History of Viola Davis in Timeline
Viola Davis is a highly acclaimed American actress and film producer. Her exceptional talent has earned her prestigious awards, including the Triple Crown of Acting and the EGOT, making her one of the few performers to achieve both distinctions. Her influence extends beyond the entertainment industry, as evidenced by Time magazine recognizing her as one of the 100 most influential people in the world in both 2012 and 2017. Further solidifying her legacy, The New York Times ranked her among the greatest actors of the 21st century.
August 11, 1965: Viola Davis is Born
Viola Davis was born on August 11, 1965. She would go on to become a renowned American actress and film producer, known for her work across screen and stage.
1982: Release of the Play Inspiring "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom"
"Ma Rainey's Black Bottom," the biographical drama starring Viola Davis and Chadwick Boseman, is based on the play of the same name, originally released in 1982.
1983: Release of "Widows" Miniseries Inspiration
The film "Widows," starring Viola Davis, drew inspiration from the popular British miniseries of the same name, originally released in 1983.
1988: Graduated from Rhode Island College
Viola Davis graduated from Rhode Island College in 1988, where she majored in theater and participated in the National Student Exchange.
1989: Attended Juilliard School
In 1989, Viola Davis began her studies at the Juilliard School, where she was a member of the Drama Division's Group 22.
1992: First Professional Stage Role
In 1992, Viola Davis starred in her first professional stage role in an off-Broadway production of William Shakespeare's As You Like It.
1996: Broadway Debut in Seven Guitars
In 1996, Viola Davis made her Broadway debut in August Wilson's original Broadway production Seven Guitars, earning critical praise for her performance.
1998: Appeared in Steven Soderbergh's Out of Sight
In 1998, Viola Davis appeared in Steven Soderbergh's crime comedy film Out of Sight.
1999: Appeared in Out of Sight
In 1999, Viola Davis played a small role in Steven Soderbergh's crime comedy film Out of Sight.
2001: Uncredited Voice in Ocean's Eleven
In 2001, Viola Davis provided the uncredited voice of the parole board interrogator in the first scene of Ocean's Eleven.
2001: Wins Tony Award for King Hedley II
In 2001, Viola Davis won the Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Play for her role as Tonya in the Broadway production of August Wilson's King Hedley II.
2001: Won Tony Award for King Hedley II
In 2001, Viola Davis won the Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Play for her role as Tonya in the Broadway production of August Wilson's King Hedley II.
2002: Appeared in Far From Heaven
In 2002, Viola Davis played a secondary role in Todd Haynes' costume drama Far From Heaven.
2002: Davis Receives Honorary Doctorate from Rhode Island College
In recognition of her contributions to the arts, Viola Davis was awarded an honorary doctorate in Fine Arts from her undergraduate alma mater, Rhode Island College, in 2002.
June 2003: Davis Marries Julius Tennon
Viola Davis and actor Julius Tennon tied the knot in a wedding ceremony in June 2003.
2004: Won Drama Desk Award for Intimate Apparel
In 2004, Viola Davis won a Drama Desk Award for her performance in the off-Broadway production of Intimate Apparel by Lynn Nottage.
2005: Recurring Role in Jesse Stone Films
In 2005, Viola Davis began a recurring role opposite Tom Selleck in a series of television films based on Robert B. Parker's Jesse Stone novels.
2005: Appeared in Syriana
In 2005, Viola Davis appeared in the film Syriana, produced by Steven Soderbergh.
2006: Continued Role in Jesse Stone Films
In 2006, Viola Davis continued her recurring role in the Jesse Stone film series alongside Tom Selleck.
2006: Adaptation of It's Kind of a Funny Story
In 2006, the novel It's Kind of a Funny Story, which Viola Davis would later appear in the film adaptation of, was published.
2008: First Academy Award Nomination for Doubt
In 2008, Viola Davis received her first Academy Award nomination for her role in the drama Doubt.
2008: Nominated for Academy Award for Doubt
In 2008, Viola Davis was nominated for several awards, including the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, for her performance in the film adaptation of Doubt.
June 30, 2009: Inducted into the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
On June 30, 2009, Viola Davis was inducted into the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, recognizing her significant contributions to the film industry.
June 13, 2010: Won Second Tony Award for Fences
On June 13, 2010, Viola Davis won her second Tony Award for Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Play for her role in the Broadway revival of Fences.
2010: Small Roles in Multiple Films
In 2010, Viola Davis had small roles in the romantic comedy thriller Knight and Day, the romantic comedy Eat Pray Love, and the coming-of-age film It's Kind of a Funny Story.
2010: Wins Tony Award for Fences
In 2010, Viola Davis won the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play for her portrayal of Rose Maxson in the Broadway revival of August Wilson's play Fences.
August 2011: "The Help" Film Release
In August 2011, Viola Davis starred in the film adaptation of "The Help", portraying Aibileen Clark, a housemaid in 1960s Mississippi. While her performance received critical acclaim, earning her a second Academy Award nomination and other accolades, Davis has since expressed regret over taking the role, feeling that the story doesn't truthfully represent the experiences of Black characters.
2011: Davis and Tennon Adopt Daughter Genesis
In 2011, Davis and her husband, Julius Tennon, expanded their family by adopting a baby girl, whom they named Genesis.
2011: Academy Award Nomination for The Help
In 2011, Viola Davis was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role as a 1960s housemaid in The Help.
2011: Davis Supports Her Hometown Library
In 2011, Davis stepped up to support her hometown public library in Central Falls, Rhode Island, which was facing closure due to a lack of funding. Her donation helped keep the library's doors open.
June 12, 2012: Women in Film Crystal Award Recipient
On June 12, 2012, Viola Davis was honored with the Women in Film's Crystal Award, recognizing her significant contributions to the entertainment industry.
2012: Named One of the 100 Most Influential People by Time
In 2012, Viola Davis was named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time magazine, highlighting her significant impact on the entertainment industry and beyond.
2012: Named One of Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People
Viola Davis's impact extended beyond the screen in 2012 when she was featured on Time magazine's list of the 100 Most Influential People, a testament to her cultural significance.
February 2014: Cast as Annalise Keating in "How to Get Away with Murder"
In February 2014, Viola Davis was cast as the lead character, Annalise Keating, in "How to Get Away with Murder." This role marked a significant career milestone.
September 2014: "How to Get Away with Murder" Premieres
Viola Davis's groundbreaking legal drama, "How to Get Away with Murder," premiered in September 2014, captivating audiences with its intricate plot and Davis's powerful performance as Professor Annalise Keating.
2014: Primetime Emmy Award for How to Get Away with Murder
In 2014, Viola Davis won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her role as lawyer Annalise Keating in How to Get Away with Murder, becoming the first black actress to do so.
2014: Davis Partners with Hunger Is to Combat Childhood Hunger
Starting in 2014, Davis joined forces with the Hunger Is campaign, dedicating her efforts to eradicating childhood hunger in America. Drawing from her own experiences with poverty, Davis spoke passionately about the issue, stating that "seventeen million kids in this country...go to bed hungry. I was one of those kids." Her commitment to completely eradicating childhood hunger highlighted her dedication to creating lasting change.
2014: "Get on Up" Film Release
In 2014, Viola Davis reunited with "The Help" director Tate Taylor for the biographical film "Get on Up," portraying James Brown's mother alongside her daughter, Genesis.
September 2015: First African-American Winner of Primetime Emmy for Lead Actress in a Drama
Making history in September 2015, Viola Davis became the first African-American woman to win the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her captivating portrayal of Annalise Keating in "How to Get Away with Murder."
2015: Appearances in "Blackhat" and Executive Producer of "Lila & Eve"
In 2015, Viola Davis showcased her versatility by appearing in the Michael Mann thriller "Blackhat" and taking on the role of executive producer for the crime drama "Lila & Eve," starring alongside Jennifer Lopez.
October 2016: Davis Participates in Groundbreaking for Free Health Center
In October 2016, Davis participated in the groundbreaking ceremony for a free community health center in Central Falls, Rhode Island. This initiative was part of her partnership with the Vaseline Healing Project, which focuses on providing dermatological care to underprivileged communities worldwide.
2016: Wins Academy Award for Fences
In 2016, Viola Davis won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the film adaptation of Fences.
2016: Davis Wins Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, Becomes First Black Performer to Achieve the Triple Crown of Acting
In 2016, Viola Davis's performance in the film "Fences" earned her the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. This win marked a historic moment as she became the first black performer to achieve the Triple Crown of Acting, having already won a competitive Emmy Award and a Tony Award.
2016: Academy Award Win for "Fences" and Historical Significance
Viola Davis achieved a historic milestone in 2016, becoming the first Black actress to receive three Academy Award nominations. Her powerful performance in "Fences" earned her the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress, along with a Golden Globe, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and a BAFTA Award.
2016: Stars in "Custody," "Suicide Squad," and Executive Producer Roles
Viola Davis had a prolific year in 2016, starring in the courtroom drama "Custody" (which she also executive produced) and portraying the formidable Amanda Waller in the DC Comics adaptation "Suicide Squad."
2016: Receives Second Primetime Emmy Award Nomination for "How to Get Away with Murder"
Viola Davis received her second Primetime Emmy Award nomination for her role as Annalise Keating in "How to Get Away with Murder" in 2016, solidifying her place as a powerhouse in television drama.
March 2017: Receives Artist of the Year Award at Harvard University
In March 2017, Viola Davis's exceptional talent and influence were recognized with the Artist of the Year Award from Harvard University.
September 2017: Davis Launches $30K in 30 Days Project with Hunger Is
In September 2017, Davis took her fight against childhood hunger to another level by launching the $30K in 30 Days Project with the organization Hunger Is. As part of this initiative, she awarded a $1,000 grant to the Rhode Island Community food bank in her home state. This project reflected her deep commitment to eradicating childhood hunger, a cause she connected with deeply due to her own experiences with poverty.
2017: Named One of the 100 Most Influential People by Time
In 2017, Viola Davis was again recognized as one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time magazine, underscoring her continued influence and success.
2017: Announces Sequel to "Corduroy"
Viola Davis, with a heart for children's literature, announced in 2017 that she would be writing a sequel to the beloved children's book "Corduroy," titled "Corduroy Takes a Bow."
2018: Releases "Corduroy Takes a Bow"
Viola Davis's sequel to the classic children's book "Corduroy," titled "Corduroy Takes a Bow," was published by Penguin Random House in 2018, sharing her love for the characters with a new generation.
2018: Stars in "Widows," "How to Get Away with Scandal" Crossover, and "Two-Sides" Documentary
Viola Davis had a impactful year in 2018, starring in the Steve McQueen heist thriller "Widows," appearing in a special crossover episode of "How to Get Away with Murder" and "Scandal," and debuting her documentary series "Two-Sides," which explores police brutality against the African-American community. Her performance in "Widows" was particularly lauded, earning her critical acclaim and a British Academy Film Award nomination.
2018: Davis Gives Back to Her Alma Mater
In 2018, Davis demonstrated her commitment to education by donating funds to her alma mater, Central Falls High School. Her contribution specifically supported the school's theater program, nurturing future generations of performers.
2018: Davis Lends Her Voice to the Women's March
In 2018, Davis added her voice to the Women's March movement, speaking at the event in Los Angeles. Her participation underscored her commitment to gender equality and social justice.
2019: Became L'Oréal Paris Ambassador
In 2019, Viola Davis became a L'Oréal Paris ambassador, representing the brand and its values.
January 20, 2020: Davis Receives Honorary Doctorate from Indiana University
On January 20, 2020, Viola Davis was honored with an honorary doctoral degree in fine arts from Indiana University, recognizing her significant accomplishments in the performing arts.
August 2020: Executive Producer and Appearance in "Giving Voice" Documentary
In August 2020, Viola Davis took on the role of executive producer for the documentary film "Giving Voice," which follows students participating in the August Wilson monologue competition, showcasing her commitment to supporting young talent.
2020: Ranked Ninth Greatest Actor of the 21st Century
In 2020, The New York Times ranked Viola Davis ninth on its list of the greatest actors of the 21st century, affirming her remarkable talent and contributions to the acting world.
2020: Academy Award Nomination for Ma Rainey's Black Bottom
In 2020, Viola Davis received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress for her portrayal of Ma Rainey in the biopic Ma Rainey's Black Bottom.
2020: Davis Encourages Georgia Voters to Track Their Ballots
On New Year's Eve 2020, Davis used her platform to encourage Georgia voters to actively track their mail-in or dropbox ballots. This call to action aimed to ensure that every vote was counted, highlighting her commitment to civic engagement and voting rights.
2021: Davis Returns in "The Suicide Squad," Stars in "The Unforgivable," and Makes Uncredited Appearances
2021 was a busy year for Davis. She reprised her role as Amanda Waller in the superhero film "The Suicide Squad" and starred alongside Sandra Bullock in the drama "The Unforgivable," directed by Nora Fingscheidt. She also made uncredited appearances as Amanda Waller in two episodes of the "Suicide Squad" spin-off series "Peacemaker" and in the film "Black Adam.
April 2022: The First Lady Premieres and Draws Criticism for Davis's Portrayal of Michelle Obama
In April 2022, the Showtime drama series "The First Lady," executive produced by and starring Viola Davis as former First Lady Michelle Obama, premiered. Davis's portrayal, however, sparked criticism on social media, which she later addressed, describing the disapproval as "incredibly hurtful" and emphasizing her commitment to making "bold choices" as an artist.
August 2022: Davis Cast as Dr. Volumnia Gaul in "The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes"
In August 2022, it was announced that Davis had been cast in the highly anticipated prequel to "The Hunger Games" film series, "The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes." She is set to play the pivotal role of Head Gamemaker Dr. Volumnia Gaul.
2022: Leads The Woman King
In 2022, Viola Davis played the leading role in the historical action film The Woman King.
2022: Davis Releases Autobiography "Finding Me"
In 2022, Viola Davis shared her personal journey and insights with the world through her autobiography titled "Finding Me." The book offered readers a glimpse into her life, struggles, and triumphs.
2022: Won Grammy Award for Memoir Audiobook
In 2022, Viola Davis won the Grammy Award for Best Audio Book, Narration & Storytelling Recording for the audiobook narration of her memoir, Finding Me.
February 2023: Davis to Reprise Amanda Waller Role in Two HBO Max Series
February 2023 saw the announcement of Davis reprising her role as Amanda Waller in two upcoming HBO Max series. One is the animated "Creature Commandos," and the other is the live-action "Waller," a series bridging the gap between seasons 1 and 2 of "Peacemaker." Davis will also serve as executive producer for "Waller."
February 2023: Davis Achieves EGOT Status with Grammy Win
In February 2023, Viola Davis achieved the coveted EGOT status, signifying her receipt of all four major American art awards: Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony. She won the Grammy Award for Best Audio Book, Narration & Storytelling Recording for her work on her autobiography "Finding Me," published in 2022.
March 2024: Davis Honored with Barbie Doll for International Women's Day
In March 2024, to celebrate the 65th anniversary of International Women's Day, Viola Davis was among a group of influential women honored with their own Barbie dolls. This gesture recognized her significant contributions and impact as a role model.