USA TODAY Crossword · 21-Down · 5 letters
"Wicked" star Cynthia USA TODAY Crossword clue
Editorially reviewed September 8, 2026
Answer · 5 letters
ERIVO
ERIVO is the five-letter surname. Cynthia is already supplied by the clue, and the studio's cast guide identifies Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba. Enter the performer's family name, not the character's name.
Different crossing letters? Check another fit →Performer versus character
The studio pairs Cynthia Erivo with Elphaba in its cast guide. ERIVO has five letters; ELPHABA has seven and names the role. The supplied first name Cynthia is the cue that this entry concerns the performer.
Why a stage-cast search can mislead
Wicked also has a long stage history. NBCUniversal's account names Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth in the original Broadway cast, so a search for Wicked star alone can point to several people. Cynthia narrows this clue to Erivo, the screen Elphaba.
References behind this explanation
These references support the meaning or background; they are not publisher endorsements.
Where this clue appeared
21-Down in USA TODAY Crossword puzzle for September 8, 2026.
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