By Savannah Cooks, Entertainment Editor
Born on Aug.11, 1965, Viola Davis is an American actress and producer. Growing up in Central Falls, Rhode Island, Davis’ home life was not a good one. She was one of six children, her father was a drunk and sometimes abusive, and her family lived in a poor economical situation. Davis used her experience to activate her voice. She became an avid activist for African Americans and human rights.
Davis made her Broadway debut in 1996 for a play named August Winton’s Seven Guitars, the role earned her a Tony Award nomination. In the same year, she made her film debut in The Substance of Fire. Now, Davis is most notable for her roles in The Help, How to Get Away with Murder, and Suicide Squad.
Over the years, she has racked up many awards such as Oscars, Tonys, BET and NAACP. Her most influential award was her Emmy award for Outstanding Performance from a Female Actor for her role as Annalise Keating in How to Get Away with Murder, making her the first African American to take home the award. In March 2021, Davis became the most nominated African American actress in the history of the Academy Awards when she won her fourth Oscar for her role as Ma Rainey in the film Mother of the Blues.