Cynthia Addai-Robinson Of ‘The Rings of Power’ On The Five Things You Need To Create A Highly Successful Career In TV & Film
…These are weird and sometimes very dark times. I think being able to recognize other people’s humanity is crucial. We’re in such a divisive moment, and it’s easy to forget that there are real people on the other end of online arguments. How do we get back to a place of humanity and not feel so divided? If I could wave a magic wand and make everyone get along, that would be ideal. It’s not the most satisfying answer, but much of this strife boils down to people not feeling seen.
It becomes a question of how we can ensure people feel seen, heard, recognized, and acknowledged so their inner turmoil doesn’t manifest in ugly ways. I don’t know the real answer to that, but addressing it would help people feel at peace and less inclined to go to such dark places. We’d be in a much better position to look out for one another and remember our similarities instead of focusing on our differences.
If you find that magic wand and can wave it, don’t wait for me as the queen to do it. Please, pick it up and wave it…
I had the pleasure of talking with Cynthia Addai-Robinson. Born in London, Cynthia is an accomplished American actress known for her diverse roles in television and film. Her mother is from Ghana, and her father was a U.S. citizen. At the age of four, Addai-Robinson moved to the United States with her mother, settling in a suburb of Washington, D.C. She attended Montgomery Blair High School in Silver Spring, Maryland, before pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theater at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. Additionally, she trained at the Lee Strasberg Theater Institute and studied various dance forms, including ballet, jazz, and tap.
Addai-Robinson’s early career featured several roles in Off-Broadway productions, laying the groundwork for her subsequent television and film appearances. Her television debut came in 2002 with an episode of “The Education of Max Bickford.” Over the next few years, she made guest appearances in various popular TV shows, such as “Law & Order: Trial by Jury,” “Law & Order: Criminal Intent,” “CSI: Miami,” “Numb3rs,” and “Justice.” In 2006, she was initially cast as Melanie Barnett in the sitcom “The Game,” but was replaced by Tia Mowry before the show began production.
In 2009, Addai-Robinson secured her first recurring role on ABC’s drama “FlashForward,” portraying Debbie, a nurse. That same year, she appeared in Tina Mabry’s independent film “Mississippi Damned” as Milena. Her big screen debut came in 2011 when she played the mother of Zoe Saldana’s character in “Colombiana.” However, it was her role as Naevia in Starz’s “Spartacus: Vengeance” and “Spartacus: War of the Damned” from 2012 to 2013 that brought her significant recognition. Addai-Robinson replaced Lesley-Ann Brandt in the role, earning acclaim for her portrayal of the character.
In 2013, Addai-Robinson expanded her television repertoire with roles in “The Vampire Diaries,” where she played Aja, a powerful witch, and a brief appearance in the film “Star Trek Into Darkness.” Later that year, she joined the cast of “Arrow” as Amanda Waller, a recurring character in the hit CW series. Her role in “Arrow” showcased her versatility and solidified her presence in the action and superhero genres.
In 2015, she was cast in the film “The Accountant,” alongside Ben Affleck and J.K. Simmons, playing a U.S. Treasury Department analyst. The film, released in 2016, was well-received and highlighted her ability to perform in a dramatic, action-oriented context.
In 2016, Addai-Robinson was cast as the female lead in the USA Network series “Shooter,” taking over from Emily Rios. Her performance as Nadine Memphis further cemented her status as a leading actress in television dramas.
Most recently, Addai-Robinson stars as Tar-Míriel in Amazon Prime’s “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power,” a high-profile series that has garnered significant attention and praise. Her role in this series marks another milestone in her career, demonstrating her ability to adapt to various genres and formats. In this epic fantasy series, Addai-Robinson plays Queen Regent Míriel, a character that combines regal presence with a warrior spirit. The show, praised for its diversity and production quality, features Míriel as a central figure navigating the complex politics and looming threats in the island kingdom of Númenor.
The first season of “The Rings of Power” was critically acclaimed, with reviewers highlighting the intricate costumes and the show’s visual splendor. Addai-Robinson’s performance as Míriel, particularly following the character’s blindness caused by Mount Doom’s eruption, was a standout. As the series prepares for its second season premiere on August 29th, anticipation remains high for her continued portrayal of Míriel’s resilience and leadership.
Beyond her work in “The Rings of Power,” Addai-Robinson is set to star in the upcoming Amazon MGM action film “The Accountant 2,” reprising her role alongside Ben Affleck, Jon Bernthal, and J.K. Simmons. She also recently starred in the Amazon rom-com film “The People We Hate at the Wedding,” opposite Kristen Bell, Allison Janney, and Ben Platt.
Cynthia Addai-Robinson’s journey from a London-born child to a prominent figure in American television and film is marked by her versatility, dedication, and consistent ability to engage audiences with her performances. Her work continues to inspire and entertain, reflecting her deep passion for the arts and her remarkable talent as an actress.
Yitzi: Cynthia, it’s a delight to meet you. Before we dive in deep, our readers would love to learn about your personal origin story. Can you share with us the story of your childhood and how you grew up?
Cynthia: Oh gosh, the short version of this. Well, I was born in London and my mother is from Ghana. I moved to the U.S. when I was four. So early on, I had a very early grasp of all these different cultures and countries that I can lay claim to. I grew up outside of Washington, D.C., which is a very worldly, diverse, cosmopolitan place. It’s a place I have a lot of appreciation for growing up in and absolutely shaped my worldview.
I moved to New York, went to NYU, and studied acting there. I spent a little time in New York doing some theater and eventually found my way out to Los Angeles, which is where I am currently based. I’ve been on this incredible journey, having the good fortune of being an actor and experiencing a variety of artistic and life experiences.
I believe that how I grew up and how I experienced the world informs me as a performer and shapes my tastes as a viewer, an audience member, and a lover of film and television. I definitely take a global view, and it’s an exciting time to be in this industry, knowing that the reach has become much more global. As a viewer, you get to experience stories in multiple languages from different countries, cultures, and nationalities.
Yitzi: Amazing. Tell us a bit about how you first entered the entertainment industry. What were your first breaks? How did you first ease into it?
Cynthia: Well, I would say that the seed was planted to become an actor in elementary and middle school. I used to do the school play, the school musical. My first love was theater, and very early on, I wanted to do musical theater. I had dreams of being on Broadway, and I still have those dreams sometimes. I won’t let go of that dream just yet. That passion got me to New York.
Eventually, I found my way out to LA and realized that television felt like the place where I really saw myself fitting in. I saw people who looked like me on TV. There was a certain amount of diversity there that I didn’t necessarily see as much in theater and film. Television felt accessible, and it also had a certain amount of intimacy since you’re in people’s homes and with them over an extended period. Audiences have a very specific relationship with television shows and characters because they go on a journey with them over multiple seasons and many years.
I love how people interact with series. They can help viewers get through difficult times, understand problems, and have tough conversations with family and friends. It’s a powerful thing. I probably couldn’t have articulated all that when I started, but I think about it often. It’s not coincidental that I’ve been on this journey and involved in many of the projects I’ve worked on.
It’s been a long and winding road, as it often is for an actor. I’m happy to say that I’m in a wonderful place, especially now, working on projects that didn’t exist when I started. Getting to be part of something like this, a show dubbed in multiple languages, and preparing for an international press tour to meet fans from all over the world, is beyond my wildest dreams.
Yitzi: Can you share with our readers the exciting projects you’re working on? Please tell us more about The Rings of Power and why we have to watch it.
Cynthia: So we are getting ready to finally launch season two of The Rings of Power on August 29th. It’s an escalation from what we set out in the first season. I’m really excited because anytime you’re doing the second season of something that was already big, you have to raise the stakes and make things even more epic. We’ve managed to do it, and it’s going to be a big season. With Lord of the Rings, you have to go big; you can’t really go smaller. You have to be even more fantastical.
For new viewers, it’s a great time to watch seasons one and two together. We’re talking about something that’s part of a literary canon, so taking a season on its own isn’t quite fair. It’s going to be viewed as a whole body of work. We’re still in the midst of telling the story, so when it comes time to watch season two, going back to season one, if you haven’t watched it already, or rewatching it, will be a great entry point.
I’m excited for that to finally come out. I also just wrapped a couple of months ago on The Accountant 2, a sequel to the first Accountant. I’m very excited about it and had an incredible time going from Middle Earth to a very grounded, different kind of story. Many people are returning from the first film — the same writer Bill Dubuque, same director Gavin O’Connor, and actors Ben Affleck, Jon Bernthal, J.K. Simmons, and myself. It’s going to be good.
I always get nervous because when you’re working on something, you’re focused on the story you’re telling. But there’s also a feeling you get on set, and we had such a great environment. I’m really proud to be part of The Accountant. When I did the first one eight years ago, I was excited, and revisiting something so significant to my life and career feels like a full-circle moment.
So it’s nice that I’m doing two sequels: the sequel to the first season of The Rings of Power and the sequel to The Accountant. There’s something very poetic about that.
Yitzi: So, as you know, the Lord of the Rings cinematic universe is among the most beloved franchises of all time, probably the most. From your perspective as an insider, why do you think it’s captured so many hearts and minds?
Cynthia: I think people have a real ownership over these characters within this world. Middle Earth is not Earth, yet we’re talking about a fully formed world that has a lot of relatability and timeless themes, even within this huge canvas of fantasy. It’s always going to be relatable because there are always going to be these themes resonating at any given moment in the world and throughout history. There are the larger themes of good versus evil, life and death, and other significant stakes. But then there are also the more intimate stories of parent and child relationships, leaders and civilians, and friendships. I think it’s the relationships that really hook the audience and help them understand how these characters navigate their challenges.
Of course, everybody can relate to feeling like the little hobbit in the big bad world and triumphing over challenges. We all want to feel like we’re overcoming obstacles, and with a fellowship, we can defeat the odds. That feeling never gets old and always feels good. These stories live on with people because they revisit them at different points in their lives. People rewatch things like this because they need the comfort of those characters and stories. They don’t just love them after one viewing; they keep returning to them for that feeling and comfort.
I love that there’s a different setup when you’re doing a serialized take on a story. With a series, you have the real estate to lay out the story. We do eight episodes in a season, which gives us several hours to lay out quite a bit of story. Bringing this to a series introduces it to a new audience who isn’t familiar with the movies. I always think about the 10-year-old who’s never seen the movies or read the books. Maybe this is their point of entry, and they get excited, then go to the movies and the books. We have the responsibility to introduce it to a new audience, sparking their imagination so they become immersed in these stories, characters, and worlds.
I also think about the older audience, like my mom, who is new to these stories as well. I want her to enjoy watching this show and to understand and be as invested as a diehard Tolkien fan. It’s important that the show functions on both levels. It’s a unique opportunity — you don’t get to be part of Lord of the Rings every day. I’m in very rarefied air to get to be an actor interpreting a character in this world.
Yitzi: What are some of the lessons you think society can take from the themes of The Rings of Power?
Cynthia: Oh, gosh, that’s a heavy question. I think it’s interesting to revisit these stories in the times we’re living in. There are a lot of themes around corruption and how power can corrupt. The sense of responsibility around having power, how it can change people, and how people can manipulate others. That’s a story as old as time and plays out in every significant historical situation you can think of. People view these stories through their own lens. But if you can bring humanity to these weighty themes, it becomes powerful.
In our digital age, our sense of empathy has shifted. We use storytelling to remember how to be empathetic or to tap into that. You can feel and cry and love a character, yet struggle with those feelings in your day-to-day life. Storytelling, especially stories like this, reminds us of our empathetic nature, our concern, and our feelings for our fellow human beings. That feels vital right now. Every actor has their own personal motivation for why they’re trying to tell a story or convey a feeling through a character. But now, more than ever, our sense of empathy is critical. If we don’t want to go down the wrong path, we need to nurture and remember that empathy.
Storytelling can be at its most powerful when it makes us think and feel. We’re in heightened times, and no single story can resolve all the world’s problems. But if it gets people thinking and feeling, that’s something noble and worth trying to do, in my view.
Yitzi: How would you compare and contrast your personal character, Cynthia, with the character you play, Tar-Míriel? How are you similar and how are you different?
Cynthia: Well, when I think about Míriel, I think about all the internal struggles she has. She feels a deep sense of responsibility that she alone must take on and carry. There are very few people around her that she can confide in or share the burden of leadership with, and we’ll see how that plays out in season two. I’m definitely someone who can be very internal about things and feel like I must fix everything on my own. I’m working on that.
Obviously, I’m not a queen in real life, though my husband might beg to differ and treats me like one. But I don’t envy people who have genuine responsibility to the masses. That’s not an easy position to be in. I think about that all the time, about leaders who are genuinely trying to make the best choices for as many people as they can. It’s a nuanced, complex, and not black-and-white position to be in. I don’t envy those who have to make major decisions for many people, especially when some of those people are against you. You’re trying to do the best you can for the most people.
I’m glad that as an actor, I just have the responsibility of portraying those challenges. I’m not in that position myself because it takes a certain kind of person to be a leader at the highest level. I recognize how difficult that is, and I’m grateful I get to use a character to explore and think about it meaningfully. I want to portray that to the best of my ability and make Marielle the most human and accessible character study I can.
Yitzi: This is our signature question. You’ve been blessed with a lot of success now and have learned an enormous amount over the years. Can you share with our readers five things you know now that you wish someone had told you when you first started acting, started your professional career?
Cynthia: Five things. Oh, man. Okay. Well, the first one that immediately sprang to my mind is: when it’s going well, enjoy it. When it’s going well, enjoy it. You don’t know how long it will last or how often you’ll get certain opportunities. In this industry, there’s a lot going on when you’re busy. I’ve been fortunate to have this experience. I just got back from Comic-Con and I’m getting ready to go on a global tour. You’re away from home, traveling, navigating all these different things. But at the end of the day, enjoy it and the gifts it gives you. I get to see the world and spend time with people I really enjoy. That’s been the biggest gift. So, enjoy it.
Don’t let other people define you. Define yourself before you let others tell you who you are or who they think you are. It’s an industry where your image and who you are and how you present yourself are fodder for social media or anyone’s opinion. You have to be very protective of yourself, especially in Hollywood. But now everyone is subject to the opinions of everyone online, which is unnatural and unhealthy. To maintain a sense of yourself, you need to know yourself and define yourself without taking on what others say about you.
As a creative person, you also need to be a bit of a business person. You need to be organized and be the boss of your own company, if you want to call it that. Bringing an organized business mentality doesn’t take away from who you are as an artist. It’s not selling out or cheapening things. It’s about making sure you feel a sense of control and can be proactive in making decisions for yourself to move forward in your journey. So, be a business person with that artistry.
Surround yourself with good people. A lot of the people you’re with early on will still be alongside you as you move forward, if you’re lucky. That’s true in work and in life. I’ve been in LA for almost 20 years, which is insane. Many of my friends who came out here around the same time are still here, and it’s satisfying to see that we’re all doing okay and supporting each other. Who is around you is crucial to your success and mental health. It’s easy to have the wrong people around you, which can set you back. It doesn’t have to be a lot of people, but they need to be solid and reliable, and you should be there for them too. It goes both ways. So, have good people in your life.
And the fifth one, see your dentist twice a year. (Laughs)
Yitzi: This is our final aspirational question. You play a queen and like a queen, you’re a person of enormous influence. If you could spread an idea or inspire movements that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be?
Cynthia: Hmm, my goodness. It’s such a simple question and yet not a simple answer because there’s so much going on in the world. Where do you start? Gosh, sometimes it feels like you want to tackle the biggest issues, but as an individual, it often feels overwhelming to make an impactful change. It almost feels like we all have to do these little things, hoping our collective contributions can make a difference.
These are weird and sometimes very dark times. I think being able to recognize other people’s humanity is crucial. We’re in such a divisive moment, and it’s easy to forget that there are real people on the other end of online arguments. How do we get back to a place of humanity and not feel so divided? If I could wave a magic wand and make everyone get along, that would be ideal. It’s not the most satisfying answer, but much of this strife boils down to people not feeling seen.
It becomes a question of how we can ensure people feel seen, heard, recognized, and acknowledged so their inner turmoil doesn’t manifest in ugly ways. I don’t know the real answer to that, but addressing it would help people feel at peace and less inclined to go to such dark places. We’d be in a much better position to look out for one another and remember our similarities instead of focusing on our differences.
If you find that magic wand and can wave it, don’t wait for me as the queen to do it. Please, pick it up and wave it.
Yitzi: That’s a brilliant answer. How can our readers continue to follow your work online? How can they watch this series and support your work?
Cynthia: Well, we’ve got Rings of Power season two coming out on August 29th on Amazon Prime. The Accountant sequel is also in the works, though I don’t have a release date for that yet, but stay tuned for next year. I’m most active on Instagram at @cynthiaaddairobinson. Sometimes I might be quietly working away and less active on socials, but that just means I’ve got something cooking up. So stay tuned!
Yitzi: Cynthia, this has been such a thought-provoking, intelligent, and wise interview. I’m really grateful to have met you, and I wish you continued success. I hope we can see you next year.
Cynthia: Thank you so much. I’m very flattered. It was really nice chatting with you. It’s been a pleasure.
Yitzi: Okay, take good care. Have a good day.
Cynthia Addai-Robinson Of ‘The Rings of Power’ On The Five Things You Need To Create A Highly… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.