Cynthia Erivo named Harvard’s Hasty Pudding Woman of the Year
CAMBRIDGE, Massachusetts – Harvard University’s Hasty Pudding Theatricals has announced that Cynthia Erivo, the star of the hit musical “Wicked,” has been named the Woman of the Year for 2025. The prestigious theater group, which has been in operation since 1844, revealed that Erivo will be presented with the coveted Pudding Pot award during a celebratory roast on February 5. Following this event, she will attend the 176th production of the Hasty Pudding Theatricals, titled “101 Damnations.”
Recognition for a Multi-Talented Performer
Cynthia Erivo’s selection as the Woman of the Year by the Hasty Pudding Theatricals is a testament to her remarkable talent and contributions to the entertainment industry. In addition to her role in “Wicked,” Erivo is a two-time Oscar nominee and has won prestigious awards such as the Emmy, Tony, and Grammy. Her breakout performance in the Broadway revival of “The Color Purple” earned her a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical in 2016. Erivo’s excellence extends beyond the stage, as she has also been recognized for her musical performances on television, winning a Daytime Emmy for outstanding music performance on the “Today” show.
Continued Success and Acclaim
Aside from her theatrical accomplishments, Cynthia Erivo has demonstrated her versatility by starring in and producing the film “Drift,” which tells the story of a young Liberian refugee seeking asylum on a Greek island. Furthermore, her portrayal of Aretha Franklin in the National Geographic series “Genius: Aretha” earned her an Emmy nomination in 2021. Erivo’s impressive body of work has solidified her status as a respected and celebrated performer in the entertainment industry.
A Legacy of Excellence
Since 1951, the Hasty Pudding Theatricals has honored distinguished actors with the Woman of the Year award, including iconic figures like Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts, Scarlett Johansson, and Annette Bening. Cynthia Erivo’s upcoming recognition as the Woman of the Year underscores her remarkable achievements and enduring impact on the world of theater and film.
As we celebrate Cynthia Erivo’s accomplishments, let us reflect on the power of storytelling and performance to inspire, entertain, and unite audiences around the globe. Erivo’s journey from the Broadway stage to the silver screen serves as a testament to the transformative potential of the arts in shaping our shared human experience. Let her story remind us of the importance of honoring creativity, talent, and dedication in all forms of artistic expression.
