Cynthia Erivo Named Hasty Pudding Theatricals’ 2025 Woman of the Year
Acclaimed actress, singer, and producer Cynthia Erivo has been honored as Harvard University’s Hasty Pudding Theatricals’ 2025 Woman of the Year. Known for her incredible talent and versatility, Erivo will be celebrated on February 5 with a lively roast and the presentation of the iconic Pudding Pot award. She will then attend a performance of the theater group’s 176th production, 101 Damnations.
Hasty Pudding Theatricals, established in 1844 and recognized as one of the world’s oldest theater organizations, praised Erivo for her remarkable contributions to the entertainment world. The group’s Events Coordinator, Hannah Frazer, humorously teased the upcoming event: “We’re sweeping out our broomstick closets and prepping some wicked smart humor as we eagerly await her in February. Before she flies off with her Pudding Pot, she’ll have to work a little magic to earn it.”
Erivo’s career has been nothing short of extraordinary. A Grammy, Emmy, and Tony Award winner, she first gained widespread acclaim for her performance as Celie in the Broadway revival of The Color Purple, which earned her the 2016 Tony for Best Actress in a Musical. She also received a Daytime Emmy for her performance on the Today show and a Grammy for the show’s soundtrack.
Most recently, Erivo has captivated audiences as Elphaba in the highly anticipated film adaptation of Wicked: Part One, co-starring Ariana Grande. Her other notable projects include producing and starring in Drift (2023), a story about a young Liberian refugee, and her Emmy-nominated portrayal of Aretha Franklin in the National Geographic series Genius: Aretha (2021).
The Hasty Pudding Woman of the Year Award, established in 1951, recognizes performers who have made lasting and significant contributions to entertainment. Erivo joins a distinguished list of past honorees, including Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts, Scarlett Johansson, and Kerry Washington.
Actor Jon Hamm, celebrated for his role as Don Draper in Mad Men, was named the 2025 Man of the Year and will receive his Pudding Pot on January 31.
The festivities for Cynthia Erivo’s recognition will take place at Farkas Hall, where she will be celebrated for her achievements and undeniable impact on the industry. With her immense talent and dedication to storytelling, Erivo continues to inspire audiences worldwide.
