Cynthia Erivo is making her mark in Hollywood with a slew of top-billing credits from starring in Harriet and Genius: Aretha Franklin, playing both titular characters. The actress earned her stripes starting in the theatre circuit in the U.K. for numerous productions, including Sister Act, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and The Color Purple as Celie Harris Johnson.

The 35-year-old actress revived the Celie character once more in the 2015 Broadway revival in the U.S., starring alongside Orange Is The New Black’s Danielle Brooks and Jennifer Hudson, which earned her a Tony Award for Best Actress In A Musical, a Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album, and a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Musical Performance in a Daytime Program.

As she makes her dreams come true and gears up for her next film, Wicked, the English actress makes someone else’s dream come to life in the new live-action adaptation film Disney+ film Pinocchio as the Blue Fairy.

The film also stars Tom Hanks, Keegan-Michael Key, and Joseph-Gordon Levitt and follows the retelling of our beloved wooden puppet, who sets on a journey to become a real boy.

In an exclusive interview with BET.com, Erivo chats about her most vital traits as an actress, the Disney villain she would love to play, and tips on avoiding exploitation in Hollywood.

BET.com: We all have wished upon a star, and suddenly our dreams came true. What’s one recent wish you’ve made and hope to see happen in your career?

Erivo: Oh wow, that’s a bit tough because I’ve made quite a few wishes which have already come true [laughs]. I’m in the middle of one wish as I’m currently shooting Wicked. I hope the cast, crew, and I make something successful. My biggest wish is that after I’ve done what I want to do for myself, I can create space for other artists, too.

BET.com: Pinocchio had to learn how to be brave, truthful, and unselfish. What are Cynthia Erivo’s three most vital traits that make you a powerful actor?

Erivo: I try to allow myself to be truthful, open, and a good listener, which is vital as an actor. You need to be available for your counterpart, which will help you grow as an actor.

BET.com: There were many nods to other Disney characters in Gepetto’s house. Which Disney character would you love to play and help bring to life?

Erivo: I would love to try my hand at Maleficent. I think that’d be pretty fun.

BET.com: Honest John, played by Keegan-Michael Key, is Pinnochio’s biggest temptation in the film, prying on the puppet to become his “agent” who wants to make him famous. What’s the biggest dream an agent or anyone has ever told you to get you on their roster?

Erivo: I will say this: When I was looking for an agent, I paid attention to those who truly cared about me and wanted to show up when I needed them. I wanted a team that took the time with me and was available when I called. So, my agents always made sure they were available for me.

BET.com: Exploitation is a reoccurring theme in the movie, as well as in Hollywood. What best practices should be in place to avoid actors suffering the same fate Pinnochio temperately went through?

Erivo: Always ensure you have a great team of people from your branding agent, managers, etc. I have an outstanding, fantastic manager — I’m lucky to have an all-around great team who looks out for me. We can escape some of the pitfalls of being in this industry. You also need to have self-awareness and understand what you need or don’t need — decipher who is telling the truth and who isn’t.

Pinocchio must use his judgment on who to trust in the Disney+ movie Pinocchio, which is available for streaming now.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity

Ty Cole is a New York-based entertainment reporter and writer for BET.com who covers pop culture, music, and lifestyle. Follow his latest musings on Twitter @IamTyCole.