Cynthia Erivo Says She Got '2 to 3 Hours' of Sleep a Night While Filming Wicked: 'There Were No Small Days'
Cynthia Erivo never hits the snooze button.
While attending a screening of Wicked and a Q&A session with Kristen Bell at the Academy Museum’s Ted Mann Theatre in Los Angeles, Calif. on Thursday, Dec. 12, the 37-year-old actress disclosed that she gave up sleep while portraying Elphaba in the newly released film.
“I believe I intentionally pursue activities that engage me both physically and mentally because I feel that the body and mind are fundamentally connected,” Erivo stated.
“At times, the body dictates actions to the mind, and at other times, the mind instructs the body on what to do since I perceive myself as quite a physical individual.” I desire both items to be in motion. “I wish for both aspects to be utilized,” she added.
The actress admitted that she feels conflicted about whether striving for her roles is “healthy,” sharing that she would get under three hours of sleep each night while shooting Wicked.
As Erivo describes, she would initially rise for a two-hour exercise session, subsequently spending up to two hours in the makeup chair to prepare for her 5 a.m. call time.
The star stated that regular exercise was essential since her body needed to be prepared for the flying stunts.
“I had never taken a flight before.” “I simply knew that I wanted to; I had done a little flying, but nothing like this prior,” Erivo stated. “And that demands that your core is the strongest it can be, since the wires will transport you from one spot to another.”
“JoMcLaren, my stunt coordinator, was exceptionally helpful with me.” She asked, ‘Are you certain you want to go through with all of this?’ “And I replied, ‘Yes,'” she went on. “Therefore, I must be sufficiently prepared so that when the wires are functioning to shift me from point A to point B to point C, especially in a loop to loop, I need to maneuver over and around without my legs trailing behind.”
For Erivo, a number of “self-imposed” lifestyle decisions have contributed to her ability to sustain her demanding schedule.
“I discovered that an infrared sauna blanket is quite beneficial for the internal bruising,” Erivo stated. “I discovered that a therapist can also be very beneficial for the internal bruising.” “I lead a somewhat monastic lifestyle while engaging in these activities.”
“I inherently avoid drinking, smoking, eating meat, or engaging in any of those activities.” “I apologize, I’m quite dull, but I’m at home,” she went on.
Erivo added: “I remain indoors and I attempt to seize those times when I can truly relax. I don’t get a lot of sleep while doing these activities. Therefore, I strive to ensure that the two or three hours I do have are also of good quality.
Erivo shared with the audience at the Q&A that she attempts to relax after her day on the set of Wicked during the hour-and-a-half it takes to take off her makeup, though she admitted it was “so hard” after being energized all day.
“No days were insignificant.” There were no minor days. “None,” Erivo clarified.
Wicked: Part One is currently showing in theaters, while Part Two is set to release on Nov. 26, 2025.
