Cynthia Erivo Opens Up About Her Absent Father and Finding Joy in Her Own Path
Cynthia Erivo is candidly discussing her distant relationship with her father.
“The trajectory of my life if he were present is unknown to me, and I can't determine if it would be an improvement or a detriment,” Erivo, 38, revealed in her Harper’s Bazaar feature, released on Tuesday, October 28. “It's best not to speculate. I've never fantasized about such a scenario, as it's an impossibility. And the existence I currently lead brings me immense joy.”
This revealing conversation with Erivo, featured in the November 2025 edition, precedes the launch of her forthcoming memoir, Simply More: A Book for Anyone Who Has Been Told They’re Too Much, slated for publication on Tuesday, November 18.
Within its pages, she delves into her family history, including her upbringing by her mother, Edith, in London. The father of the Wicked lead departed from her and her sibling when Erivo was 16 and subsequently “disavowed” them, as reported in the Harper’s Bazaar piece.
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Erivo had previously touched upon their fractured connection in a 2021 conversation, disclosing that their most recent encounter occurred at a cousin's nuptials over ten years prior.
“I am acknowledging that certain moments have eluded him, and I feel a pang of sorrow that he wasn't there for them,” she conveyed to Glossary magazine then, referencing her track “You’re Not Here,” penned as an exploration of their difficult bond.
“There will be future events he won't experience, and that prospect saddens me,” she continued. “A part of me longs for my father's presence. Yet, another part of me finds genuine peace, having created this work with the understanding that he will remain absent from my life.”
Erivo expressed at that juncture her readiness to be “vulnerable” and openly share her family narrative.
“I doubt I could have composed anything that wasn't truthful,” Erivo confessed. “My desire is for individuals to understand that discussing such matters is permissible. I hope they discover peace and reassurance within my melodies. My sole ambition has consistently been authenticity.”
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A similar sentiment applies to her forthcoming literary work.
“I've experienced such encouragement with every remarkable and novel disclosure I've made, leading me to believe I could potentially assist others in navigating their own life challenges,” Erivo posted on Instagram in June, announcing her memoir. “Therefore, this publication is designed to empower anyone striving to fully embody their destined self.”
The book's title, she clarified to Harper’s Bazaar, originated from her acceptance speech at the GLAAD Media Award ceremony in May.
“Even in their silent introspection, that represents a form of defiance and merits recognition,” she informed the publication. “My message focused on how those of us illuminated, moving with our beacons radiating brilliance, ought to redirect those lights to guide individuals still searching for their way.”
