Viola Davis is a renowned American actress and producer, born on August 11, 1965. With a career spanning over three decades, she has received widespread acclaim and numerous accolades, solidifying her position as one of the most accomplished actresses in the industry.
Davis's journey in the world of acting began in Central Falls, Rhode Island, where she started appearing in small stage productions. Her talent and dedication eventually led her to the Juilliard School, where she graduated in 1993. Her early career was marked by small roles in film and television, but it wasn't until her performance in the 1999 Broadway production of Everybody's Ruby that she received critical acclaim, winning an Obie Award for her portrayal of Ruby McCollum.
Her breakthrough role came in 2001 with her performance in the Broadway production of August Wilson's King Hedley II, earning her a Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Play. This was followed by her role in the 2008 drama Doubt, for which she received her first Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
Davis's subsequent roles in The Help (2011) and Fences (2016) further cemented her status as a talented actress, earning her nominations for the Academy Award for Best Actress and the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, respectively. Her performance in Fences also earned her a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play.
In addition to her work on stage and screen, Davis has also made a significant impact in the world of television. She played the lead role of Annalise Keating in the ABC drama series How to Get Away with Murder from 2014 to 2020, becoming the first black actress to win the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series in 2015.
Davis has also been recognized for her advocacy work, particularly in the areas of human rights and equal rights for women and women of color. She has received numerous awards and nominations for her performances, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2017 and a Grammy Award for her audiobook narration of her memoir Finding Me in 2023.
Throughout her career, Davis has been recognized for her exceptional talent, dedication, and commitment to her craft. She has received numerous accolades, including an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar, and a Tony, making her one of the few performers to have achieved the coveted EGOT status.
