, a visiting nurse specializing in child development, who sensed early on that her daughter might become a performer.
2. She started out young – involved in critically acclaimed performances from as young as 11
3. She’s diminutive (5 foot 1), and is extremely stylish and fashionable (Beautiful blonde hair, occasional blue lipstick, and the prettiest lashes this side of town).
4. She may be a small-sized woman, but she’s a great singer and has got an incredibly powerful  voice
5. She is episodically vegan, with a passion for herbal teas and a treasure chest of candy in her dressing rooms.
6. She’s proudly Catholic; quoting her: “My Faith is With Me Always.”
7. She loves stage combat and swordplay
8. She’s an avid knitter
9. She also longs to play Sarah Vaughan, Tina Turner, Serena Williams and Cleopatra.
10. She’s a fit fiend – boxes, does yoga and lifts weights.

Go power woman!