Cynthia Erivo Says She Got '2 to 3 Hours' of Sleep a Night While Filming Wicked: 'There Were No Small Days'

Cynthia Erivo doesn’t press snooze.

During the screening Wicked and Q&A with Kristen Bell at the Ted Mann Theater at the Academy Museum in Los Angeles, California on Thursday, December 12. The 37-year-old actress revealed that she sacrificed sleep while playing Elphaba in the recently released film.

“I think I consciously run towards things that will benefit me physically, but also mentally, because I believe that the body and mind are intrinsically, truly intrinsically connected,” Erivo said.

“Sometimes it’s the body that tells the mind what to do and sometimes it’s the mind that tells the body what to do because I feel like I’m a very physical person. I want both things in action. I want both things to be used,” she continued.

Cynthia Erivo defends Wicked Ariana Grande’s costar against ‘dangerous’ online violence

The actress admitted at the time that she was torn about whether pushing herself for her roles was “healthy” or not, as she detailed that she would sleep less than three hours a night during filming Wicked.

According to Erivo, she would first wake up for a two-hour workout, followed by sitting in the makeup chair for up to two hours to be ready for her 5 a.m. call time.

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

The star explained that routine exercise was necessary because her body had to be ready for the stunts.

“I’ve never flown before. I just knew I wanted it, I flew a little, but something like this before,” said Erivo. “And that requires your core to be as strong as it can be, because the wires are going to take you from one place to another.”

“JoMcLaren, my stunt coordinator, was so good with me. She asked, ‘Are you sure you want to do all this?’ And I said, ‘Yes,’ she continued. “And what I should do is be ready enough that when the wires work, they move me from point A to point B to point C, if we’re doing it loop to loop, which is the big loop, I have to go over and circle, and my legs just don’t fall behind me.”

Cynthia Erivo, pictured in “Wicked.”

Universal Pictures

Ariana Grande Says She and Cynthia Erivo ‘Sent Each Other Flowers Immediately’ After Golden Globe Nominations (Exclusive)

Cynthia Erivo, portrayed as Elphaba.

Giles Keyte/Universal Pictures

For Eriva, several self-inflicted lifestyle choices helped her maintain her intense routine.

“I’ve learned that an infrared sauna blanket helps a lot with bruising on the inside,” Erivo said. “I’ve learned that a therapist is also very helpful with bruises on the inside. I live a bit like a monk while doing these things.”

“Of course, I don’t drink, I don’t smoke, I don’t eat meat or any of that. I’m sorry, I’m very boring, but I’m in my house,” she continued.

Erivo added: “I stay at home and try to use those moments when I can actually rest. I don’t get much sleep doing these things. So, the two or three hours that I have, I try to make them quality as well.”

Ariana Grande reacts to the viral ‘Holding Space’ Wicked Interview meme: ‘I didn’t know what any of that meant’

Erivo also told the audience at the Q&A that she will try to relax from the day on set Wicked during the hour and a half it took her to remove her makeup, though she admitted it was “so hard” after being so tense all day.

“No day was small. There were no small days. None,” explained Erivo.

Wicked: Part One it’s in theaters now, with The second part until November 26, 2025.

Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education