This woman’s origins are marked by a series of trials, hardships and constant struggle. She was born in 1965 in South Carolina and spent her childhood in a dilapidated house on her grandmother’s property. Later, the family moved to Rhode Island, hoping for change, but reality turned out to be even harsher: housing without heating or water, daily hunger, and a lack of basic amenities. To avoid starvation, she and her sisters had to collect leftovers and steal food from shops. These early experiences left a lasting impression on her.
Nevertheless, she had a goal — to leave the world in which she was born. Education and creativity became her salvation. Her studies were successful, and playing sports and participating in performances gave her the opportunity to express what she felt. She first appeared on stage at the age of seven, performing with her sisters at a local festival — that was when she developed a connection with art. Through hard work and perseverance, she received a scholarship to Rhode Island College and was then accepted into the prestigious Juilliard School — she was one of fourteen selected from thousands of applicants.
Studying at Juilliard laid the foundation for her future. Almost immediately after graduating, she began performing on theatre stages and, at the age of 29, was nominated for a Tony Award for her role in the play Seven Guitars. After that, she began appearing in films and on television. Her real breakthrough came when she was cast in Doubt, for which she received her first Oscar nomination. This was followed by The Help and, finally, a historic victory — she became the first black actress to win an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series.
However, her contribution goes beyond her profession. Having experienced hunger herself, she took part in the Hunger Is… initiative, which raises funds for children’s nutrition programmes. Her position is clear: no child should go hungry in a country where there is plenty of food. In her memoir, Finding Me, she shares her personal experiences and helps others believe that the past should not determine the future.
Now Viola Davis leads a completely different life. Together with her husband, actor and producer Julius Tannen, they are raising their adopted daughter Genesis. At the age of 55, she bought her childhood home — not to live in, but as a symbol of her long and difficult journey. From hunger and fear to recognition and security, her biography is an example of how inner strength is enough to overcome circumstances and achieve the impossible.
