Viola Davis
Interview: John Holiday of AKHNATEN at LA Opera (Mar 2, 2026)
Interview: John Holiday of AKHNATEN at La Opera (Feb 26, 2026)
Woodie King Jr. to Be Honored With Special Tribute at The Barrymore Theatre (Feb 25, 2026)
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
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STAGE CREDITS
Awards and Nominations
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Viola Davis, Fences
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Viola Davis
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Viola Davis , Fences
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Viola Davis, Fences
Viola Davis, Intimate Apparel
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Viola Davis, Intimate Apparel
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Viola Davis, Intimate Apparel
Viola Davis, Intimate Apparel
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Viola Davis, King Hedley II
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Viola Davis, King Hedley II
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Viola Davis, King Hedley II
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Viola Davis, Everybody's Ruby
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Viola Davis, Seven Guitars
Viola Davis, Seven Guitars
Videos
Video: Netflix Unveils Teaser and Release Date for STAR SEARCH Reboot
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-11-25 16:01:43
Video: Cynthia Erivo Drops Live Version of New Song 'I Choose Love'
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-07-10 12:19:39
Video: Idina Menzel and Adrienne Warren Perform 'Take Me or Leave Me' From RENT
by Stephi Wild - 2024-08-16 06:18:26
Video: Watch Rachel Zegler Sing in THE HUNGER GAMES: THE BALLAD OF SONGBIRDS & SNAKES Trailer
by Michael Major - 2023-09-20 09:20:24
Exclusive: Billy Crudup Uncovers His Past in FINDING YOUR ROOTS
by Michael Major - 2023-04-03 13:30:27
VIDEO: Jennifer Hudson Celebrates 100th Episode with John Legend
by Michael Major - 2023-02-09 09:18:43
Video: Obie Award Winning Actor and Musician Fredi Walker-Browne Reflects on Her Inspiring Career
by Survival Jobs - 2022-10-06 13:10:32
VIDEO: Hannah Waddingham Talks HOCUS POCUS 2 on THE JENNIFER HUDSON SHOW
by Michael Major - 2022-09-15 09:35:31
VIDEO: Michelle Pfeiffer, Viola Davis, and Gillian Anderson Talk THE FIRST LADY on CBS SUNDAY MORNING
by Marissa Tomeo - 2022-04-10 13:44:19
VIDEO: Watch the Trailer for CHADWICK BOSEMAN: PORTRAIT OF AN ARTIST on Netflix
by Sarah Leiber - 2021-04-13 13:27:47
VIDEO: Watch the Official Trailer for James Gunn's THE SUICIDE SQUAD
by Sarah Leiber - 2021-03-26 12:10:23
VIDEO: AFI Movie Club Celebrates MA RAINEY'S BLACK BOTTOM With Director George C. Wolfe
by Sarah Leiber - 2021-02-10 11:12:43
Celebrating Black History Month: Denzel Washington and Viola Davis Star in August Wilson's FENCES
by Nicole Rosky - 2021-02-03 14:07:35
VIDEO: Viola Davis Talks About Playing Ma Rainey on JIMMY KIMMEL LIVE!
by Sarah Leiber - 2020-12-18 09:41:22
BWW Exclusive: Michael Potts, Coleman Domingo & Glynn Turman Open Up About the Genius of August Wilson and the Arrival of MA RAINEY'S BLACK BOTTOM
by Nicole Rosky - 2020-12-17 10:24:19
TV: Viola Davis Discusses August Wilson's Legacy in a Clip From GIVING VOICE
by Sarah Leiber - 2020-12-08 11:53:11
VIDEO: Watch a First Look at Viola Davis in MA RAINEY'S BLACK BOTTOM
by Sarah Leiber - 2020-12-02 11:24:39
VIDEO: Watch the Trailer for GIVING VOICE, Chronicling the Annual August Wilson Monologue Competition
by Sarah Leiber - 2020-11-19 10:01:14
VIDEO: Watch the Official Trailer for John Patrick Shanley's WILD MOUNTAIN THYME
by Sarah Leiber - 2020-11-10 12:30:09
News
by Amanda Callas - Mar 2, 2026
I talk with John Holiday about his upcoming LA Opera star performance in Akhnaten, his creative process, and his widely anticipated upcoming album Over My Head, releasing this July.
by Amanda Callas - Feb 26, 2026
Countertenor John Holiday stars as Akhnaten in LA Opera’s spectacular revival of the acclaimed Philip Glass opera, February 28 through March 22 - and I can’t wait to see it.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 25, 2026
The life and legacy of Woodie King Jr. (1937–2026) will be honored at a special tribute at the Shubert Organization’s Barrymore Theatre.
by Josh Sharpe - Feb 11, 2026
A new documentary about activist W.E.B. Du Bois is coming to American Masters this spring. W.E.B. Du Bois: Rebel With A Cause, from Peabody Award-winning director Rita Coburn will premiere May 19, 2026 at 9 p.m. ET on PBS.
by Nicole Rosky - Jan 29, 2026
It's time to meet Broadway's new creatures of the night! Roundabout Theatre Company has announced the complete cast for Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show, with direction by Tony Award winner Sam Pinkleton.
by Stephi Wild - Jan 28, 2026
The date has been set for the 70th Drama Desk Awards! The 2026 Drama Desk Awards will be held at The Town Hall on May 17, 2026. Learn more about the event here!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 26, 2026
SFJAZZ will present a diverse lineup of jazz performances in February 2026, featuring renowned artists and ensembles. The month-long event will take place at the iconic SFJAZZ Center in San Francisco.
by Josh Sharpe - Jan 12, 2026
The NAACP has announced the full list of “NAACP Image Awards” nominees, with nominees including Wicked: For Good, Cynthia Erivo, Audra McDonald, and more. Check out the full list here.
by Josh Sharpe - Jan 8, 2026
On Tuesday, January 6, stars gathered at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California, to honor Dame Helen Mirren and Sarah Jessica Parker, ahead of the 83rd Golden Globes. Check out photos from the event featuring Carol Burnett, Colman Domingo, Matthew Broderick, and more.
by Josh Sharpe - Jan 8, 2026
The 83rd Annual Golden Globes, the first major award show of the season, will take place this Sunday, January 11, 2026. Find out everything to know about the program, including how to watch, pre-show coverage, presenters, and more, in our guide!
by Josh Sharpe - Jan 6, 2026
Carol Burnett, Colman Domingo, Kristin Davis, and more are set to appear in the new primetime special Golden Eve: The Golden Globes Honor Helen Mirren & Sarah Jessica Parker.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 18, 2025
The San Francisco Giants organization has acquired the historic Curran from Shorenstein Hays in a private transaction.
by Josh Sharpe - Dec 18, 2025
On December 17, Wicked star Cynthia Erivo treated a London audience to a special, slowed-down rendition of 'No Good Deed' from the new film. Take a look at her performance here.
by Stephi Wild - Dec 9, 2025
YoungArts announced that Myles Cherette, a 12th Grader at Franklin High School, has been selected as a 2026 YoungArts award winner with distinction in Voice. Learn more here!
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 4, 2025
HERO: THE BOY FROM TROY, A MUSICAL ABOUT YOUNG JOHN LEWIS, will celebrate it's second national tour, January 15-March 6, 2026.
by Josh Sharpe - Nov 27, 2025
Earlier this morning, Tony winner Cynthia Erivo, who stars as Elphaba in Wicked: For Good, hit the stage to open the 99th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade with a performance of 'Feeling Good.' Watch her performance now.
by Josh Sharpe - Nov 25, 2025
Netflix has revealed that its reboot of the talent competition series, Star Search, will premiere live on January 13, 2026, with Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated actor Anthony Anderson set to host. Check out the teaser now.
by Josh Sharpe - Nov 13, 2025
Broadway alum Sarah Jessica Parker has been named the 2026 Carol Burnett Award honoree, recognizing her contributions to the television industry both in front of and behind the camera.
by Josh Sharpe - Nov 5, 2025
Tony Award-winning actress Dame Helen Mirren has been named the 2026 Cecil B. DeMille Award honoree from the Golden Globes. The award will be presented on the new annual primetime special “Golden Eve,” airing on Thursday, January 8, 2026.
by Josh Sharpe - Oct 20, 2025
The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures held its fifth annual gala, with Broadway alums Rachel Zegler, George Clooney, Cristin Milioti, Billy Crudup, Colman Domingo, and many more in attendance. Check out photos from the evening now.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Viola Davis has appeared on Broadway in 3 shows.
Viola Davis has not appeared in the West End.
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.
Viola Davis has received numerous awards for her outstanding performances in theater. She won the Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Fences and received Special Citations (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards). She earned Outstanding Actress in a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Fences and was honored with Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Fences. For Intimate Apparel, Davis won Outstanding Actress - Play (Drama Desk Awards) and Performance (Obie Awards). She also received Outstanding Featured Actress - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for King Hedley II, Outstanding Actress in a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for King Hedley II, and Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for King Hedley II. Additional recognitions include Performance (Obie Awards) for Everybody's Ruby and Performance (Theatre World Awards) for Seven Guitars.
Videos