Top 10 Coolest Things About Viola Davis

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Viola Davis is known for both her incredible acting and her influence on the entertainment industry. She’s delivered memorable performances in movies and television, constantly pushing boundaries for actors. Here are ten key facts – focusing on her achievements in film and TV – that illustrate her remarkable journey.

‘How to Get Away with Murder’ (2014–2020) – First Black woman to win Lead Actress in a Drama Emmy

Viola Davis broke new ground on television with her portrayal of Annalise Keating, a defense attorney and law professor. Her Emmy win for Lead Actress in a Drama Series was a historic first for a Black woman. The show helped usher in a trend of network dramas focused on strong, complex female characters. Davis’s performance also connected with other shows created by Shondaland, expanding one of television’s most popular and engaging worlds.

‘Fences’ (2016) – Oscar-winning performance adapted from her Tony-winning role

Viola Davis won an Academy Award for her performance as Rose Maxson in the film adaptation of the play, a role she originally mastered on Broadway. The movie stayed true to August Wilson’s powerful writing and Davis brought the same emotional depth to the screen. Her scenes with Denzel Washington beautifully portrayed a realistic marriage and the challenges faced by different generations. Davis’s performance was remarkable because she successfully transitioned a highly praised stage role into an equally acclaimed film performance.

‘Doubt’ (2008) – Earned an Oscar nomination with minimal screen time

Davis earned a Best Supporting Actress nomination for a small but memorable role. A single conversation between her character, a school principal, and a nun powerfully reshaped the film’s main themes. Her performance proved that even limited screen time, when delivered with skill and confidence, can be incredibly impactful, and it’s often used as an example of how a few key scenes can dramatically change a movie’s core meaning.

‘The Help’ (2011) – Led an ensemble that won top guild honors

Viola Davis, playing Aibileen Clark, led a diverse cast and received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. The film’s cast as a whole won the highest award from the Screen Actors Guild. Her performance was key to the film’s success, both financially and in sparking important conversations. It also demonstrated her skill at guiding a large group of actors while portraying a complex and nuanced character.

‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom’ (2020) – Brought a music icon to visceral life

Viola Davis powerfully played blues singer Ma Rainey, completely changing her appearance and voice to capture the performer’s strong presence and confidence. Her performance received widespread praise and an Oscar nomination. The movie, based on a play by August Wilson, explored the conflicts between musicians, those in charge of recordings, and the music industry itself. Davis’s acting emphasized the struggle of an artist trying to maintain creative control as the business world evolved.

‘The Woman King’ (2022) – Starred in and produced a groundbreaking historical epic

Davis starred in and helped create this epic action movie about the all-female warriors of the Dahomey kingdom in West Africa. She underwent rigorous training in fighting and physical conditioning to perform the film’s battle scenes. The movie notably featured a mostly female cast and crew. Its popularity proved that audiences are eager to see big-scale historical stories with Black women in leading roles.

‘Air’ (2023) – Cast as Deloris Jordan after a personal endorsement by Michael Jordan

Ben Affleck revealed that Michael Jordan specifically asked Viola Davis to portray his mother, Deloris Jordan. Her powerful performance is central to the film, which focuses on the groundbreaking sneaker deal. Davis is joined by her husband, Julius Tennon, enriching the family relationships shown on screen. This role further solidifies Davis’s respected status among actors and sports legends.

‘Suicide Squad’ (2016) – Cemented Amanda Waller as a pivotal DC character

Viola Davis’s performance as Amanda Waller firmly established her as a key strategist in the DC movie and TV universe. She reappeared in projects like ‘The Suicide Squad’ and ‘Peacemaker,’ helping to link different stories together. Davis portrayed Waller as incredibly intelligent, uncompromising, and focused on what she believed was best for national security. Her work redefined how ordinary, non-superpowered characters can influence events in superhero stories.

EGOT milestone – Completed the rare awards quartet with a Grammy for ‘Finding Me’

Whoopi Goldberg is one of the rare entertainers to win an EGOT – an Emmy, Oscar, Grammy, and Tony Award. She recently earned the Grammy for narrating her autobiography, ‘Finding Me,’ adding to her already impressive collection of awards. This win highlights her talent as a storyteller, not just in film and theater, but also through audiobooks, and marks the peak of a remarkable and diverse career.

JuVee Productions – Building opportunities for inclusive stories and creators

Viola Davis and Julius Tennon created JuVee Productions to bring fresh, diverse stories to film and television. The company focuses on compelling characters and works across all types of genres and formats. JuVee partners with major studios and streaming services to increase diversity in front of and behind the camera. Through this work, Davis is using her influence to change the kinds of stories we see and ensure more people have the opportunity to tell them.

Tell us about your favorite performance by Viola Davis and what role you believe will be her most memorable!

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2025-10-23 01:45