Viola Davis is an American actress and producer. She is the recipient of various accolades including Academy Awards, Primetime Awards, and Tony Awards. Time magazine enlisted her among the 100 most influential people in the world in 2012 and 2017. She has been ranked 9th number among the list of great actors of the 21st century. She is the only African American actress to achieve the Triple Crown Of Acting. She often plays the role of a long-suffering mother.
Viola is known for her precise, controlled performances and regal appearance. Davis began her career by appearing in small stage productions. She played minor roles in films and television series. She made her Broadway debut in 1996 in the movie Seven Guitars. She was praised for her performance and she received a Tony Award nomination for her acting in the first movie. Her breakthrough came with the movie Doubt and she earned her first Academy Award for Supporting Actress.
| Birth | 11 August 1965 |
| Birth Name | Viola Davis |
| Occupation | Actress, Producer |
| Years Active | 1988- Present |
| Spouse | Julius Tennon |
| Children | 1 |
Early Life:
Davis was born on 11 August 1965 in St. Matthews, South Carolina, to Mae Alice Davis and Dan Davis. Her father was a horse trainer and her mother was a factory worker, maid, and homemaker. Her mother was also an activist during Civil Rights Movement and she was sent to jail due to civil rights protests. She was in jail with her mother. Davis described herself as having lived in poverty and dysfunction in her childhood.
Education:
Davis attended Central Falls School for primary education. As a teenager, she was involved in the TRIO Upward Bound and TRIO Student Support Service programs. After graduating from high school She studied at Rhode Islands College. She attended Julliard School for four years and was a member of the School’s Drama Division Group. Davis’s talent was recognized by director Bernard Masterson during her performance on the school stage.
Personal Life:
Davis married actor Julius Tennon in June 2003. In 2011, the couple adopted an infant daughter named Genesis. Davis is also a stepmother to Tennon’s two children from previous relationships. Davis is a Christian and regularly attends services at Oasis Church in Los Angeles.
Activism:
In 2001, Davis donated funds to her hometown public library in Central Falls, Rhode Island. She also donated funds to her Alma Metre Central Falls High School for its theater programs. She has collaborated with Hunger Is campaign to reduce hunger in South America. She was also a speaker at the 2018 Women’s March event in Los Angeles.
Career:
In 1992, Davis played her first professional stage role in the comedy-drama As You Like It. She was given small roles in television series and films. She made her Broadway debut in 1996 in Seven Guitars. Critics appreciated her performance. She also appeared in HBO films The Pentagon Wars and Out Of Sight.
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As An Actress:
In 2001, she again returned to Broadway and starred in the movie King Hedley II portraying the role of a woman fighting for the right to abort a pregnancy. She made her breakthrough performance in the movie Doubt and received nominations for various prestigious Awards. She became the most nominated black actress in the history of the Academy Awards.
Famous Movies:
- Fences
- MA Rainey’s Black Bottom
- The Help
- The Woman King
- Doubt
- Widows
- Prisoners
- Get On Up
- Ender’s Game
- Eat Pray Love
- Won’t Back Down
- Lila & Eve
- Suicide Squad
- Black Hat
- Antwone Fisher
Awards And Honors:
- Academy Award For Best Supporting Actress (2017)
- Golden Globe Award For Best Supporting Actress (2017)
- Screen Actors Guild Award For Outstanding Performance (2012)
- Primetime Emmy Award For Outstanding Leading Actress (2015)
- BAFTA Award For Best Supporting Actress (2017)
- BET Award For Best Actress (2012)
- Obie Award For Best Performance (2004,1999)
- Glamour Award For Film Actress (2012)
- Glamour Award For Icon (2018)
- NAACP Image Award For Outstanding Supporting Actress (2017)
- Outer Critics Special Circle Award (1996)
FAQS:
- What is the Nationality of Viola Davis and her Parents?
She was born on August 11, 1965, in St. Matthews, South Carolina, United States. As for her parents, her mother, Mary Alice Davis, was also American, while her father, Dan Davis, was from the island of Antigua and Barbuda in the Caribbean. Viola Davis has spoken about her mixed-race heritage and has been an advocate for representation and diversity in the entertainment industry.
- Viola Davis Has a Sister?
Viola Davis has a sister named Diane Davis-Wright. She is the second oldest of Viola’s six siblings. Diane is a business and program analyst for the United States Department of Agriculture. She is also a certified life coach and a motivational speaker. Diane is a strong supporter of her sister’s career. She often attends her award shows and red carpet events. She is also a vocal advocate for women’s empowerment and diversity in the arts.
- How Many Oscar Viola Davis Won?
Viola Davis has won one Academy Award, also known as an Oscar. She received the award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in the film “Fences” in 2017. Viola Davis delivered a powerful portrayal of Rose Maxson in the film, earning critical acclaim and widespread recognition for her talent and emotional depth. Her Oscar win further solidified her status as one of the most respected and accomplished actresses in the industry.
- How much is Viola Davis Worth?
Viola Davis’ net worth is estimated to be around $25 million. However, it’s important to note that net worth estimates can vary, and the actual figure may differ based on various factors, such as investments, endorsements, and changes in her financial status.
- Who is the Father of Viola Davis?
Viola Davis’ father’s name was Dan Davis. He was a horse groomer who left school after second grade. He was also physically and emotionally abusive to Davis’ mother, Mae Alice. Dan Davis died of pancreatic cancer in 2006.
