Cynthia Erivo Turns Heads Posing Completely Topless for Paper Magazine
Cynthia Erivo is featured on the latest cover of PAPER Magazine, captured by the legendary photographer David LaChapelle, with a story by editor Joan Summers.
The actress reflects on her journey since starring as Elphaba in the Wicked films and how the character has shaped her life and career.
Cynthia Erivo stuns for Paper Magazine. pic.twitter.com/bXZZkbnYjx
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Erivo explains how the second Wicked film allowed her to grow into her own womanhood. “This second film is much more grown up. She’s way more into her womanhood, and I wanted to embrace that, and I also felt like it’s a really beautiful way to sort of segue into being back on my own two feet, in my own lane,” she says.
Her red carpet style has evolved as well, moving from the iconic emerald green of the first press cycle to sleeker silhouettes and multi-color textures. “It’s like marrying Elphaba with me, finally, as opposed to just telling Elphaba’s story.”
When asked if there’s any part of Elphaba she’s ready to leave behind, Erivo pauses before admitting, “I don’t know if there’s anything I want to let go of.” She acknowledges how much the role has impacted her life beyond the films themselves.
“I don’t think the film is ever going to really leave me, to be honest. Not just the experience on set, not just the making of it, but the things that have come from it,” she says. The character has inspired people to share their stories and embrace themselves, and Erivo has felt the effect personally.
She adds, “I’ve come to the realization that this piece is going to be a part of my life for the rest of my life, and it’s always going to be a part of the conversation of how my career is, and what my career has been. I’ve just surrendered to it and it’s kind of beautiful that this is the thing I get to surrender to.” Her quiet reflection mirrors the magic of New York City streets in winter, where our conversation takes place.
Erivo also shares her love for the craft itself. “I love making films. I love being able to play these characters and tell these stories, so I think as a whole, I’m just a creative who loves to do the work.”
This feature in PAPER Magazine, photographed by David LaChapelle, shows Cynthia Erivo embracing her evolution as an artist and a woman, and highlights the lasting impact of her role as Elphaba.
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