Cynthia Erivo and Idina Menzel are two of the most iconic voices in Broadway and film, both becoming synonymous with the role of Elphaba in Wicked. As Erivo brings the Wicked Witch of the West back to the big screen, comparisons are inevitable.
Each star has a unique background and career highlights, using their physical talents to make a path in the entertainment industry. Whether you’re a die-hard Wicked fan or just curious about these two extraordinary performers, here’s how they compare.
Cynthia Erivo and Idina Menzel: Age, height, and Zodiac sign
Cynthia Erivo (born Cynthia Onyedinmanasu Chinasaokwu Erivo) is a British actor and singer originally from Stockwell in South London. Her parents were Nigerian immigrants who also gave birth to Erivo’s sister, Nicolette.
Erivo was born on Jan. 8, 1987, making her 37 years old in 2024. It also means Erivo’s Zodiac sign is Capricorn. Such individuals are said to be pragmatic, ambitious, disciplined, and loyal friends.
Erivo is 5 feet, 1 inch tall. That puts her at the same height as her Wicked co-star Ariana Grande.
Idina Menzel (born Idina Mentzel) is an American actor and singer. Born in Manhattan, New York, Menzel grew up in New Jersey and Long Island and has a younger sister named Cara. Menzel changed her name to better reflect the pronunciation her family adopted upon immigrating from Russia.
Menzel was born on May 30, 1971, making her 53 years old in 2024. The singer was 32 years old when she debuted as Elphaba on Broadway. Her Zodiac sign is Gemini, which is typically associated with curiosity, humor, and impulsivity.
Menzel is 5 feet, 6 inches tall, according to the actor herself.
| Cynthia Erivo | Idina Menzel |
| 37 years old | 53 years old |
| Capricorn | Gemini |
| 5’1″ | 5’6″ |
Cynthia Erivo and Idina Menzel: Net worth and career highlights
Cynthia Erivo has been active in the entertainment industry since 2010. After graduating from Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in 2010, she began working on British television series.
Erivo eventually began appearing in British stage productions, gaining critical praise for her work in productions of The Color Purple (reprising it on Broadway), I Can’t Sing!, and Dessa Rose.
She made her film debut in 2018’s Bad Times at the El Royale, followed by the title role in 2019’s Harriet Tubman biopic Harriet. Erivo’s other credits include the films Widows, Pinocchio, and Luther: The Fallen Sun, as well as the HBO series The Outsider.
For 2024’s Wicked, Erivo earned a reported $1 million. However, Universal denied the figure and claimed Erivo and Grande were compensated “equally.”
As of 2024, Erivo’s net worth stands at an estimated $3 million.
Idina Menzel’s career began in 1995. She graduated from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts in 1992. By 1996, she made her Broadway debut in a production of Rent.
In 2003, Menzel originated the role of Elphaba in the musical version of Wicked. The part earned her the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical.
Menzel’s film and television career began in 2001. Notable credits include Glee, the Frozen franchise, and Uncut Gems.
During a 2006 production of Wicked in London, Menzel was the highest-paid performer in West End history with a reported salary of over $30,000 per week. Her Frozen 2 salary isn’t available, but the animated sequel earned over $1 billion at the box office. Suffice it to say Menzel will be appropriately compensated for Frozen 3.
Menzel’s estimated net worth stands at $16 million in 2024.
Cynthia Erivo and Idina Menzel: ‘Defying Gravity’
“Defying Gravity” is the signature song from Wicked, primarily performed by the character Elphaba. The Stephen Scwartz composition features lyrics in which Elphaba declares her intent to confront the Wizard of Oz and embraces her power as an outsider.
Menzel’s version during the original Broadway run helped the actor stand out even more. The mezzo-soprano singer made the song her own in more ways than one. Menzel also released a pop remix of the song on her 2007 album I Stand.
Cynthia Erivo proved more than capable of taking on the iconic song in the Wicked movie. Her take on “Defying Gravity” is a high point of not only the film, but the official soundtrack.
Erivo’s task may have been even more difficult than Menzel’s. The film version had to stand apart from the Broadway original while still paying homage to Menzel. Erivo accomplished that goal in the film, winning Menzel’s approval along the way.
Net worth estimates via CelebrityNetWorth.com
