‘Wicked’: 12 Actresses Who Played Elphaba, Including Cynthia Erivo

The character Elphabaalso known as the Wicked Witch of the Westhas been played by several actresses over the years, both in theater and cinema. Recently, the character returned to prominence with the premiere of the long-awaited film adaptation of Wickedstarring Cynthia Erivo like Elphaba and Ariana Grande like Glinda, which arrived in Brazilian cinemas on November 21st.

Below, we highlight some of the actresses who were present as Elphaba:

1. Idina Menzel – Wicked (2003)

Idina Menzel originated the role of Elphaba in the original Broadway production in 2003. Her powerful and emotional performance earned her the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical. Menzel is widely recognized for her iconic rendition of the song “Defying Gravity.”

2. Eden Espinosa – Wicked (2004-2006)

Eden Espinosa has taken on the role of Elphaba in several productions, including the US national tour and the Los Angeles production.

3. Kerry Ellis – Wicked (2006-2009)

Kerry Ellis was the first British actress to play Elphaba in London’s West End production. She later also took on the role on Broadway, becoming the first British woman to do so.

4. Ana Gasteyer – Wicked (2006-2007)

Known for her work on “Saturday Night Live,” Ana Gasteyer played Elphaba during her run on the Chicago production.

5. Willemijn Verkaik – Wicked (2007-2017)

Willemijn Verkaik is the only actress to have played Elphaba in three different languages: German, Dutch and English. She has performed in German, Dutch, Broadway and West End productions.

6. Myra Ruiz – Wicked (2016, 2023)

In Brazil, Myra Ruiz played Elphaba in the 2016 and 2023 productions. Her performance was widely praised, consolidating her as one of the main musical theater actresses in the country. Additionally, Myra was chosen to voice Elphaba in the Brazilian version of the 2024 film “Wicked”.

7. Jackie Burns – Wicked (2011-2013, 2017-2018)

Jackie Burns is the actress who has played Elphaba on Broadway for the longest time.

8. Teal Wicks – Wicked (2008-2011)

Teal Wicks has played Elphaba in several productions, including the US national tour and Broadway.

9. Rachel Tucker – Wicked (2010-2012, 2015-2016)

Rachel Tucker, originally from Northern Ireland, played Elphaba in the West End and on Broadway.

10. Cynthia Erivo – Wicked (2024)

Cynthia Erivo takes on the role of Elphaba in the 2024 film adaptation of “Wicked.”

11. Margaret Hamilton in ‘The Wizard of Oz’ (1939)

In the classic film, the character was played by Margaret Hamilton, whose performance became emblematic and defined the image of the witch in the popular imagination.

12. Mila Kunis in ‘Oz: The Great and Powerful’ (2013)

In the film that explores the origins of the Wizard of Oz, Mila Kunis played Theodora, who eventually transforms into the Wicked Witch of the West, offering insight into the character’s transformation.