Acclaimed actress and singer Cynthia Erivo has shared an emotional tribute to her younger sister, detailing how their unbreakable bond helped her navigate both childhood trauma and the pressures of global fame.
A Sister's Grounding Influence
The 38-year-old Wicked star revealed on James Corden's This Life of Mine podcast that her sister, healthcare worker Stephanie, has been her steadfast support system since their difficult childhood in south London. The sisters experienced abandonment when their father left them at a young age, leaving their mother Edith to raise them alone.
The family trauma deepened when Cynthia was just 16 years old, when their father completely severed contact during a brief encounter at a tube station, telling them it would be the last time they'd see him.
"Stephanie is such a singular personality. I've never met anyone like her," Cynthia expressed with evident emotion. "I feel very lucky to have her as my sister."
Intentional Support Through Career Challenges
Erivo specifically highlighted how her sister's support proved crucial during the most difficult period of her career. Speaking directly to what she would tell Stephanie, the actress said: "I would say thank you for seeing me in 2015 when I didn't really see it for myself."
This timing proved particularly significant as 2015 marked Erivo's major breakthrough with her Broadway debut in The Color Purple - a role that would earn her a Tony, Grammy, and Emmy, launching her Hollywood career.
"You saw my future before I did," Cynthia continued, "and you seemed more sure about it than I did, and you were probably more brave about it than I was." She described how her sister's confidence felt like Stephanie "would dive into it for me if you had to, and then pull me in."
Modern Sisterhood: Equal Partnership Amid Fame
Despite Cynthia's rise to international stardom over the past decade, she emphasised that their relationship remains grounded in mutual respect and equality. She shared a recent example from a dinner at a London vegan restaurant during what they call "sister time."
When Cynthia went to pay the bill, Stephanie insisted on splitting it, explaining: "I'm trying to be intentional about the way I spend time with people I love and the way I pour into my relationships and friendships."
"Because I want us to have an even and considerate relationship, I want us to be good to each other," Stephanie told her. "I feel like splitting it means that we're always even."
Cynthia described being "amazed" by this thoughtful approach, noting that "when you get to where we are [in our careers], sometimes the expectation is we'll pay for it." She found profound meaning in her sister's desire for an equal partnership, regardless of their different financial circumstances.
Beyond the Glamour: Authentic Connection
The Tony Award-winner stressed that her sister remains completely uninterested in the trappings of fame. "She's not interested in all of the fancy things," Cynthia explained. "She's just interested in me."
Their relationship thrives on simple pleasures: "My sister's cool because she's cool. She wants to go on long walks with me. She wants to chat about everyday stuff." Their conversations range from skincare to Stephanie's "love of cheese," clothing, shopping, and repurposing items.
Cynthia also expressed admiration for her sister's work in restorative health, where Stephanie helps people with terminal illnesses through nutrition and physical fitness. "She is a brainiac," Cynthia said proudly, adding that "her raison d'être is to help people… and she doesn't necessarily want to make lots of money from it."
The actress's heartfelt revelations paint a powerful picture of sisterhood that has weathered childhood abandonment and now navigates the complexities of fame while maintaining its essential authenticity and mutual support.
