Not that it’s anyone’s business, but fans can rest assured that “Wicked” star Cynthia Erivo isn’t letting her maximalist manicures get in the way of personal hygiene.
Appearing on Monday’s episode of the “Armchair Expert” podcast, the British actor and singer displayed admirable patience when host Dax Shepard, about 58 minutes into the show, asked if she’s able to wipe her butt while wearing the acrylic nails that have become her red-carpet signature.
“I knew you would ask that question,” Erivo replied. “My answer is, nobody uses just their fingers to wipe their backside. You use tissue, correct? And you wipe!”
Shepard then asked if Erivo was “offended” by the question, even as he continued to make highly detailed inquiries.
“I’m annoyed by it. I’m like, ‘Come on, guys.’ But I get it,” Erivo replied. “But it’s also like, I’m a functioning adult, and I’ve never walked around smelling like... you know.”
Moments later, she added: “Here’s the thing: There are people who do not have nails who need to check how they’re wiping.”
“Wicked,” which hits theaters Friday, is a musical prequel to “The Wizard of Oz” that centers on rival witches Elphaba (played by Erivo) and Glinda (Ariana Grande). The movie, which also stars Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum and Michelle Yeoh, looks poised to be a holiday season blockbuster.
Erivo has frequently showcased her eye-popping nails on the film’s press tour, where she and Grande have also rocked some epic ensembles by many of the world’s most beloved designers.
Though her nails may not be an issue, Erivo previously acknowledged being unable to use the bathroom after stepping into some of her “Wicked” costumes, which were designed by Academy Award nominee Paul Tazewell.
“Once I’m in my costume — and this is probably a terrible idea — and the harness is on, I’m not doing it,” she said while appearing on the Broadway Podcast Network’s “Wicked”-themed podcast, “Sentimental Men,” last week. “There’s too many layers. I’m not dealing with it. I’m not going to the bathroom. It is what it is.”
Listen to Cynthia Erivo’s “Armchair Expert” interview below.