Viola Davis

Viola Davis (born August 11, 1965) is an acclaimed American actress, producer, and philanthropist who has become one of the most celebrated performers of her generation. Born in St. Matthewsville, South Carolina, she grew up in poverty and overcame significant adversity to pursue her passion for acting. Davis trained at the Rhode Island College and later at Juilliard School under John Houseman, alongside fellow students Christopher Reeves and Adam Driver. Her breakthrough role came in the film 'Fences' (2016), where her performance as Rose Maxson earned her the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, making her the first Black woman to win the Oscar in this category. Beyond her Oscar-winning work, Davis has achieved tremendous success on stage, earning Tony Award nominations and wins for her theatrical performances. She starred in the television series 'How to Get Away with Murder' (2014-2020), which became a massive hit and earned her an Emmy nomination. Davis also won a Grammy Award for the audiobook narration of her memoir 'Finding Me.' Her diverse roles have showcased her range as an actress, from dramatic performances to complex character work. Beyond acting, Davis is a passionate advocate for diversity in entertainment and uses her platform to address social justice issues. She established the production company JuVee Productions to create opportunities for underrepresented voices in film and television.