Cynthia Erivo turned heads as she posed topless for a stunning photoshoot with Harper’s Bazaar magazine.
The Wicked star, 38, looked nothing short of sensational in an array of snaps as she covered the magazine for the first time.
She also discussed how Jada Pinkett Smith has been helping her navigate the pressures of fame, her identity, and her role as Elphaba in the upcoming movie.
Posing up a storm as the magazine’s November cover star, Cynthia wowed as she went topless, donning nothing but a pair of sheer black tights and dainty heels.
In another shot, she caught the eye in a plunging black gown that showed off her toned figure.
Cynthia also sizzled in a sheer white dress embellished with silver detailing, while covering her modesty with a white thong.
Cynthia Erivo turned heads as she posed topless for a stunning photoshoot with Harper’s Bazaar magazine
The Wicked star, 38, looked nothing short of sensational in an array of snaps as she covered the magazine for the first time
Posing up a storm as the magazine’s November cover star, Cynthia wowed as she went topless, donning nothing but a pair of sheer black tights and patent heels
She then slipped into a dramatic black and white ruffle dress before looking incredible in a structured pink and white dress.
For her final look, the actress showed off a quirky look with a gold bodysuit and a mask that concealed her identity.
Cynthia opened up to the magazine about how she navigates the pressures of stardom after finding fame later in life.
The actress has accomplished more than most stars can only hope to achieve in their careers, winning an Emmy, a Tony, and a Grammy, and has been nominated for three Oscars and two BAFTAs.
But it’s thanks to her friend Jada, 54, who has helped Cynthia, who she considers a ‘dear sister’, stay true to herself.
Jada told the publication: ‘I’ve been checking in on her a lot.
‘A lot of times, it’s difficult if you haven’t been through something like that, being popped into stardom in a certain manner.’
Being a queer black woman, Jada has helped remind Cynthia of what’s important.
In another shot, she caught the eye in a plunging black gown that showed off her toned figure
Cynthia also sizzled in a sheer white dress embellished with silver detailing, while covering her modesty with a white thong
She then slipped into a dramatic black and white ruffle dress
The star looked incredible in a structured floral print gown
She then looked stylish in a polka dot co-ord
For her final look, the actress showed off a quirky look with a gold bodysuit and a mask that concealed her identity
She explained: ‘Really nourishing the truth within you, and recognizing the beauty and the power that you possess, and, you know, not looking to others to buoy you up in a certain manner, because that’s a big trap.’
Despite finding fame later in life, Cynthia explained how she feels ‘fully myself right now’.
Harper’s BAZAAR’s November 2025 issue is available on newsstands from November 4
The release of the first half of Wicked last fall took that fame to the stratosphere, as did her turn hosting the Tony Awards earlier this year.
She said: ‘Being in my skin tone, as a Black woman, on mainstream TV, hosting, not even playing a character.’
Through her distinctive look, Cynthia hopes to inspire self-acceptance in others.
She explained: ‘If it’s the only thing I put into this world, that everyone’s individual beauty is worth seeing and experiencing, and you don’t have to change it for anyone else other than yourself, then I’m happy.
‘If you want to change and you want to get a new nose, you want to get new lips, fine.
‘If that’s good for you, then that’s good for you – as long as it’s for you.’
Cynthia opened up to the magazine about how Jada Pinkett Smith how helped her navigate fame (Jada pictured in 2024)
This autumn, Cynthia will publish Simply More, whose title comes from a speech she gave upon receiving a GLAAD Media Award earlier this year.
Although she came out publicly in British Vogue in 2022, the actress dedicated her speech to those who may still be keeping their identity to themselves.
She said: ‘In their quiet solitude, that’s still a measure of rebellion and still deserves a little light.
‘What I wrote about was [that] those of us who are in the light, who are walking around with our lanterns shining bright, should just change the direction of the lanterns and shine it back on people who don’t know where their path is yet.’
She feels especially compelled to talk about people who use they/them pronouns and the ceaseless fight for simple dignity.
Cynthia emphasized her book is not a memoir but rather teachable moments from her life.
The star also discussed her upcoming project – the climactic release of Wicked: For Good, which hits cinemas on November 21.
Speaking about parting ways with her character, she said: ‘Elphaba will be part of my life forever, but we need separation.
‘We’re not one and the same anymore, but we can be friends.’
Harper’s BAZAAR’s November 2025 issue is available on newsstands from November 4.
