In 2022, Brittney Johnson made history when she became the first Black actress to take on the role of Glinda full time. Kebede’s historic moment also comes after the success of the Wicked film, where Cynthia Erivo has been lauded for her portrayal of Elphaba.

Wicked is getting a new Elphaba, and she’s about to make history: Lencia Kebede will be the first Black actress to assume the role full time in the Broadway company. Kebede, who recently starred in the touring company of Hamilton,

Kebede takes on the role after Erivo starred as the green witch in the film adaptation. Erivo previously commented on the lack of Black actresses playing Elphaba in her 2024 ELLE cover story.