Faithwire
  • Watch
  • Go!
  • Podcasts
  • Newsletter
  • Contact Us
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Instagram
  • News
  • Politics
  • Coronavirus Updates
  • Faith
  • Opinion
  • Christmas
  • Set Free Course

‘My Faith Got Stronger’: Award-Winning Actress Says Prayer Was Pivotal to Playing Harriet Tubman in Upcoming Film

Image Source: Screenshot from Focus Features
Image Source: Screenshot from Focus Features
Share Tweet
By Lindsay Elizabeth
Author

September 26, 2019

Tony and Grammy Award-winning actress Cynthia Erivo is leaning on prayer to help her portray the life of American hero Harriet Tubman in the new biographical film “Harriet.”

WATCH: First Look at Harriet Tubman Biopic ‘Harriet’ Is Here

After a pre-release screening of the movie at the Urbanworld Film Festival, cast members participated in a Q&A to discuss the making of the movie. Moderated by Michelle Miller, co-anchor of CBS This Morning Saturday, the Q&A included Erivo, director Kasi Lemmons, producer Debra Martin Chase, and other cast members.

During the session, Miller asked the panel participants to share an “aha moment” they experienced while filming, which for Erivo was deeply spiritual and personal.

Playing Harriet Tubman was not an easy feat for Erivo, as she was such a remarkable woman, with a powerful story. Erivo shared with the crowd how there was one scene in particular where Tubman was fearful of failing her first rescue mission.

Erivo said there was only one thing to do to center herself in this scene: pray.

“The only thing I could do, really, to center myself was to pray,” Erivo shared, according to AmboTV. “And I was listening to Gospel music just before I went in. And as I walked in to say that prayer, it didn’t feel like I was just saying it as Harriet. It felt like I was saying it as me.”

The actress explained how the role opened her eyes to the significance and impact faith has on one’s life, sustaining her throughout the film.

“I think the thing that happened as that was happening and throughout, was my faith got stronger,” Erivo added. “The idea that faith really can bring you through something. That was an intense ‘Oh I get it now. I understand.’’’

Be free or die. @CynthiaEriVo, @leslieodomjr and @JanelleMonae star in #HARRIET. In theaters November 1st. pic.twitter.com/NK2oqDkwFH

— #HARRIET (@HarrietFilm) September 17, 2019

The synopsis for the film reads:

Based on the thrilling and inspirational life of an iconic American freedom fighter, “Harriet” tells the extraordinary tale of Harriet Tubman’s escape from slavery and transformation into one of America’s greatest heroes. Her courage, ingenuity, and tenacity freed hundreds of slaves and changed the course of history.

Christian Rapper Lecrae Discovers ‘Sobering’ Family History: ‘Exciting, Encouraging, and Sad all at Once’

The moving and powerful film shows the activist rescuing more than 70 slaves on 19 different missions.

“Harriet” features Erivo as Tubamn, singer Janelle Monáe, as one of Tubman’s mentors, with Leslie Odom Jr., Jennifer Nettles and Joe Alwyn part of the cast as well. The film was directed by Kasi Lemmons, known for “Luke Cage,” written by Gregory Allen Howard, known for “Remember the Titans” and “Ali.”

The film premiers nationwide in theaters on November 1. You can watch the trailer for “Harriet” below.

Latest

  • Entertainment

    ‘You Simply Changed My Life’: Steve Harvey Pens Heartfelt Love Letter to Wife Citing ‘God’s Grace’ and His Journey Overcoming Homelessness

  • Faith

    URGENT PRAYER: Wife of Pastor Detained in China Has a Plea for the Global Church: ‘May the Lord Be Glorified…’

  • Culture

    ‘Honor Them For Their Great Sacrifice’: Chris Pratt Praises Men and Women in Uniform After WWII Veterans Surprise Him at Hollywood Premiere

  • News

    As Pro-Lifers Cheer End of Roe, Democrats Lament SCOTUS Overturning ‘Right’ to Kill the Unborn: ‘One of the Darkest Days Our Country Has Ever Seen’

  • News

    ROE NO MORE: Supreme Court Overturns Roe v. Wade: States Can Ban Abortion


Navigation

  • Watch
  • Go!
  • Podcasts
  • Newsletter
  • Contact Us
  • Staff
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service

Follow Us

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Instagram

Subscribe to the Newsletter

Sign up to get our newsletter your inbox every day.

Newsletter Signup

Do you want to read
more articles like this?