Amid frigid temperatures and enthusiastic cheers, Cambridge, Massachusetts, was alight with excitement as Cynthia Erivo, distinguished Wicked star, was honored as Harvard University's Hasty Pudding Theatricals Woman of the Year. Erivo's parade through the streets was a spectacle of admiration and celebration, drawing a multitude of fans eager to catch a glimpse of the acclaimed performer.
Bundled warmly in her parka, Erivo radiated warmth, interacting with onlookers and spreading joy as her car, accompanied by elaborately costumed members of the theatrical group, advanced slowly. Fans like Harvard student Onovughakpor Otitigbe expressed profound admiration, stating, She's such an icon. She's accomplished so much for Black women, especially in theater. This event offered an unforgettable opportunity for fans, who seized every moment to capture selfies with the esteemed actress.
The half-hour procession was not only a celebration of Erivo's talents but also a lively parade featuring marching bands, dramatic installations like a mechanical bull, and dazzling performances by members of the Blue Man Group, who enthralled the crowd with vibrant confetti displays.
Cynthia Erivo's impressive array of accolades includes her accolades as a two-time Oscar nominee, as well as winning an Emmy, Tony, and Grammy Award. Her breakout role as Celie in the Broadway revival of The Color Purple won her the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical, showcasing her overwhelming talent. Further accomplishments include a Daytime Emmy for her performance on the “Today” show and a Grammy for the show's soundtrack.
Her versatility extends beyond the stage with recent roles such as the lead in “Drift,” a poignant story of a Liberian refugee, and her portrayal of Aretha Franklin in Genius: Aretha, which earned her another Emmy nomination in 2021. These diverse roles not only highlight Erivo’s range as an artist but also her profound influence in the industry.
As the parade concluded, anticipation built around the year’s Hasty Pudding Woman of the Year roast, a tradition since 1951, where Erivo would officially receive her iconic Pudding Pot award. Organized by the venerable theatrical group dating back to 1844, this event marked the 176th production, aptly titled 101 Damnations.
Actor Jon Hamm, known for his role as Don Draper on “Mad Men,” was previously honored as the 2025 Man of the Year, receiving his accolades earlier in the year. Such charismatic events continue to secure Hasty Pudding Theatricals' position as an esteemed platform for celebrating exceptional talent within the arts.
With an illustrious career highlighted by groundbreaking performances and accolades that echo her unmatched prowess in the arts, Cynthia Erivo stands as an inspiring figure, not only to her audience but to aspiring artists worldwide. Her acknowledgment as the Woman of the Year is a testament to her continuing legacy and impact in the world of theater and beyond.