Contents — explore this biography
A theatrical foundationRecognition on screenPerformance and authorshipA theatrical foundation
Viola Davis trained at Juilliard and built her career on stage. Her work in August Wilson’s plays includes Tony-winning performances in King Hedley II and Fences, establishing a significant theatre record before many of her best-known screen roles.
Recognition on screen
Doubt and The Help brought Academy Award nominations. Davis later won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for the film adaptation of Fences. On television, her portrayal of Annalise Keating in How to Get Away with Murder earned a lead-actress Emmy.
Performance and authorship
Her films also include Widows, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom and The Woman King. The audiobook of her memoir Finding Me earned a Grammy, completing her EGOT record. Davis is also a co-founder of JuVee Productions.
Published 2026-10-30. Sources reviewed for this edition. Independent coverage of public professional activity.
