33 Facts About Viola

Viola Davis: A Star is Born

Viola Davis has become one of the most respected actresses in Hollywood. Her journey from humble beginnings to stardom is filled with fascinating moments.

1. Viola Davis was born on August 11, 1965, in St. Matthews, South Carolina.
2. She is the second youngest of six children.
3. Her family moved to Central Falls, Rhode Island, when she was two months old.
4. Davis grew up in poverty, often lacking basic necessities like food and proper clothing.

Early Life and Education

Viola's early life was marked by challenges, but her determination and talent shone through.

5. She discovered her love for acting in high school.
6. Davis attended Central Falls High School, where she participated in drama club.
7. She earned a scholarship to Rhode Island College, graduating in 1988 with a degree in theater.
8. Viola further honed her craft at the prestigious Juilliard School in New York City.

Breakthrough Roles

Viola's career took off with several key roles that showcased her incredible talent.

9. Her first professional stage role was in "As You Like It" in 1992.
10. Davis made her film debut in "The Substance of Fire" in 1996.
11. She gained critical acclaim for her role in "Antwone Fisher" in 2002.
12. Her performance in "Doubt" (2008) earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.

Awards and Accolades

Viola Davis has received numerous awards and nominations throughout her career.

13. She won her first Tony Award in 2001 for her role in "King Hedley II."
14. Davis received her second Tony Award for "Fences" in 2010.
15. In 2015, she became the first African American woman to win the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for "How to Get Away with Murder."
16. Viola won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for "Fences" in 2017.

Personal Life

Beyond her professional achievements, Viola's personal life is equally inspiring.

17. She married actor Julius Tennon in 2003.
18. The couple adopted a daughter, Genesis, in 2011.
19. Davis is an advocate for human rights and has spoken out about issues like poverty and racial inequality.
20. She founded the production company JuVee Productions with her husband.

Impact and Legacy

Viola Davis continues to make a significant impact on the entertainment industry and beyond.

21. She was named one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people in the world in 2012 and 2017.
22. Davis received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2017.
23. She is known for her powerful speeches, including her 2015 Emmy acceptance speech, which highlighted the lack of opportunities for women of color in Hollywood.
24. Viola has been a vocal supporter of the #MeToo movement.

Fun Facts

Here are some lesser-known facts about Viola Davis that might surprise you.

25. She is a skilled violinist.
26. Davis is a fan of the TV show "Scandal."
27. She has a passion for cooking and often shares recipes on social media.
28. Viola is an avid reader and enjoys books on history and social justice.

Recent Projects

Viola Davis continues to take on challenging and diverse roles in film and television.

29. She starred in the critically acclaimed film "Widows" in 2018.
30. In 2020, she portrayed Ma Rainey in "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom," earning another Academy Award nomination.
31. Davis played Michelle Obama in the Showtime series "The First Lady" in 2022.
32. She will star in the upcoming film "The Woman King," set to be released in 2023.

Philanthropy and Activism

Viola Davis uses her platform to give back and advocate for change.

33. She has partnered with Hunger Is, an initiative to eradicate childhood hunger in America.

Final Notes on Viola Davis

Viola Davis's journey from humble beginnings to becoming a Hollywood powerhouse is nothing short of inspiring. Her dedication to her craft, combined with her advocacy for diversity and representation, has made her a role model for many. With numerous awards under her belt, including an Oscar, Emmy, and Tony, Davis has proven her versatility and talent time and again. Beyond her acting prowess, she’s a passionate advocate for social justice, using her platform to speak out on important issues. Her story reminds us that perseverance, talent, and a commitment to one's principles can lead to extraordinary achievements. Whether on screen or off, Viola Davis continues to make a significant impact, leaving an indelible mark on the entertainment industry and beyond. Keep an eye on her, as she’s sure to continue breaking barriers and setting new standards.