About

She was born on August 11, 1965, in South Carolina, and grew up in poverty, with her family often struggling to make ends meet. Despite these challenges, she developed a passion for acting at an early age and went on to study theater at the prestigious Juilliard School. Davis began her acting career on stage, earning critical acclaim for her performances in plays such as "Intimate Apparel" and "Fences", for which she won a Tony Award. She then transitioned to on-screen roles, making her feature film debut in the 1996 movie "The Substance of Fire". Over the years, she has appeared in a wide range of films, including "Doubt", "The Help", and "Fences", consistently delivering powerful and nuanced performances that have garnered her numerous accolades. In 2015, Davis made history by becoming the first African American woman to win the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series, for her role in the hit television show "How to Get Away with Murder". She has also been recognized with an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, and several Screen Actors Guild Awards for her performances in film. Outside of her acting career, Davis is known for her activism and advocacy work. She actively supports causes such as equal pay for women and the representation of marginalized communities in the entertainment industry. In 2018, she was honored with the Harvard Foundation's Artist of the Year award for her contributions to the field of entertainment. Throughout her career, Viola Davis has established herself as a versatile and highly acclaimed actress, known for her ability to bring depth and authenticity to her roles. Her talent, dedication, and commitment to social justice have made her an influential figure both in the entertainment industry and beyond.