Overview
- Cynthia Erivo’s memoir, Simply More (Flatiron Books), was released Nov. 18 and is presented as candid vignettes blending life story and encouragement.
- She recounts being abandoned at 16 in a London Underground station by her father and writes that she has since absolved him and no longer seeks his approval.
- In a new interview referenced in fresh coverage, Erivo clarifies their final exchange over a school travel card, says he later walked past her in the station without acknowledgement, and notes they have only crossed paths twice at weddings without speaking.
- Erivo says channeling that pain into playing Elphaba in Wicked helped her process the trauma, describing performance as a healthy outlet that crystallized her feelings.
- The book also addresses her queerness and family dynamics and details racism she faced in training and early career, including being told at RADA to sing behind a curtain while white classmates lip-synced.