Cynthia Erivo explains the story behind her new meme
Cynthia Erivo, the talented star of the upcoming film adaptation of *Wicked: For Good*, recently shared the heartwarming story behind a viral meme featuring her shocked expression while standing in the street. The meme, which has taken social media by storm, captures a moment of surprise that Erivo experienced after a fan returned a cherished hat she had lost at the *Wicked* premiere in London. During her appearance on *The Tonight Show* with Jimmy Fallon, Erivo recounted the amusing exchange that led to the hat’s reunion, showcasing her playful spirit and connection with fans.
The saga began when Erivo lost her favorite hat during the London premiere of *Wicked*. Fast forward to 2025, when she encountered a fan in Paris who had the hat safely stored at home. The fan, excited to meet Erivo, mentioned that she had the hat but did not bring it to the event. In a lighthearted negotiation, Erivo asked when she could get the hat back, to which the fan suggested she could only return it if she received tickets to the premiere. With a sense of humor, Erivo agreed, and the fan eventually returned the hat, leading to a joyful reunion. This delightful interaction not only highlights Erivo’s charm but also reflects the unique bond between celebrities and their fans, turning a simple lost item into a memorable story of connection and goodwill.
This story, filled with humor and warmth, resonates with many who have experienced the thrill of meeting their idols. It serves as a reminder of the unexpected joys that can arise from fan interactions and the importance of cherishing the little things, like a favorite hat. Erivo’s ability to share this experience with her audience adds a personal touch to her public persona, further endearing her to fans around the world. As *Wicked* continues to generate excitement leading up to its release, this anecdote will surely be remembered as a charming chapter in Erivo’s journey.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xH5BBbi-sSE
By now you’ve probably seen
the meme of Cynthia Erivo standing in the street, holding up a hand and looking shocked
— and now Erivo herself has explained the story behind it.
Appearing on
The Tonight Show
in the clip above, the
Wicked: For Good
star explains to Jimmy Fallon that it all came about after she lost one of her favorite hats at
Wicked
premiere in London last year. In 2025, a fan appeared in an autograph line outside an event in Paris, and told Erivo that she had the hat safe at home.
“So I said to her, ‘Can I have it back?’ She said ‘I don’t have it with me right now, it’s in my house,'” Erivo explains. “I said, ‘Well, when can we get it back?’ She said, ‘Can I get tickets to the premiere?’ ‘Listen, fine. Have them.’ And she brought it back and I was reunited.”
A happy ending for everyone.
