'IT WAS A BEAUTIFUL CHALLENGE'

Winning a prestigious award, Cynthia Erivo opens up about playing Wicked's green witch Elphaba and sings the praises of her mother

- GILL PRINGLE H

When Cynthia Erivo was growing up in London, her mother Edith recognised her daughter's talents and encouraged her to express herself through the arts.

Roles in school plays as an 11-year-old set her off on the path that would see her receive Grammy, Tony and Emmy Awards, as well as three Oscar nods. She is one of just a handful of artists to have received nominations for all four of the awards that comprise the hallowed Egot one of the most coveted achievements in entertainment.

And last week she was recognised by GLAAD (the US's Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) with the Stephen F Kolzak award at the body's annual Media Awards, presented to recognise her activism in support of LGBTQ+ people and causes.

"It isn't easy. None of it is," she said, accepting her award. "Waking up and choosing to be yourself, proclaiming a space belongs to you when you don't feel welcomed, teaching people on a daily basis how to address you..."

Despite all the accolades, Cynthia, 38, remains humbly grateful to her beloved mother.

The actress's parents separated when she was young - she remains estranged from her father and Cynthia has since named her production company, Edith's Daughter, after her mother.