Viola Davis is a woman who stands out as a beacon of talent, grace, and resilience. Known for her extraordinary performances on both the big screen and television, Davis has amassed accolades and awards for her versatility as an actress.
From her breakthrough role in “The Help” to her captivating portrayal in “Fences,” she has captivated audiences across the United States and around the globe. But her path to success was far from ordinary, filled with adversity and a steely determination to rise above it.
Breaking Barriers and Making History
Davis is not just a gifted actress; she is a trailblazer who has shattered ceilings and transformed the landscape of the entertainment industry. Her career encompasses film, television, and theater, and she has delivered performances that resonate with the hearts of audiences worldwide. Since 2009, she has been nominated for four Oscars and five Emmys, winning each award once.
In 2015, Davis etched her name in the annals of history by becoming the first black woman to claim the Emmy Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series. Her role in ABC’s “How To Get Away With Murder” showcased her undeniable talent and acting prowess, marking a pivotal moment for Davis.
Beyond her acting prowess, Davis, in partnership with her husband Julius Tennon, has left an indelible mark as a producer through their JuVee Productions banner. Their production company has been the creative force behind award-winning productions across theater, television, and film.Davis’s ascent to stardom did not come easy. Her early years were marked by poverty and adversity that shaped her into the remarkable woman that her fans admire today. She was born in a one-room shack on her grandmother’s farm, a place that had once been a slave plantation.
The above is the house where I was born August 11, 1965. It is the birthplace of my story. Today on my 55th year of life….I own it….all of it.
"May you live long enough to know why you were born.”
-Cherokee Birth Blessing- pic.twitter.com/CatJK405BL— Viola Davis (@violadavis) August 11, 2020
Her parents, Dan and Mae Alice, moved to Rhode Island in pursuit of a better life, but financial struggles continued to plague them. Davis and her five siblings grappled with hunger, dilapidated living conditions, and the torment of school bullies who taunted her with racist comments. She once recalled:
“I was the kind of poor where I knew right away I had less than everyone around me. Our environment, our physical space reflected our income.”
The family had a rat problem so severe that the rodents bit the faces of her dolls, forcing her to tie rags around her neck at night for protection while she slept.Davis’s childhood was not just marked by poverty; she also endured sexual and physical abuse. Her father’s violence towards her mother cast a dark shadow over her early years. Shame, trauma, and the isolation of growing up in a predominantly white community marked her formative years. She explained:
“I felt completely isolated because I was growing up in a predominantly white community that I felt spit me out. And there was no one there to give me any insight on just what it meant to be black. Just what it meant to be dark-skinned—that it wasn’t a stigma.”This trauma left her with a profound absence of love. As a little girl, she had to endure being chased home from school daily by a group of boys who threw bricks at her and yelled racist comments. This experience defined her in many ways, and Davis would later turn these painful memories into a source of strength.
“Finding Me,” the Memoir
Davis has a memoir, “Finding Me,” that serves as a cathartic journey through her traumatic past. In its pages, she candidly discusses not just the poverty she endured but also the sexual and physical abuse she suffered. Her father’s violence and the accompanying shame weighed heavily on her.
Since its publication, Davis has used her memoir as a means to make peace with herself, to own her experiences, and to find healing and a sense of home. She discovered that her life’s meaning isn’t solely defined by success or acting; it’s about finding the essence of her true self.Davis wrote her memoir to try to make peace with herself. She wanted to own her experiences as part of who she is, and it has given her an extraordinary sense of compassion. Her memoir is a foundational pillar of her work, which has not only been recognized with awards but has also touched the hearts of audiences worldwide.It has resonated with people from all walks of life, encouraging them to face their own challenges with confidence and compassion. On social media, fans rallied behind Davis, offering their support, love, and admiration. Many revealed that they have found inspiration in her journey and her willingness to share her story with the world.
They lauded her courage and strength in confronting her past and praised her for using her platform to inspire others to do the same, calling her story “beautiful” and “truly an inspiration.”
Viola Davis’ Dream Home
As a little girl, Davis’ dream was to become a great, famous actress and have her own house. Today, she resides in Los Angeles in a family home she proudly calls her own. Alongside her husband, Tennon, the couple opened their doors to Architectural Digest, sharing their newly renovated sanctuary with the world.
The renovation project, undertaken with LA designer Michaela Cadiz, aimed to infuse more color into their living space. Davis and Tennon wanted their home to be warm and inviting without descending into garishness. Inspired by the colors and culture they experienced while working in South Africa, their home now boasts soothing and sophisticated interiors.Cadiz’s design choices extend to every corner of their home, from a metallic ceiling adorned with a dragonfly motif to a coral-toned guest room. Their living spaces are punctuated with vibrant artworks and pieces that have history and meaning.While Davis and Tennon’s careers keep them busy, they find solace in their home. The kitchen, at the heart of their social life, plays host to Thanksgiving feasts, prepared with love and shared with family and friends. Their bedroom, bathed in shades of pale yellow and ivory, offers them a tranquil retreat for relaxation and reconnection.
In this family home, Davis has found not just a place of beauty and comfort but a sanctuary. Her journey from poverty to stardom serves as a testament to her resilience, and her newly renovated home is a reflection of the life she has built with love and purpose.