If you’re one of the 65 million people who have watched Wicked, you may have left the theatre dying to learn as much as you can about the immensely talented stars. While Ariana Grande’s romance with Ethan Slater has been widely publicised— as well as every other boyfriend she’s had while she’s been in the public eye— considerably less is known about Cynthia Erivo’s romantic past. Although Cynthia is very private, she did open up about her queer identity in 2022, telling Vogue, 'My closest friends have known this of me for a long time. I feel like I knew it when I was around 15 but didn’t know what to call it. I didn’t have the vocabulary for it. I knew I was attracted to both men and women. I was attracted to people. I’d have a crush on this person or that person but didn’t know how to put it in words.’ Cynthia is currently in a relationship with actress, producer and writer Lena Waithe. Here’s everything you need to know about Lena and her relationship with the incredible Cynthia Erivo.
Who is Lena Waithe?
Lena Waithe is an American producer, actress and screenwriter. She is the creator of the TV series The Chi, which follows the stories of the residents of a dangerous South Chicago neighbourhood. She has appeared in shows like Master of None— for which she won an Emmy— Westworld, and Dear White People. She regularly presents the podcast Legacy Talk, where she interviews black actors, directors and creators. She also wrote and produced the road trip-crime film Queen & Slim, starring Jodie Turner-Smith and Daniel Kaluuya.
How old is Lena Waithe?
Lena was born May 17, 1984, making her 40 years old and a Taurus.
Where is Lena Waithe from?
Lena Waithe is from Chicago, Illinois.
When did Lena Waithe meet Cynthia Erivo?
The pair met at the Met Gala in 2018. The night they met, Cynthia posted their first ever picture together on Instagram, writing, ‘I finally found my sis. Lena you are absolutely everything. You are perfection. What a meeting of minds, glad to have you in my life! Stuck like glue!!! SHINE QUEEN SHINE!!’
Two years later, Lena reflected on meeting her now-partner, telling Vanity Fair, ‘I had seen [Cynthia] in The Color Purple twice, I remember seeing her on TV when Oprah talked about doing it and her being on the screen. I remember [thinking], “Who is this tiny person with a British accent?” We’ve just been vibing ever since.’
How long has Lena Waithe been with Cynthia Erivo?
Lena and Cynthia never officially announced that they are a couple, but it became clear in 2022 when Cynthia posted a birthday tribute to her on Instagram. She wrote, ‘Today is when we celebrate a woman whose heart is bigger than the body that houses it. Happy birthday @lenawaithe I ……. You know the rest!’ The following month, the pair appeared hand-in-hand at Alvin Ailey Spirit Gala in New York City, unofficially confirming that they were an item.
Who is Lena Waithe’s ex-wife?
Lena was previously married to film producer Alana Mayo. Lena proposed to Alana on Thanksgiving in Tokyo in 2017 with luxury sneakers instead of a ring. They secretly eloped at the San Francisco City Hall Courthouse in 2019 before announcing their separation in January 2020, releasing a joint statement that read, ‘We have nothing but support for one another and ask that you respect our privacy during this time.’ They filed for divorce in November 2020, and it became official in May 2021.
What Disney movie was Lena Waithe in?
In 2020, Waithe voiced the cyclops police officer Specter in Pixar’s Onward, the first queer animated character in Disney history.
Does Lena Waithe have Instagram?
She does, and you can follow her at @lenawaithe.