Cynthia Erivo’s health was uncertain during the filming of Wicked.

Cynthia Erivo, renowned for her intense dedication to roles, made a shocking revelation about her grueling routine while filming Wicked. The actress, known for her portrayal of Elphaba in the prequel to The Wizard of Oz, admitted to sacrificing sleep in exchange for a physically demanding schedule. During a recent screening and Q&A with Kristen Bell at the Academy Museum’s Ted Mann Theatre, Erivo revealed that while filming, she routinely got just 2 to 3 hours of sleep a night.

The Physical and Mental Toll of Elphaba’s Role

“I consciously run towards things that will use me physically, as well as mentally,” Erivo explained, acknowledging how intertwined the body and mind are in her approach to acting. She described herself as a physically driven individual, where both mind and body must be in constant action. However, the actress confessed that the extreme physical demands of the role, particularly the flying stunts, left her questioning whether such a sleep-deprived lifestyle was truly healthy.

A Grueling Schedule: From Early Workouts to Extensive Makeup Sessions

Erivo’s day began early, often with a two-hour workout followed by up to two hours in the makeup chair to transform into Elphaba. Her call time was set for 5 a.m., with little time for rest in between. This rigorous routine was necessary for preparing her body for the physically demanding stunts involved in the role, especially the challenging flying sequences. The actress, who had never flown before, emphasized the importance of core strength to ensure her safety while performing stunts that required her to soar from one location to another.

Preparing for Flight: The Core Workouts Behind Elphaba’s Stunts

Erivo candidly shared the difficult training involved in her role. “I had to make sure my core was as strong as it could possibly be,” she said, describing the sensation of being lifted by wires while performing loops and flips. Her stunt coordinator, Jo McLaren, pushed Erivo to prepare thoroughly for these aerial sequences. “Are you sure you want to do all of this?” McLaren asked. “Yes,” Erivo responded, exemplifying her unwavering commitment to the character.

Self-Inflicted Routines: The Monastic Lifestyle of an Actress

To keep up with the grueling physical demands, Erivo adopted a strict lifestyle that bordered on monastic. The actress revealed that she relied on tools like infrared sauna blankets and therapy to heal the bruising from her intense workouts. “I live a little bit like a monk,” she said, abstaining from drinking, smoking, and eating meat. The strict regime was essential in maintaining her endurance throughout filming.

No Room for Rest: The Sacrifice of Sleep and Recovery

Despite Erivo’s intense focus on her health, she admitted that sleep was often the sacrifice. “I try to make those 2 to 3 hours of sleep good quality,” she explained, underscoring the importance of rest, even if it was limited. For Erivo, every day on set was a relentless grind. “There were no small days,” she declared, stressing the immense effort that went into each moment of filming.

A Remarkable Transformation: Erivo’s Commitment to Elphaba

Erivo’s journey to bring Elphaba to life in Wicked is a testament to her incredible work ethic and unwavering dedication to her craft. The actress’s selflessness and perseverance in balancing the physical and mental demands of the role offer a glimpse into the sacrifices that many stars make for their art. As the highly anticipated Wicked movie continues to captivate audiences, Erivo’s behind-the-scenes story reveals the true cost of playing Elphaba.