Viola Davis

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Viola Davis BIO

Viola Davis is a critically revered actress of film, television, and theater and has won rave reviews for her multitude of substantial and intriguingly diverse roles. Audiences across the United States and internationally have admired her for her work- including her celebrated, Oscar-nominated performances in The Help (2011), Doubt (2008), and her Oscar winning performance in Fences (2016). In 2015, Davis won the Emmy Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series for her work in ABC's How To Get Away With Murder, making her the first black woman in history to take home the award. In addition to acting, Viola currently produces alongside her husband and producing partner, Julius Tennon, through their JuVee Productions banner. Together they have produced award-garnering productions across theater, television, and film.

In the 2010s, Davis won the 2010 Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play for her performance as Rose Maxson in the Broadway revival of August Wilson's play Fences. For starring as a 1960s housemaid in the comedy-drama The Help (2011), she won a Screen Actors Guild Award and received a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actress. From 2014 to 2020, she played lawyer Annalise Keating in the television drama series How to Get Away with Murder, for which she became the first black actress to win the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series in 2015. In 2016, she reprised the role of Maxson in the film adaptation of Fences, for which she won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.

In 2016, she made her debut as Amanda Waller in the DC Extended Universe film Suicide Squad and has reprised the role in subsequent DCEU media. In 2020, she portrayed Ma Rainey in the biopic Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, for which she received a fourth Academy Award nomination, becoming the most-nominated black actress in Oscar history.

She released her memoir, Finding Me (2022), which earned her a Grammy Award for Best Audio Book, Narration & Storytelling Recording nomination for its accompanying audiobook.

Viola Davis Photos

Viola Davis STAGE CREDITS

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2010
Rose

[Off-Broadway]
2004
Esther

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2001
Tonya

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1999
Performer [Replacement]

Performer [Replacement]

[Off-Broadway]
1999
Ruby McCollum

[Off-Broadway]
1998
2nd Fisherman/Lychorida/Bawd

[Off-Broadway]
1997
Eleanor

[Broadway]
1996
Vera


Viola Davis Awards and Nominations


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2010 - Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play

Viola Davis, Fences


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 2010 - Special Citations

Viola Davis


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2010 - Outstanding Actress in a Play

Viola Davis , Fences


winner
Tony Awards - 2010 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play

Viola Davis, Fences

The Lortels - 2005 - Outstanding Lead Actress

Viola Davis, Intimate Apparel


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2004 - Outstanding Actress - Play

Viola Davis, Intimate Apparel


winner
Obie Awards - 2004 - Performance

Viola Davis, Intimate Apparel

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2004 - Outstanding Actress in a Play

Viola Davis, Intimate Apparel


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2001 - Outstanding Featured Actress - Play

Viola Davis, King Hedley II


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2001 - Outstanding Actress in a Play

Viola Davis, King Hedley II


winner
Tony Awards - 2001 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play

Viola Davis, King Hedley II


winner
Obie Awards - 1999 - Performance

Viola Davis, Everybody's Ruby


winner
Theatre World Awards - 1996 - Performance

Viola Davis, Seven Guitars

Tony Awards - 1996 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play

Viola Davis, Seven Guitars

Viola Davis Videos

Viola Davis News


Kalamazoo Symphony Will Perform World Premiere Of New Work By Branford Marsalis

The conclusion of three-time GRAMMY award-winning saxophonist Branford Marsalis' three-year residency with the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra will culminate in the world premiere of 'Kalamazoo Suite,' a work written by Marsalis and commissioned by the Symphony.

THE COLOR PURPLE, Colman Domingo, and More Take Home NAACP Image Awards - Full List of Winners!

The 55th Annual NAACP Image Awards were announced during a ceremony on Saturday, March 16th. See the full list of winners here!

Denzel Washington & Jake Gyllenhaal to Star in OTHELLO on Broadway

Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal will return to Broadway next season in a production of Othello directed by Kenny Leon. The production is set for an unspecified Shubert theatre.

Jim Gaffigan Comes to the Eccles in October

 Live at the Eccles will present JIM GAFFIGAN on October 24 & 25, 2024 at the Eccles Theater on Main Street in downtown Salt Lake City.

Recap the Works of John Patrick Shanley

John Patrick Shanley's masterpiece, the Pulitzer Prize-winning play Doubt, officially opens in its first Broadway revival since it premiered in 2005. This comes just weeks after his latest play, Brooklyn Laundry, opened off-Broadway at MTC. Do you know the rest of Shanley's plays and films?

Jim Gaffigan To Return To Encore Theater At Wynn Las Vegas With BARELY ALIVE Tour

Jim Gaffigan, has revealed new dates for his 2024 Barely Alive Tour, including four additional shows at Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas. Learn how to purchase tickets.

Video: Watch KUNG FU PANDA 4 Sand & Spice Trailer

He who controls the spice, controls the SKADOOSH! Watch the “Sand & Spice” trailer from KUNG FU PANDA 4. The film stars Jack Black, Awkwafina, Viola Davis, Dustin Hoffman, James Hong, Bryan Cranston, Ian McShane and Ke Huy Quan. Watch the video now!

Christian Borle, Krysta Rodriguez, & Ephraim Sykes Will Lead Kennedy Center's BYE BYE BIRDIE

Christian Borlw, Krysta Rodrigues, and Ephraim Sykes will lead The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts's Broadway Center Stage production of Bye Bye Birdie. With direction by Marc Bruni, the production runs from June 7th through June 15th, 2024.

Photos: Go Inside the Opening of The Hollywood Museum's Black History Month Exhibit THIS JOINT IS JUMPIN

This week, Donelle Dadigan (Founder/President of The Hollywood Museum) joined many personalities, as they honor Black History Month with a new exhibit  “THIS JOINT IS JUMPIN” a celebration of Black Entertainers from Film, TV, Theater and Song. Check out photos from the event here!

Video: Watch the KUNG FU PANDA 4 'Be Calm And Po On' Meditation

Stressed about the upcoming long weekend? Let Po lead you on a guided meditation journey, streaming exclusively on YouTube from 9am-1pm PT on February 16th.  “Be Calm and Po” is Po's attempt to lead you to the Zen zone, but with his track record, expect more panda-monium than serenity. Watch the video!

Lynn Nottage's Pulitzer Prize-Winning Play SWEAT Comes To City Theatre in March!

Sacramento City College's City Theatre is producing Lynn Nottage's 2017 Pulitzer Prize-winning play SWEAT.

Spotlight: A CONVERSATION WITH HAYDEN PANETTIERE at Keswick Theatre

A Conversation with Hayden Panettiere at Keswick Theatre

Arizona Theatre Company's INTIMATE APPAREL to Run in Tucson & Tempe

Arizona Theatre Company presents Intimate Apparel, a stunning drama by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Lynn Nottage. Follow the journey of an African American seamstress in 1905 Manhattan.

Review: Lyric Stage Company's TROUBLE IN MIND Proves Playwright Stood Her Ground for Good Reason

What did our critic think of TROUBLE IN MIND at The Lyric Stage Company of Boston?

Roundabout Theatre Company Reveals 2024 Underground Reading Series

Roundabout Theatre Company has revealed the 2024 Roundabout Underground Reading Series, a five-night event that includes nightly readings of new works written by emerging artists, with post-show receptions.

Signature Theatre Presents Dominique Morisseau's SUNSET BABY, Directed by Steve H. Broadnax III, January 30- March 10

Signature Theatre presents Signature Premiere Resident, Tony Award nominee, and MacArthur Fellow Dominique Morisseau's Sunset Baby, directed by Steve H. Broadnax III.

Elton John Achieves EGOT Status With Emmy Win

Elton John is now an EGOT. He won a Tony Award in 2000 for Best Original Score for Aida with Tim Rice. He was awarded with his first Oscar in 1995 for 'Can You Feel the Love Tonight' from the Lion King. Other EGOT winners include Viola Davis, Whoopi Goldberg, Marvin Hamlisch, Helen Hayes, Alan Menken, Rita Moreno, Andrew Lloyd Webber, and more.

THE JENNIFER HUDSON SHOW Renewed For Season 3

“The Jennifer Hudson Show” has been renewed for a third season. Guests this season have included Mariah Carey, “The Color Purple” cast and Producer Oprah Winfrey, Demi Lovato, Octavia Spencer, Matthew McConaughey, and Adam Sandler. Upcoming guests include Kaley Cuoco, Heidi Klum, Common, Snoop Dogg, and Chrissy Teigen.

Danielle Brooks To Receive The Breakthrough Performer Award At Hollywood Creative Alliance's Astra Film Awards

Danielle Brooks will receive the Breakthrough Performer Award at Hollywood Creative Alliance's Astra Film Awards. Comedian Rick Glassman will host the ceremony, which will be internationally broadcast on ABS-CBN in 247 countries and territories.

THE HUNGER GAMES: THE BALLAD OF SONGBIRDS & SNAKES Sets 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray And DVD Release Dates

Based on the Suzanne Collins best-selling novel of the same name, with a screenplay by Michael Lesslie and Michael Arndt, and directed by Francis Lawrence, the star-studded cast features Tom Blyth (Benediction), Golden Globe winner Rachel Zegler (Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, West Side Story), and more.

Viola Davis FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Viola Davis been in?

Viola Davis has appeared on Broadway in 3 shows.

How many West End shows has Viola Davis been in?

Viola Davis has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has Viola Davis been nominated for?

Viola Davis has been nominated for several prestigious awards throughout her career. Some of her notable nominations include Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play at the Drama Desk Awards for "Fences," Special Citations at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards, Outstanding Actress in a Play at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "Fences," and Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play at the Tony Awards for "Fences." She has also been recognized with nominations such as Outstanding Lead Actress at The Lortels for "Intimate Apparel," Outstanding Actress - Play at the Drama Desk Awards for "Intimate Apparel," and Performance at the Obie Awards for "Intimate Apparel." Additionally, Viola Davis received nominations for Outstanding Actress in a Play at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "Intimate Apparel," Outstanding Featured Actress - Play at the Drama Desk Awards for "King Hedley II," Outstanding Actress in a Play at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "King Hedley II," and Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play at the Tony Awards for "King Hedley II." Her other nominations include Performance at the Obie Awards for "Everybody's Ruby," Performance at the Theatre World Awards for "Seven Guitars," and Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play at the Tony Awards for "Seven Guitars."

What awards has Viola Davis won?

Viola Davis has won several awards throughout her career, including Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for "Fences," Special Citations (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards), Outstanding Actress in a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for "Fences," Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for "Fences," Outstanding Actress - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for "Intimate Apparel," Performance (Obie Awards) for "Intimate Apparel," Outstanding Featured Actress - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for "King Hedley II," Outstanding Actress in a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for "King Hedley II," Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for "King Hedley II," Performance (Obie Awards) for "Everybody's Ruby," and Performance (Theatre World Awards) for "Seven Guitars."

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