Cynthia Erivo Breaks Down in Tears Over Removing Her Green Face Paint as Elphaba the Witch

Cynthia Erivo, the acclaimed actress known for her powerful portrayal of Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, recently opened up about the emotional experience of playing the role of Elphaba in Wicked.

In a heartfelt moment, Erivo broke down in tears as she discussed the process of removing her iconic green face paint after each performance. While she expressed her deep love for the character, Erivo revealed that the ritual of taking off the makeup each night became an emotional experience in itself.

“Being green, I loved playing this character, but every time I took the makeup off, I loved who I was again even more,” she shared. The green face paint, which is a central aspect of Elphaba’s transformation into the misunderstood witch, represented a significant change for Erivo—not just physically, but emotionally.

The character’s struggles with identity, rejection, and embracing her own power resonated deeply with Erivo, but she also found comfort in returning to her true self once the makeup came off.

For Erivo, the transition between the character of Elphaba and her real self became a poignant ritual of self-affirmation. Each night, as she shed the green paint, she was reminded of her own worth and strength, separate from the complex and often troubled persona of Elphaba.

The experience was a powerful reminder of the importance of self-love and acceptance, even when playing a character who is often seen as an outsider or misunderstood by others.

This vulnerability and emotional depth are part of what has made Erivo’s portrayal of Elphaba so resonant with audiences. It highlights the personal connection actors often develop with the roles they play, and how deeply these experiences can affect their sense of self.

For Erivo, playing Elphaba was not just about embodying the role of a witch; it was also about embracing the complexity of identity, the importance of authenticity, and the ongoing journey of loving oneself—both on and off the stage.