Viola Davis Biography
Viola Davis is an American actress and producer. She is the sole black actress to achieve the Triple Crown of Acting as well as the third person to achieve both statuses. In 2020, The New York Times positioned her as the ninth-best actor of the 21st century on their list of the greatest actors.
Viola Davis Age / Birthday
As of 2023, Davis is 58 years old, She was born on August 11, 1965, in Saint Matthews, South Carolina, in the United States of America. She celebrates her birthday on August 11 every year.
Viola Davis Height / Measurements
Davis is of average body stature and stands at an approximate height of 5 feet 5 inches tall.
Viola Davis Partner / Husband
Davis has been married since 2003 to actor Julius Tennon. Their relationship has been a source of inspiration and support for both of them throughout their successful careers. Tennon brought two children from a previous relationship into the marriage, and the couple later adopted a daughter together. They’ve navigated the joys and challenges of raising a family with love and understanding.
Viola Davis Kids / Children
Davis has adopted three children with her husband Julius Tennon: Genesis Tennon, born in 2003, and twins, Augustus Tennon and Olive Tennon, born in 2014. She has spoken openly about the joys and challenges of adoption, advocating for adoption and fostering, particularly for older children.
Viola Davis Daughter
Davis is a proud mother to her daughter, Genesis Tennison, who was born in 2011 through adoption. While Viola cherishes her privacy, she has shared glimpses of their loving mother-daughter bond on social media and during interviews.
Viola Davis Family / Relatives
Viola Davis, born on her grandmother’s farm in South Carolina, entered the world amidst the echoes of the Civil Rights Movement. Her mother, a multi-faceted force juggling roles as a maid, and factory worker. Moreover, an activist was arrested for the cause when Viola was just two, leading both to jail. Growing up, Viola, the second youngest of six, witnessed the struggles and resilience of her family as they migrated north to Rhode Island, leaving some siblings behind.
Her father, a horse trainer, and her mother, forever a fighter, instilled in Viola both grit and a passion for justice that would later fuel her acting career. This early life, steeped in hardship and activism, laid the foundation for the powerful voice and impactful artistry Viola would later become known for.
Viola Davis Sisters
Davis has four sisters. Three older sisters: Deloris Davis Grant, Dianne Davis-Wright, and Anita Davis. One younger sister: Danielle Davis. Deloris: Works as a Central Falls High School English and drama teacher. Holds a BA in English, a Master of Arts and Teaching from RIC, and an Honorary Doctorate in Education.
Dianne: Information about her profession is not publicly available. Anita: Appears in Viola’s social media posts and seems to hold a close relationship with her. In addition, Danielle’s information about her profession is not publicly available. Viola often expresses her love and support for Danielle in interviews and on social media.
Viola Davis Education
Davis’s educational journey began in Rhode Island, where she discovered her passion for acting in high school and received crucial support through programs like TRIO. Recognized for her talent at the Young People’s School, she honed her skills at Rhode Island College and Juilliard, graduating with a degree in theater and membership in the prestigious Group 22. This rigorous academic and artistic path paved the way for Davis’s exceptional career.
Viola Davis Early Career
Davis’s acting career began to blossom in the early 1990s. She landed her first professional stage role in 1992 in an off-Broadway production of Shakespeare’s “As You Like It.” That same year, she received her Screen Actors Guild card for a small role in the film “The Substance of Fire.” Davis continued to hone her craft in various off-Broadway productions and bit parts on television shows like “NYPD Blue” and “New York Undercover.”
In 2001, Davis’s career took a major turn when she returned to Broadway in August Wilson’s play “King Hedley II.” Her portrayal of Tonya, a mother fighting for her right to choose, earned her critical acclaim and her first Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Play.
Over the next few years, Davis continued to build her resume with roles in films like “Knight and Day,” “Eat Pray Love,” and “The Help.” Her performance in “The Help” earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. Making her the first black actress in history to be nominated in that category multiple times.
Viola Davis Net Worth
Davis’ net worth is estimated to be between $25 million and $37 million as of January 2024.
Viola Davis Books
Davis hasn’t written her full-length book yet, she has been involved in two notable literary projects. Finding Me: This is Viola Davis’s memoir which was published in 2017. It is a powerful and inspiring account of her life, starting from her difficult childhood in Central Falls, Rhode Island. To her journey to becoming a celebrated actress. Corduroy Takes a Bow: This children’s book was released in 2020 and is based on the popular Corduroy teddy bear character. Viola narrates the story of Corduroy as he prepares for his big stage debut in a school play.
Viola Davis and Michelle Obama
Davis and Michelle Obama are both powerful and inspiring figures in their own right, but the connection between them goes beyond mere admiration. Davis took on the challenging role of Michelle Obama in the Showtime series “The First Lady,” which premiered in April 2023. Despite not having direct contact with Michelle Obama regarding her portrayal. Davis has expressed immense respect and admiration for the former First Lady.
Viola Davis Hunger Games
Davis did not appear in any of the Hunger Games films based on the trilogy by Suzanne Collins. However, she played a significant role in the prequel film, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, released in November 2023.
In the film, Davis portrays Volumnia Gaul, the formidable Head Gamemaker for the 10th Hunger Games. Volumnia is a complex character who is both ruthless and deeply affected by the trauma of past Games. She is a powerful figure who wields immense control over the lives of the tributes. Moreover, her decisions have a profound impact on the outcome of the Games.
Viola Davis Career
In 2014, Davis landed the lead role in the ABC drama series “How to Get Away with Murder.” Her portrayal of Annalise Keating. Moreover, a brilliant and complex defense attorney earned her an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series. Furthermore, making her the first black woman to win in that category.
Since then, Davis has continued to rack up accolades for her work in film and television. She won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the 2016 film adaptation of “Fences,”. She has starred in films like “Blackhat,” “Widows,” and “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.” In 2021, Davis reprised her role as Amanda Waller in the superhero film “The Suicide Squad.” She also appeared alongside Sandra Bullock in the drama film “The Unforgivable.”
In 2022, Davis starred in “The Woman King,” a historical epic inspired by the true events of the Agojie. The all-female warriors of the Dahomey Kingdom. Davis is a talented and versatile actress who has broken down barriers throughout her career. She is an inspiration to aspiring actors and actresses of all backgrounds.
Viola Davis Woman King
Davis delivers a powerhouse performance in the 2022 historical action film, “The Woman King,” where she plays Nanisca, the fierce general of the Agojie, an all-female warrior unit that protected the West African Kingdom of Dahomey in the 1820s.
Davis brings depth and complexity to Nanisca, portraying her not just as a formidable warrior but also as a woman wrestling with personal demons and a tragic past. We see her vulnerability as she grapples with the loss of her daughter and the burden of leadership, while also witnessing her unwavering strength and determination in the face of threats to her kingdom.
Viola Davis Finding Me
“Finding Me” is Viola Davis’s powerful and inspiring memoir, published in 2022. Additionally, it chronicles her journey from a childhood marked by poverty and hardship to becoming one of the most celebrated actresses of our time. She doesn’t shy away from discussing the difficult experiences that shaped her, including poverty, hunger, and violence. But she also writes about her resilience, determination, and unwavering belief in herself.
Viola Davis Nominations
Academy Awards:
- 6 Nominations: Best Actress (The Help, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom), Best Supporting Actress (Doubt, Fences, Suicide Squad, Widows)
- 2 Wins: Best Supporting Actress (Fences, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom)
Golden Globe Awards:
- 8 Nominations: Best Actress – Drama Series (How to Get Away with Murder), Best Actress – Motion Picture Drama (The Help, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom), Best Supporting Actress – Series, Miniseries or Television Film (The Missing, Mildred Pierce)
- 1 Win: Best Actress – Limited Series or Television Film (Mildred Pierce)
Emmy Awards:
- 7 Nominations: Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series (How to Get Away with Murder)
- 1 Win: Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series (How to Get Away with Murder)
Tony Awards:
- 5 Nominations: Best Actress in a Play (King Hedley II, Seven Guitars, Fences), Best Featured Actress in a Play (Intimate Apparel)
- 2 Wins: Best Actress in a Play (King Hedley II, Fences)
Viola Davis Met Gala
Davis owned the 2023 Met Gala red carpet with a show-stopping pink Valentino gown. Additionally, the custom-made creation was a vibrant fuchsia hue, featuring cascading feathers and a dramatic train. She paired it with a voluminous afro hairstyle, bold pink eyeshadow, and silver statement earrings. The look resonated with the “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty” theme, while also making a powerful statement about defying fashion expectations.
2022 Met Gala: Viola dazzled in a golden Ralph Lauren gown with intricate beadwork and a flowing cape. The look celebrated the “In America: An Anthology of Fashion” theme, embodying elegance and glamour. 2018 Met Gala: Viola opted for a bold and dramatic Marc Jacobs gown in black and white stripes. Moreover, the dress featured a structured bodice and a voluminous skirt, making a statement on the “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination” theme.
Viola Davis Suicide Squad
Davis shines in the DC Extended Universe as Amanda Waller, the ruthless director of Task Force X in both the 2016 and 2021 iterations of “Suicide Squad.” Davis portrays Waller as a cold, calculating strategist who recruits incarcerated supervillains for high-risk missions under the threat of explosive collars implanted in their necks. Furthermore, Regarding her role in James Gunn’s “The Suicide Squad,” Davis delves deeper into Waller’s complex motivations and hidden agendas.
Viola Davis Black Adam
Davis steps back into the shoes of the ruthless and cunning Director of Task Force X, Amanda Waller. This marks her fifth time portraying the character, having previously appeared in Suicide Squad, The Suicide Squad, Peacemaker, and even a cameo in The Flash.
Despite having a smaller presence in Black Adam compared to those other films. Furthermore, Davis’s Waller still plays a pivotal role in setting the plot in motion. She’s the one who dispatches Hawkman and the Justice Society to capture the titular antihero, showcasing her influence and strategic mind.
Viola Davis Air
Davis plays the role of Deloris Jordan, the mother of basketball legend Michael Jordan. Moreover, in the 2023 biographical drama film Air. Her performance has been widely praised for its depth, warmth, and complexity. Davis portrays Deloris as a strong, supportive, and fiercely protective mother who instilled in Michael the values of hard work, determination, and resilience.
Viola Davis Movies and TV Shows
Movies
- Traffic (2000): Davis delivered a heart-wrenching performance as a grieving mother caught in the drug war, earning critical acclaim and establishing her talent.
- Far from Heaven (2002): She played a maid in 1950s America, showcasing her nuanced portrayal of complex characters and societal issues.
- Syriana (2005): Davis’s captivating performance as an FBI agent earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
- Doubt (2008): She starred alongside Meryl Streep in this drama about a priest accused of molestation, receiving another Academy Award nomination.
- The Help (2011): Davis’s powerful portrayal of a maid during the Civil Rights Movement earned her widespread recognition and an Academy Award win for Best Supporting Actress.
- Prisoners (2013): She played a determined mother searching for her kidnapped daughter, showcasing her range and intensity.
Films
- Get on Up (2014): Davis transformed into the legendary singer James Brown’s mother, earning critical praise for her energy and emotional depth.
- Suicide Squad (2016): She took on the iconic role of Amanda Waller, the ruthless director of Task Force X, in this DC Comics blockbuster.
- Fences (2016): Davis reprised her Tony-winning role as Rose Maxson in the film adaptation, earning an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.
- Widows (2018): She led an ensemble cast of women in this heist thriller, proving her ability to carry a film as the protagonist.
- Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (2020): Davis delivered a tour-de-force performance as the legendary blues singer Ma Rainey, receiving another Academy Award nomination.
- The Woman King (2022): She starred as the fierce general Nanisca in this historical epic about the Agojie warriors of Dahomey, showcasing her action skills and dramatic prowess.
TV Shows
- How to Get Away with Murder (2014-2020): Davis won two Emmy Awards for her portrayal of Annalise Keating, a brilliant and complex criminal defense professor who becomes entangled with her students in a murder plot.
- The First Lady (2022): Davis took on the iconic role of Michelle Obama in this Showtime miniseries, which chronicles the lives of three First Ladies – Michelle Obama, Betty Ford, and Eleanor Roosevelt.
- Scandal (2012-2018): Davis had a recurring role as Annalise Keating’s (from How to Get Away with Murder) rival, Professor Maya Pope, in this political drama about a fixer named Olivia Pope (Kerry Washington) who works for high-profile clients in Washington D.C.
- Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (2003-2019): Davis had a long-running guest role as Annalise Keating’s (from How to Get Away with Murder) friend Professor Leah Purcell, a legal expert who often assisted the SVU detectives with their cases.
- The Closer (2007-2012): Davis had a recurring role as Captain Raydor, a no-nonsense police captain who clashes with Brenda Leigh Johnson (Kyra Sedgwick).
Viola Davis Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
Davis is active on her social media accounts. She has about 3 million followers on her Facebook Page, about 1.8 Million followers on her Twitter account, and around 12 Million followers on her Instagram account.