News on your favorite shows, specials & more!
Viola Davis Headshot

Viola Davis

read more news

Get Viola Davis Email Alerts

Be the first to get news, photos, videos & more.

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.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

Fences Fences
[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2010
Rose
Intimate Apparel
[Off-Broadway]
2004
Esther
King Hedley II
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2001
Tonya
The Vagina Monologues
[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1999
Performer [Replacement]
Performer [Replacement]
Everybody's Ruby
[Off-Broadway]
1999
Ruby McCollum
Pericles
[Off-Broadway]
1998
2nd Fisherman/Lychorida/Bawd
God's Heart
[Off-Broadway]
1997
Eleanor
Seven Guitars
[Broadway]
1996
Vera

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

Videos

More Video

News


2025 YoungArts Award Winners Announced Photo
2025 YoungArts Award Winners Announced

YoungArts has announced the 2025 YoungArts award winners— more than 800 of the most accomplished young visual, literary and performing artists from across the country, heralding the next generation of artists to watch.
David Schwimmer and James Oh Join Lookingglass Theatre Company Board Photo
David Schwimmer and James Oh Join Lookingglass Theatre Company Board

After pausing its operations last year to reorganize and create a new business model, Chicago’s Tony-Award winning Lookingglass Theatre Company is welcoming two new Board members as it prepares to reopen January 30, 2025. Learn more!
Cast Set for HERO: THE BOY FROM TROY, A NEW MUSICAL ABOUT YOUNG JOHN LEWIS Tour Photo
Cast Set for HERO: THE BOY FROM TROY, A NEW MUSICAL ABOUT YOUNG JOHN LEWIS Tour

From the same creative team as JABARI DREAMS OF FREEDOM, HERO: THE BOY FROM TROY, book by Nambi E. Kelley with lyrics, composition, and music direction by Joe Plummer, directed by Daniel Carlton, will tour. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Chris Tucker Will Headline Valentine's Comedy Night at NJPAC Photo
Chris Tucker Will Headline Valentine's Comedy Night at NJPAC

Following multiple sold-out performances at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), award-winning actor and comedian Chris Tucker will return for his latest headlining engagement on Valentine's Evening.
Denzel Washington Plans to Star in OTHELLO Film Before Retirement Photo
Denzel Washington Plans to Star in OTHELLO Film Before Retirement

Denzel Washington is only a few movies away from retiring. On a recent visit to Australia's Today Show to promote Gladiator II, the acting legend shared some of his next films, which include at least one big-screen Shakespeare adaptation. 
A-Sha Foods USA & First We Feast’s Hot Ones™ Expand Line of Ramen Noodle Soup  Photo
A-Sha Foods USA & First We Feast’s Hot Ones™ Expand Line of Ramen Noodle Soup 

Following the debut of its sold-out ramen noodle soups in partnership with 'Hot Ones,' A-Sha Foods USA, the AAPI-owned noodle brand known for its patented, 100-year-old legacy noodle recipe from Tainan, Taiwan, launches three new ramen noodle soups.
What Are the Great American Plays? Photo
What Are the Great American Plays?

Great American plays often capture key moments, issues, and themes that define American life, culture, and history, making them essential parts of the American theatrical canon. Which playwrights do you think made the list?
John Patrick Shanley To Be Honored at The William Inge Center For The Performing Arts Photo
John Patrick Shanley To Be Honored at The William Inge Center For The Performing Arts

The William Inge Center for the Arts at Independence Community College, Independence Kansas, announces John Patrick Shanley as the Honoree for the 42nd William Inge Theatre Festival, which takes place April 17-19, 2025. Shanley will be presented with the William Inge Distinguished Achievement in the American Theatre Award. The Festival will include the 8th New Play Lab, a partnership with the Kansas Arts Commission and Independence Community College, performances, workshops, panel discussions and social events.
Meet the Cast of DEATH BECOMES HER, Beginning Previews Tonight on Broadway Photo
Meet the Cast of DEATH BECOMES HER, Beginning Previews Tonight on Broadway

Death Becomes her is coming to Broadway! The new musical begins preview performances tonight, Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre. Meet the cast of Death Becomes Her here!
YoungArts 2025 Application to Close Next Week Photo
YoungArts 2025 Application to Close Next Week

The YoungArts 2025 application deadline is approaching in one week. Aspiring artists aged 15-18 can apply for recognition and support in various disciplines, including visual arts, music, and writing. Learn more and see how to apply.
Meet the Cast of TAMMY FAYE, Beginning Previews Tonight on Broadway Photo
Meet the Cast of TAMMY FAYE, Beginning Previews Tonight on Broadway

The Broadway run of TAMMY FAYE is now in previews and will officially open on November 14th, 2024 at the Palace Theater. Meet the cast of TAMMY FAYE here!
Comedian Jim Gaffigan is Coming To The North Charleston Performing Arts Center Photo
Comedian Jim Gaffigan is Coming To The North Charleston Performing Arts Center

Comedian Jim Gaffigan is set to perform at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center in May 2025. Tickets will be available starting Friday, October 11, 2024. Learn more about the performer!
Adrienne Warren to Make Cafe Carlyle Debut in December Photo
Adrienne Warren to Make Cafe Carlyle Debut in December

Tony Award winner Adrienne Warren, known for her performances in Tina - The Tina Turner Musical and much more, is set to make her debut at Cafe Carlyle in December. Learn more about what to expect from the performances and see how to purchase tickets.
Maggie Smith Remembered By Whoopi Goldberg, HARRY POTTER Stars & More Photo
Maggie Smith Remembered By Whoopi Goldberg, HARRY POTTER Stars & More

Following the passing of Dame Maggie Smith, tributes from former co-stars and fans have begun to pour in. The tributes include Whoopi Goldberg, Marc Shaiman, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Michelle Dockery, Hugh Bonneville, and more.
Kate Winslet, Kerry Washington, & More Honored for 2024 WIF Photo
Kate Winslet, Kerry Washington, & More Honored for 2024 WIF

WIF (formerly known as Women In Film, Los Angeles) has announced that Annette Bening, Michelle Buteau, Joey King, Ellen Kuras, Danielle Sanchez-Witzel, Kerry Washington, and Kate Winslet will be honored at the 2024 WIF Honors, taking place on Thursday, October 24, at The Beverly Hilton.
Meet the Cast of ROMEO + JULIET, Beginning Previews Tonight on Broadway Photo
Meet the Cast of ROMEO + JULIET, Beginning Previews Tonight on Broadway

Sam Gold’s production of ROMEO + JULIET, starring Emmy Award winner Kit Connor and Golden Globe Award winner Rachel Zegler, begins previews tonight at the Circle in the Square Theatre. The production officially opens Thursday, October 24, 2024. Meet the cast of ROMEO + JULIET here!
Jennifer Hudson to Tour 'The Gift of Love: An Intimate Live Experience' Photo
Jennifer Hudson to Tour 'The Gift of Love: An Intimate Live Experience'

History’s youngest female EGOT-winner Jennifer Hudson will ring in the upcoming release of her first-ever holiday album with a truly rare present for her fans — The Gift of Love: An Intimate Live Experience, which begins November 24 in Brooklyn and wraps in Las Vegas on December 22.
Jennifer Hudson 'Deck The Hall' Holiday Concert Added To Walt Disney Concert Hall 202 Photo
Jennifer Hudson 'Deck The Hall' Holiday Concert Added To Walt Disney Concert Hall 2024/25 Season

The Los Philharmonic has announced an addition to the Walt Disney Concert Hall 24/25 season: Deck the HallHoliday Concerts -- Jennifer Hudson on Wednesday, December 18 at 8PM. The youngest female EGOT winner in history comes to Walt Disney Concert Hall to perform selections off her new album, The Gift of Love. 
HOW NOT TO KILL YOUR FAMILY Comes to The Center at West Park Photo
HOW NOT TO KILL YOUR FAMILY Comes to The Center at West Park

'How Not to Kill Your Family,' a new darkly comedic one-woman show written and performed by Bree Rosen, directed by Quinn Jackson, will premiere for one night only, Thursday, September 19, at 7:30pm at The Center at West Park 165 WEST 86TH STREET, NEW YORK, NY, 10024 as part of the Evolution Festival.
Meet the Cast of OUR TOWN, Beginning Previews Tonight on Broadway Photo
Meet the Cast of OUR TOWN, Beginning Previews Tonight on Broadway

Thornton Wilder’s Our Town will begin previews on Tuesday, September 17 ahead of an opening on Thursday, October 10 at the Barrymore Theatre for a strictly limited engagement. Meet the cast of Our Town here!
More News

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?

Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Fences, Special Citations (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for , 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 Lead Actress (The Lortels) for Intimate Apparel, Outstanding Actress - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Intimate Apparel, Performance (Obie Awards) for Intimate Apparel, Outstanding Actress in a Play (Outer Critics Circle 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, Performance (Theatre World Awards) for Seven Guitars and Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Seven Guitars.

What awards has Viola Davis won?

Viola Davis has won numerous 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 - Performance (Theatre World Awards) for Seven Guitars.

Get Viola Davis Email Alerts

Be the first to get news, photos, videos & more.

Videos