Summary
Viola Davis is an American actress and producer who has been active in the entertainment industry since the late 1990s. She was born on August 11, 1965, in St. Matthews, South Carolina.
Davis graduated from the Juilliard School in 1993 and began her acting career on stage, performing in several Broadway and off-Broadway productions. She made her feature film debut in 1996 in “The Substance of Fire,” and went on to appear in several other films, including “Out of Sight,” “Traffic,” and “Solaris.”
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Table of Contents
Davis has received critical acclaim for her performances in a number of films, including “Doubt,” “The Help,” and “Fences,” the last of which earned her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. She has also won several Emmy Awards for her work on television, including for her role in the series “How to Get Away with Murder.”
In addition to her work as an actress, Davis is also a producer and has founded her own production company, JuVee Productions, with her husband Julius Tennon. She is known for her advocacy work, particularly for the representation of Black women in Hollywood and for her support of charitable organizations.
Early life and education
Viola Davis was born on August 11, 1965, in St. Matthews, South Carolina, and grew up in a family of six siblings. Her father was a horse trainer, and her mother was a maid and factory worker. Davis and her family lived in a small house on a former plantation, and they faced significant financial struggles during her childhood.
Despite these challenges, Davis was a high achiever in school and was encouraged by her parents to pursue her education. She attended Central Falls High School in Rhode Island, where she was involved in drama and theater programs. After graduating in 1983, Davis went on to attend Rhode Island College, where she initially planned to study theater, but later switched to education.
In 1988, Davis graduated from Rhode Island College with a degree in theater and went on to attend the Juilliard School in New York City, where she earned her Master of Fine Arts degree in acting in 1993. While at Juilliard, Davis was one of only a few Black students in the program, and she has spoken openly about the challenges she faced as a Black woman in a predominantly white institution. Despite these difficulties, Davis credits her time at Juilliard as being instrumental in her development as an actress.
Career
Viola Davis’ career began on stage, where she appeared in several Broadway and off-Broadway productions throughout the 1990s. Her first major film role was in the 1996 movie “The Substance of Fire,” and she went on to appear in several other films, including “Out of Sight,” “Antwone Fisher,” and “Solaris.”
In 2008, Davis was cast in the film “Doubt,” playing the role of Mrs. Miller. Her performance in the film earned her critical acclaim and several award nominations, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. Davis continued to build her reputation as a powerful actress, with roles in films such as “The Help,” “Prisoners,” and “Get on Up.”
In addition to her work in film, Davis has also had a successful career on television. In 2014, she began starring in the hit ABC drama series “How to Get Away with Murder,” for which she won two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series. She has also appeared in other TV series, including “United States of Tara” and “City of Angels.”
Davis is known for her advocacy work, particularly around issues of representation and diversity in Hollywood. In 2011, she made headlines for her acceptance speech at the Screen Actors Guild Awards, in which she spoke about the need for more diverse roles for women of color in the entertainment industry. Davis has also been involved in various charitable organizations, including Hunger Is and the Innocence Project.
Early work and breakthrough on stage (1992–1999)
Viola Davis began her career on stage, and her early work in theater helped to establish her reputation as a talented actress. In 1996, she won an Obie Award for her performance in the off-Broadway play “Everybody’s Ruby,” and went on to appear in several other off-Broadway productions, including “The Young Man From Atlanta” and “Seven Guitars.”
In 1999, Davis appeared in the Broadway production of August Wilson’s “Seven Guitars,” playing the role of Vera. Her performance in the play earned her critical acclaim and a Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actress in a Play. This breakthrough role helped to establish Davis as one of the most talented and sought-after actresses in theater.
Davis continued to work on stage throughout the 1990s and into the early 2000s, appearing in productions of Wilson’s “King Hedley II,” Tony Kushner’s “Homebody/Kabul,” and Lynn Nottage’s “Intimate Apparel.” Her work in theater helped to hone her skills as an actress and to establish her reputation as a powerful and versatile performer.
Davis has spoken openly about the importance of her early work in theater and the impact it had on her career. She has credited her time on stage with helping her to develop her craft and to build the skills and confidence necessary to succeed in film and television. Her work in theater also helped to establish her as a voice for Black women in the entertainment industry, a role she has continued to embrace throughout her career.
Film breakthrough and further stage success (2000–2010)
Viola Davis’ film breakthrough came in the early 2000s when she began to gain recognition for her work in a number of high-profile films. In 2002, she appeared in the film “Antwone Fisher,” playing the role of Eva, a social worker who helps the film’s titular character come to terms with his traumatic childhood. Her performance in the film earned her critical praise, and helped to establish her as a talented and versatile actress.
In 2008, Davis received widespread acclaim for her performance in the film “Doubt,” in which she played the mother of a boy who may have been the victim of sexual abuse by a priest. Her performance in the film earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress and helped to cement her reputation as one of the most talented actresses of her generation.
Worldwide recognition and continued acclaim (2011–2016)
In the period of 2011-2016, Viola Davis achieved worldwide recognition and continued critical acclaim for her work in film and television.
In 2011, Davis starred in the critically acclaimed drama “The Help,” in which she played the role of Aibileen Clark, a maid in Mississippi during the 1960s. Her powerful and nuanced performance earned her widespread praise and several award nominations, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.
In 2012, Davis was cast in the leading role in the ABC drama series “How to Get Away with Murder,” playing the role of Annalise Keating, a law professor and defense attorney. Her portrayal of the complex and multi-faceted character earned her widespread acclaim, and she won several awards, including a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series, becoming the first African-American woman to win the award.
In addition to her work on “How to Get Away with Murder,” Davis continued to take on challenging and complex film roles. In 2013, she starred in the film “Prisoners,” alongside Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal, and in 2014, she starred in the James Brown biopic “Get on Up.”
In 2015, Davis received critical acclaim for her role in the film “Lila & Eve,” in which she played a grieving mother who seeks revenge on those responsible for her son’s death. That same year, she also starred in the film “Blackhat,” alongside Chris Hemsworth.
Davis continued to receive widespread recognition for her work in film and television in 2016. She was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the film “Fences,” alongside Denzel Washington, and won several awards for her performance in “How to Get Away with Murder,” including a Screen Actors Guild Award and a People’s Choice Award.
Established actress (2017–present)
Since 2017, Viola Davis has continued to establish herself as one of the most talented and respected actresses in the entertainment industry. During this period, she has taken on a diverse range of roles, showcasing her versatility as an actress.
In 2017, Davis starred in the heist film “Widows,” directed by Steve McQueen. She played the role of Veronica Rawlings, a woman who recruits three other widows to pull off a heist after their husbands die in a failed robbery attempt. Davis received critical acclaim for her performance, which was described as “magnetic” and “powerful.”
In 2018, Davis reprised her role as Annalise Keating in the final season of “How to Get Away with Murder.” Her performance in the series continued to be widely praised, and she received several award nominations for her work, including another Emmy nomination.
In 2020, Davis starred in the Netflix film “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” based on the play by August Wilson. She played the role of Ma Rainey, a pioneering blues singer in 1920s Chicago. Davis received widespread acclaim for her performance, and she was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress, making her the most nominated Black actress in the history of the Oscars.
Davis has also continued to be a vocal advocate for social justice issues, using her platform to speak out against systemic racism and to promote diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry. In 2020, she was honored with the Icon Award at the People’s Choice Awards for her contributions to film and television.
Overall, Viola Davis has continued to build an impressive career as an actress, earning critical acclaim and widespread recognition for her work on both the big and small screens. Her talent, dedication, and commitment to social justice have made her an inspiration to fans and fellow performers alike.
Personal life
Viola Davis was born on August 11, 1965, in St. Matthews, South Carolina. She grew up in poverty and experienced racism and discrimination from a young age. Davis has been very open about her difficult childhood, including growing up in a household where she witnessed domestic violence.
Davis is married to actor and producer Julius Tennon. The couple met in 2002 and were married in 2003. They have a daughter together, Genesis, whom they adopted in 2011.
In addition to her work in the entertainment industry, Davis is an advocate for social justice issues, particularly those related to poverty, women’s rights, and racial equality. She has spoken publicly about her own experiences with poverty and has been involved in numerous charitable organizations and causes throughout her career.
Davis has also been open about her struggles with anxiety and depression and has spoken about the importance of seeking help and support when dealing with mental health issues.
Overall, Viola Davis has built an impressive career as an actress and has used her platform to promote important causes and advocate for social justice. She is a role model for many people around the world, and her dedication to her craft and her commitment to making the world a better place have earned her the respect and admiration of fans and colleagues alike.
List of all Viola Davis Movies and TV shows
Here is a list of some of Viola Davis’s notable movies and TV shows:
Movies:
- The Substance of Fire (1996)
- Out of Sight (1998)
- Traffic (2000)
- Antwone Fisher (2002)
- Solaris (2002)
- Far from Heaven (2002)
- Get Rich or Die Tryin’ (2005)
- World Trade Center (2006)
- Doubt (2008)
- Madea Goes to Jail (2009)
- Knight and Day (2010)
- Eat Pray Love (2010)
- The Help (2011)
- Prisoners (2013)
- Get on Up (2014)
- Blackhat (2015)
- Suicide Squad (2016)
- Fences (2016)
- Widows (2018)
- Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (2020)
| Year | Title | Role | Notes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | The Substance of Fire | Nurse | [41] | |
| 1998 | Out of Sight | Moselle Miller | [42] | |
| Miss Apprehension and Squirt | Sharon Hughes | [43] | ||
| 2000 | Traffic | Social Worker | [44] | |
| 2001 | The Shrink Is In | Robin | [45] | |
| Ocean’s Eleven | Parole board interrogator | Uncredited | [44] | |
| Kate & Leopold | Policewoman | [46] | ||
| 2002 | Far from Heaven | Sybil | [47] | |
| Antwone Fisher | Eva May Fisher | [48] | ||
| Solaris | Dr. Gordon | [49] | ||
| 2005 | Get Rich or Die Tryin’ | Grandma | [50] | |
| Syriana | CIA Chairwoman | Uncredited | [51] | |
| 2006 | The Architect | Tonya Neely | [47] | |
| World Trade Center | Mother in Hospital | [47] | ||
| 2007 | Disturbia | Detective Parker | [52] | |
| 2008 | Nights in Rodanthe | Jean | [53] | |
| Doubt | Mrs. Miller | [54] | ||
| 2009 | Madea Goes to Jail | Ellen St. Matthews | [55] | |
| State of Play | Dr. Judith Franklin | [56] | ||
| Law Abiding Citizen | Mayor April Henry | [57] | ||
| Beyond All Boundaries | Hortense Johnson / Arsenal Worker | Voice; Short film | ||
| 2010 | Knight and Day | Director Isabel George | [58] | |
| Eat Pray Love | Delia Shiraz | [59] | ||
| It’s Kind of a Funny Story | Dr. Minerva | [60] | ||
| Trust | Gail Friedman | [61] | ||
| The Unforgiving Minute | Narrator | Short film | ||
| 2011 | The Help | Aibileen Clark | [62] | |
| Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close | Abby Black | [63] | ||
| 2012 | Won’t Back Down | Nona Alberts | [64] | |
| 2013 | Beautiful Creatures | Amarie “Amma” Treadeau | [65] | |
| Ender’s Game | Major Anderson | [66] | ||
| The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby | Professor Lillian Friedman | [67] | ||
| Prisoners | Nancy Birch | [68] | ||
| 2014 | Get On Up | Susie Brown | [69] | |
| 2015 | Blackhat | FBI Agent Carol Barrett | [70] | |
| Lila & Eve | Lila Walcott | Also executive producer | [71] | |
| 2016 | Custody | Judge Martha Sherman | Also executive producer | [72] |
| Suicide Squad | Amanda Waller | [73] | ||
| Fences | Rose Maxson | [74] | ||
| 2018 | Widows | Veronica Rawlings | [75] | |
| 2019 | Troop Zero | Rayleen | [76] | |
| 2020 | Giving Voice | Herself | Documentary; also executive producer | [77] |
| Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom | Ma Rainey | [78] | ||
| 2021 | The Suicide Squad | Amanda Waller | [79] | |
| The Unforgivable | Liz Ingram | [80] | ||
| 2022 | The Woman King | Nanisca | Also producer | [81] |
| Black Adam | Amanda Waller | Cameo | [82] | |
| 2023 | Air  | Deloris Jordan | Post-production | [83] |
| The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes | Dr. Volumnia Gaul | Post-production | [84] |
TV shows:
- City of Angels (2000)
- The Pentagon Papers (2003)
- Century City (2004)
- Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (2003-2008)
- United States of Tara (2011)
- How to Get Away with Murder (2014-2020)
- Scandal (2015-2016)
- Sesame Street (2016)
- American Koko (2017)
- Documentary Now! (2018)
- Troop Zero (2019)
| Year | Title | Role | Notes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | NYPD Blue | Woman | Episode: “Moby Greg” | [8] |
| New York Undercover | Rebecca Stapleton | Episode: “Smack is Back” | [85] | |
| 1998 | The Pentagon Wars | Sgt. First Class Fanning | Television film | [86] |
| Grace and Glorie | Rosemary Allbright | Television film | [87] | |
| 2000 | Judging Amy | Celeste | Episode: “Blast from the Past” | [88] |
| City of Angels | Nurse Lynnette Peeler | 24 episodes | [89] | |
| 2001 | Amy & Isabelle | Dottie | Television film | [90] |
| Providence | Dr. Eleanor Weiss | Episode: “You Can Count On Me” | [91] | |
| The Guardian | Attorney Suzanna Clemons | Episode: “The Men from the Boys” | [92] | |
| Third Watch | Margo Rodriguez | Episode: “Act Brave” | [93] | |
| 2002 | Law & Order: Criminal Intent | Terry Randolph | Episode: “Badge” | [94] |
| The Division | Dr. Georgia Davis | Episode: “Remembrance” | [95] | |
| CSI: Crime Scene Investigation | Attorney Campbell | Episode: “The Execution of Catherine Willows” | [96] | |
| Father Lefty | — | Unaired Pilot | [97] | |
| 2003 | Hack | Stevie Morgan | Episode: “Third Strike” | [98] |
| The Practice | Aisha Crenshaw | Episode: “We the People” | [99] | |
| 2004 | Century City | Hannah Crane | 9 episodes | [100] |
| 2005 | Jesse Stone: Stone Cold | Molly Crane | Television film | [101] |
| Threshold | Victoria Rossi | Episode: “Shock” | [102] | |
| 2006 | Jesse Stone: Night Passage | Molly Crane | Television film | [103] |
| Jesse Stone: Death in Paradise | Molly Crane | Television film | [104] | |
| Without a Trace | Audrey Williams | Episode: “White Balance” | [105] | |
| Life Is Not a Fairytale | Diane Barrino | Television film | [106] | |
| 2007 | Jesse Stone: Sea Change | Molly Crane | Television film | [107] |
| Traveler | Agent Jan Marlow | 8 episodes | [108] | |
| Fort Pit | — | Television film | [108] | |
| 2008 | Brothers & Sisters | Ellen Snyder | Episode: “Double Negative” | [109] |
| The Andromeda Strain | Dr. Charlene Barton | 3 episodes | [110] | |
| 2003–2008 | Law & Order: Special Victims Unit | Donna Emmett | 7 episodes | [111] |
| 2009 | United States of Tara | Lynda P. Frazier | 6 episodes | [112] |
| 2013 | Sofia the First | Helen Hanshaw | Voice; Episode: “The Buttercups” | [113] |
| 2014–2020 | How to Get Away with Murder | Annalise Keating | 90 episodes; Lead role, also producer (60 episodes) | [114] |
| 2018 | Scandal | Annalise Keating | Episode: “Allow Me to Reintroduce Myself” | [115] |
| 2019 | Live in Front of a Studio Audience | Florida Evans | Episode: “All in the Family and Good Times” | [116] |
| 2020 | Celebrity IOU | Herself | Episode: “Viola Davis Delivers a Dream Home” | [117] |
| 2022 | Peacemaker | Amanda Waller | 2 episodes (uncredited) | [118] |
| The First Lady | Michelle Obama | 10 episodes; also executive producer | [119] | |
| TBA | Waller | Amanda Waller | also executive producer |
