Cynthia Erivo, a renowned actress, has shown remarkable dedication and discipline in her pursuit of her craft. In a recent screening and Q&A session at the Academy Museum's Ted Mann Theatre in Los Angeles, she opened up about her intense experiences while playing Elphaba in the highly anticipated film "Wicked".

The Link Between Body and Mind

Erivo firmly believes that the body and the mind are intrinsically linked. She shared that she consciously runs towards activities that challenge both physically and mentally. "Sometimes the body leads the way, and sometimes the mind takes the lead. I'm a very physical person, and I want both my body and mind to be in action," she explained. This belief led her to push herself to the limit while filming "Wicked", sacrificing sleep to achieve her goals.

The Intense Routine

During the filming of "Wicked", Erivo would wake up for a two-hour workout every day. This was followed by spending up to two hours in the makeup chair to be ready for her 5 a.m. call time. Despite getting less than three hours of sleep each night, she remained committed to her role. "I had never flown before, and the flying stunts required my core to be at its strongest. My stunt coordinator, JoMcLaren, was very supportive, but I knew I had to be ready," she said. The wires would take her from one place to another, and she had to ensure her body could handle the demands.

The Importance of Self-Care

To maintain her intense routine, Erivo has adopted several "self-inflicted" lifestyle choices. She found that an infrared sauna blanket was helpful in reducing bruising on the inside. Additionally, seeing a therapist was crucial for dealing with the physical and mental toll of her work. "I live a somewhat monastic life when I'm filming. I don't drink, smoke, or eat meat. I try to take every moment to rest and make the most of the few hours of sleep I get," she added.

Winding Down After a Long Day

Even after a long and intense day on the set of "Wicked", Erivo would try to wind down during the hour-and-a-half it took to remove her makeup. She admitted that it was difficult after being so amped up all day, but she made an effort to relax. "No day was small. Every day was a challenge, but I persevered," she said.Wicked: Part One is currently in theaters, with Part Two set to release on November 26, 2025. Cynthia Erivo's unwavering determination and commitment serve as an inspiration to many.