Viola Davis
- Graduated from Rhode Island College, majored in Theatre in 1988
- Graduated from The Juilliard School
Viola Davis is an acclaimed American actress and film producer, celebrated for her powerful performances and significant contributions to the entertainment industry. Born on August 11, 1965, in Saint Matthews, South Carolina, she has emerged as one of the most respected and influential figures in Hollywood, recognized for her exceptional talent and advocacy for underrepresented voices in the arts. Davis is a proud recipient of the Triple Crown of Acting, having won an Academy Award, a Tony Award, and an Emmy Award, along with the prestigious status of an EGOT winner.
Davis's journey began in her childhood, facing the challenges of poverty and adversity. She later pursued her passion for acting at Juilliard School, where she honed her craft before making her mark on stage and screen. Her professional career took off with small stage productions in Central Falls, Rhode Island, culminating in her Broadway debut in the August Wilson play Seven Guitars in 1996, which earned her a Tony nomination. Her collaboration with Wilson would prove pivotal in her career, as she went on to win Tony Awards for her performances in King Hedley II (2001) and Fences (2010), the latter showcasing her talent as a working-class mother navigating life's struggles.
Davis gained widespread recognition for her film work, particularly for her role as Mrs. Miller in Doubt (2008), which earned her an Academy Award nomination. She continued to impress audiences and critics alike with her performances in The Help (2011) and Ma Rainey's Black Bottom (2020), both of which highlighted her remarkable ability to portray complex characters. In 2016, she won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the film adaptation of Fences, further solidifying her status as one of Hollywood's leading actresses.
On television, Davis made history as the first Black actress to win the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her role as Annalise Keating in the ABC legal drama series How to Get Away with Murder, which aired from 2014 to 2020. Her portrayal of a brilliant yet troubled lawyer captivated audiences and showcased her exceptional range as an actress. Additionally, she ventured into the DC Extended Universe, portraying Amanda Waller in Suicide Squad (2016) and continuing her role in subsequent films, including Black Adam (2022).
Beyond her acting accolades, Viola Davis is also a dedicated advocate for social justice, human rights, and the empowerment of women of color. Alongside her husband, actor Julius Tennon, she founded JuVee Productions, a production company committed to amplifying diverse voices in film and television. In 2019, she became a L'Oréal Paris ambassador, further solidifying her influence and commitment to representation in the industry. Her narrative memoir, Finding Me, released in 2022, received critical acclaim and won a Grammy Award for Best Audio Book, Narration & Storytelling Recording, demonstrating her multifaceted talents.
As of now, Viola Davis continues to be a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, celebrated not only for her extraordinary career but also for her unwavering commitment to advocacy and representation. Her legacy as a trailblazer and a source of inspiration for aspiring artists remains unparalleled, and her impact on both film and society continues to resonate.
- February 24, 2009
81st Annual Academy Awards - Arrivals
- February 24, 2009
81st Annual Academy Awards - Arrivals
- January 28, 2009
15th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards - Arrivals
- January 28, 2009
15th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards - Arrivals
- January 28, 2009
15th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards - Arrivals
- January 14, 2009