Born: August 11, 1965
Davis attended Central Falls High School in Rhode Island, where she developed an interest in acting. She later graduated from Rhode Island College with a degree in theater.
Early Life:
Viola Davis was born on August 11, 1965, in St. Matthews, South Carolina. She is the second youngest of six children born to Mary Alice Davis, a maid, and Dan Davis, a horse trainer and groomer. Davis grew up in poverty and faced racial discrimination in her early years.
Education:
Davis attended Central Falls High School in Rhode Island, where she developed an interest in acting. She later graduated from Rhode Island College with a degree in theater. Davis then attended the Juilliard School in New York City, where she earned a Master of Fine Arts degree in acting.
Early Career:
Viola Davis began her acting career in theater, appearing in numerous stage productions, including August Wilson’s “Seven Guitars” and “King Hedley II.” She received critical acclaim for her performances and won several awards for her work in theater.
Rise to Prominence:
Davis gained widespread recognition for her role as Mrs. Miller in the film “Doubt” (2008), for which she received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. However, it was her portrayal of Aibileen Clark in the film adaptation of Kathryn Stockett’s novel “The Help” (2011) that catapulted her to stardom. Davis received widespread acclaim and won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance.
Notable Films and TV Shows:
- “Doubt” (2008)
- “The Help” (2011)
- “Fences” (2016)
- “How to Get Away with Murder” (2014-2020)
- “Widows” (2018)
- “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” (2020)
Personal Life:
Viola Davis married actor Julius Tennon in 2003. They adopted a daughter named Genesis in 2011. Davis is known for her advocacy for social justice issues, including racial equality and women’s rights. She has spoken openly about her experiences with poverty and has used her platform to raise awareness about important issues.
Philanthropy:
Davis is actively involved in various charitable organizations and causes. She supports organizations that focus on education, healthcare, and empowerment for underprivileged communities, particularly those in her hometown of St. Matthews, South Carolina.
Accolades:
Throughout her career, Viola Davis has received numerous awards and nominations, including an Academy Award, a Primetime Emmy Award, two Tony Awards, and a Golden Globe Award. She is the first African American actress to achieve the Triple Crown of Acting, having won an Academy Award, an Emmy Award, and a Tony Award in competitive categories.
Viola Davis continues to be celebrated for her extraordinary talent, powerful performances, and commitment to portraying complex and nuanced characters on screen. She remains a trailblazer in the entertainment industry and a source of inspiration for aspiring actors worldwide.
