Angelina Jolie and Cynthia Erivo discuss career challenges

Angelina Jolie and Cynthia Erivo recently shared an insightful conversation about their careers and recent roles.

Angelina Jolie and Cynthia Erivo. Image: Instagram via @cynthiaErivo and @angelinajoliefans

The Tony Awards this year brought together two powerhouse talents, Angelina Jolie and Cynthia Erivo, in a memorable moment that celebrated theatre and film.

ANGELINA JOLIE AND CYNTHIA ERIVO MEET UP

Jolie, alongside her daughter Vivienne, produced the Broadway adaptation of The Outsiders, which won Best New Musical, according Variety.

Meanwhile, Erivo, who earned a Tony, Grammy, and Emmy for her role in The Colour Purple, presented the award.

Jolie praised Erivo for adding “the cherry on top” by presenting the award.

Their conversation during Variety’s Actors on Actors series revealed how both stars are transforming their craft.

ANGELINA JOLIE AND CYNTHIA ERIVO VOCAL ROLES

Jolie discussed her intense preparation for portraying opera diva Maria Callas in Maria.

Erivo shared insights into her role as Elphaba in the upcoming Wicked films. For Jolie, the role of Maria was deeply personal.

She trained for seven months to embody Callas, diving into Italian lessons, opera singing, and breathing techniques, according to Tom And Lorenzo.

“It was like therapy,” Jolie admitted. “I didn’t realise how much I had lost my voice until I had to find it again.”

DEALING WITH TRAGEDIES

She attributed this loss to personal tragedies, such as her mother’s death, but said the journey helped her reconnect with herself.

“I wish everyone could know what it feels like to sing with your whole being,” she said.

Erivo, known for her breathtaking voice, revealed that playing Elphaba came with its challenges, according to Salon.

Transforming into the green-skinned witch took four hours daily, followed by rigorous care for her vocal cords.

Singing live on set added to the complexity. “We could include all the breaks and whispers in the voice,” Erivo said. “It allowed for raw, honest performances.”

ANGELINA JOLIE AND CYNTHIA ERIVO LOVE FOR THE CRAFT

Jolie’s admiration for Erivo’s craft was evident.

She praised Erivo’s ability to transition from Broadway to film, where the camera captures every detail. “Your work in Wicked was bigger than life but felt so honest,” Jolie said.

Both stars reflected on the resilience required in their careers. Jolie identified with Maria Callas’ struggles, particularly the loneliness and cruelty Callas faced later in life.

“There wasn’t support for her as an older woman. There was only disappointment,” Jolie said.

LETTING YOUR VOICE BE HEARD

Cynthia Erivo echoed similar sentiments, highlighting how her journey as a Black performer was fraught with challenges.

“I had to figure out how to make my own way. This business is very hard when you’re a Black girl who sings,” she admitted.

The conversation took a personal turn when Jolie shared how criticism of her singing had once silenced her.

“Someone laughed at me, and it locked me up. I don’t think I would’ve tried again if this role hadn’t come along,” she confessed.

DEFYING GRAVITY

Cynthia Erivo, in turn, described the responsibility she felt performing Defying Gravity.

“I wanted to exceed my own expectations and honour all the women who sang it before me,” she said.

Their mutual respect culminated in hopes of working together. Jolie expressed her desire to collaborate, saying, “Let’s find something!”

ANGELINA JOLIE AND CYNTHIA ERIVO: FORMIDABLE WOMEN

For South African fans, the exchange between these two formidable women is a reminder of the power of resilience, artistry, and the enduring magic of performance.

The Tony-winning Outsiders continues to captivate audiences, and with Maria and Wicked on the horizon, Jolie and Erivo are proving that their artistry knows no bounds.