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


BLUES IN THE NIGHT to Open at Arizona Theatre Company in January Photo
BLUES IN THE NIGHT to Open at Arizona Theatre Company in January

Arizona Theatre Company will welcome in 2025 with the Tony Award- nominated musical Blues in the Night by Sheldon Epps. Learn more about the production and see how to purchase tickets.
Photos: Viola Davis & Ted Danson Honored with Special Golden Globe Awards Photo
Photos: Viola Davis & Ted Danson Honored with Special Golden Globe Awards

Ahead of the main ceremony on Sunday, January 5, the Golden Globes recognized the 2024 Cecil B. DeMille Award Recipient, Viola Davis, and the 2024 Carol Burnett Award Recipient, Ted Danson, at the inaugural Golden Gala: An Evening of Excellence. Take a look at photos here!
Everything to Know About the 82nd Annual Golden Globes- How to Stream, Who's Nominate Photo
Everything to Know About the 82nd Annual Golden Globes- How to Stream, Who's Nominated, & More

The highly-anticipated 82nd Annual Golden Globes® will take place on Sunday, January 5, 2025, at The Beverly Hilton Hotel. The Golden Globes®, often referred to as “Hollywood’s Party of the Year®,” is the largest awards show in the world to celebrate the best of both film and television.
Prime Video Reveals Premiere Date for G20 Starring Viola Davis Photo
Prime Video Reveals Premiere Date for G20 Starring Viola Davis

Prime Video has announced the April 10 premiere date for the upcoming film G20, an action-thriller starring Academy Award winner Viola Davis. G20 follows U.S. President Danielle Sutton (Davis), who becomes the number one target after the G20 summit comes under siege.
Ariana DeBose, Colman Domingo, & More to Present at 82nd Annual Golden Globes Photo
Ariana DeBose, Colman Domingo, & More to Present at 82nd Annual Golden Globes

The Golden Globes has announced that Andrew Garfield, Anthony Ramos, Ariana DeBose, Aubrey Plaza, Auliʻi Cravalho, Colman Domingo, Elton John, Glenn Close, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Sarah Paulson, and more will present at the 82nd Annual Golden Globes.
CREATURE COMMANDOS Renewed for Second Season at Max Photo
CREATURE COMMANDOS Renewed for Second Season at Max

The critically acclaimed and fan-favorite Max Original adult animated series CREATURE COMMANDOS, written and executive produced by filmmaker and DC Studios Co-Chair James Gunn, has been renewed for a second season.
Comedian Chris Tucker Announces Return To Encore Theater In March 2025 Photo
Comedian Chris Tucker Announces Return To Encore Theater In March 2025

Award-winning actor and comedian, Chris Tucker, will make his highly-awaited return to the stage at Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas for his latest headlining engagement, March 28 - 29, 2025.
Patrick Hoffman, NYPL's Curator and Director of the Theatre on Film and Tape Archive, Photo
Patrick Hoffman, NYPL's Curator and Director of the Theatre on Film and Tape Archive, To Retire

Patrick Hoffman, The New York Public Library’s Curator and Director of the Theatre on Film and Tape Archive in the Billy Rose Theatre Division, is retiring after a career of more than three decades at NYPL.
Cast & Creative Team Set for TWO TRAINS RUNNING at Hartford Stage Photo
Cast & Creative Team Set for TWO TRAINS RUNNING at Hartford Stage

Hartford Stage has revealed the artistic team for its upcoming production of August Wilson's Two Trains Running directed by Gilbert McCauley. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets.
Ted Danson to Receive the 2025 Carol Burnett Award Photo
Ted Danson to Receive the 2025 Carol Burnett Award

The Golden Globes® has announced that 13-time Golden Globe® nominee and three-time winner Ted Danson has been named the Carol Burnett Award honoree for 2025.
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 is now in performances 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.
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 several prestigious awards throughout her career. These include: 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.

Get Viola Davis Email Alerts

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

Videos