Introduction
Viola Davis is a name that resonates with many as one of the most talented and accomplished actors of our time. Her powerful performances on stage and screen have earned her numerous accolades, including an Academy Award, an Emmy Award, and two Tony Awards. But behind the glitz and glamour of Hollywood success lies a story of struggle, resilience, and triumph that few could have imagined.
In her memoir "Finding Me," Davis takes readers on an intimate journey through her life, from her humble beginnings in poverty-stricken Central Falls, Rhode Island, to the heights of Hollywood stardom. This is not just a tale of rags to riches, but a raw and honest exploration of trauma, identity, and the ongoing process of self-discovery.
As we delve into Davis's story, we'll witness the challenges she faced growing up in an environment marked by poverty, violence, and racial discrimination. We'll see how these experiences shaped her, instilling in her a fierce determination to succeed against all odds. We'll follow her path through education and into the world of acting, where she faced new obstacles and prejudices even as she honed her craft and built her career.
But "Finding Me" is more than just a recounting of events. It's a deeply personal reflection on what it means to be true to oneself, to heal from past traumas, and to find one's place in the world. Davis's story is one of constant growth and self-reflection, reminding us that the journey to "find oneself" is ongoing, even for those who seem to have it all.
As we explore the key ideas and moments from Davis's life, we'll gain insights into the experiences that shaped her, the challenges she overcame, and the wisdom she's gained along the way. Her story serves as an inspiration and a call to action, encouraging us all to embrace our authentic selves and to persevere in the face of adversity.
A Childhood Marked by Poverty and Trauma
Viola Davis's early years were far from the glamorous life one might associate with a Hollywood star. Born in St. Matthews, South Carolina, and raised primarily in Central Falls, Rhode Island, Davis grew up in extreme poverty. Her family often struggled to afford basic necessities like food, heat, and electricity. The apartments they lived in were small, unheated, and infested with rats.
Davis was one of six children born to Mary Alice and Dan Davis. Her mother, the oldest of 18 children born to sharecroppers, had her first child at 15 and her last at 34. Davis's father worked as a horse groomer, a job that didn't pay enough to support the family adequately. To make matters worse, he struggled with alcoholism, which often led to violent outbursts at home.
The impact of this environment on young Viola was profound. She recalls nights spent with one eye open, waiting anxiously for her father to come home drunk and potentially violent. The constant stress and fear took a toll on her emotional well-being and even her physical health. At school, she often fell asleep in class, leading to reprimands from teachers who didn't understand her home situation.
One particularly harrowing memory Davis shares is of a night when she was 14 years old. Her parents were fighting, as was often the case, but this time the violence escalated. Her father wielded a glass, threatening to break it over her mother's head. In a moment of courage and desperation, Davis intervened, placing herself between her parents and demanding that her father hand over the glass. It was a pivotal moment for Davis, one in which she realized not only that her life would be a constant fight but also that she had the strength within her to stand up and fight back.
Despite the hardships, there were moments of love and connection in the Davis household. Viola speaks fondly of the fierce bond she shared with her siblings and her mother. These relationships provided a source of comfort and stability amidst the chaos of their daily lives.
Another significant figure in Davis's childhood was her sister Dianne, who had stayed in South Carolina with their maternal grandparents. Dianne's visit to the family's apartment in Central Falls was a wake-up call for young Viola. Seeing her sister's clean clothes and smelling soap on her, Viola was struck by the stark contrast to her own living conditions. Dianne urged her younger sister not to accept this life, telling her to figure out what she wanted to do and who she wanted to be – and to work tirelessly until she achieved it. This advice became a driving force in Viola's life, spurring her on to pursue her dreams and strive for a better future.
However, the trauma of her childhood wasn't limited to her home life. Davis vividly recalls the racial abuse and bullying she faced at school. One particularly painful memory is of being chased home from school by a group of boys who hurled racial slurs at her. On one snowy day, when the streets were too slippery for her to outrun them, they caught her, threw her to the ground, and beat her. This experience left deep emotional scars that would continue to affect Davis well into adulthood.
These early experiences of poverty, violence, and racial discrimination could have easily broken Davis's spirit. Instead, they instilled in her a fierce determination to overcome her circumstances and create a better life for herself. The hardships she faced as a child became the fuel that would drive her relentless pursuit of her dreams in the years to come.
The Call to Acting: A Path to Escape
Amidst the challenges of her childhood, Viola Davis found an unexpected source of hope and inspiration: acting. Her "call to adventure," as she describes it, came in the form of a television show. Sitting in front of a broken TV wrapped in aluminum foil (which served as a table for a functioning TV), young Viola saw something that would change her life forever.
On the screen appeared Cicely Tyson in "The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman." For Davis, seeing an actor who looked like her mother – a dark-skinned Black woman – was a revelation. It was the first time she could envision a way out of her circumstances, a path to a different life. This moment planted the seed of her acting ambitions and would shape the course of her future.
Davis's first taste of success in performing came when she and her sisters entered a citywide talent contest in Central Falls. Despite their initial doubts about winning against the more privileged white kids from a local dance school, the Davis sisters performed an original skit based on the game shows their mother loved to watch. To their surprise and delight, they won. The prize was a cheap softball set, which they ended up using to chase rats out of their kitchen, but the victory meant much more than that. For Viola, it was confirmation that she could be an actor, that she had talent worth pursuing.
This early success was just the beginning. While Davis struggled in many aspects of school life – falling asleep in class due to sleepless nights at home, being teased for her appearance and smell due to lack of proper hygiene facilities – she excelled in drama classes. Her talent was recognized, and she was selected to join Upward Bound, a performing arts program for underprivileged kids.
Participating in Upward Bound opened Davis's eyes to a world beyond her immediate circumstances. She met other kids facing severe challenges, including those with disabilities and refugees who had escaped war-torn countries. These experiences helped put her own problems into perspective and broadened her understanding of the world.
Davis's talent continued to be recognized. She auditioned for a nationwide performing arts contest for high school students, borrowing the $15 audition fee from a teacher. Not only was she selected to compete, but she also won the title of Promising Young Artist. This achievement, along with her other successes in performing arts, led to a full scholarship to Rhode Island College.
For Davis, acting became more than just a potential career path – it was a lifeline. While her home life continued to be challenging, with the family facing eviction and loss of welfare benefits, drama provided an escape. On stage, she could be someone else, leave behind the pain and struggle of her daily life, and experience joy. This release, this ability to transform and transcend her circumstances, became addictive. It fueled her determination to pursue acting as a career, despite the practical concerns voiced by others, including her sister Dianne, who opted for a more stable path.
After college, Davis took a significant step towards her dreams by moving to New York City. She was accepted into the Circle in the Square Theater's summer program, with her tuition covered. However, living in New York presented its own set of challenges. To support herself, Davis worked a variety of jobs during the day – at a call center, handing out leaflets, assembling boxes in a factory – while pursuing her passion for acting at night. She lived on a sparse diet of plain rice and canned mackerel, but her love for acting made the sacrifices worthwhile.
The culmination of this period was her audition for Juilliard, the most prestigious drama school in the country. Despite a scheduling conflict that forced her to compress her audition into a fraction of the usual time, Davis impressed the committee enough to earn a place in the incoming class. This acceptance was a major milestone in her journey, validating her talent and bringing her one step closer to her dreams of becoming a professional actor.
Throughout these early years, acting served as both an escape from Davis's difficult reality and a beacon of hope for a better future. It provided her with a sense of purpose, a way to express herself, and a path out of poverty. Even as she faced numerous obstacles and hardships, her passion for acting remained a constant, driving force in her life.
The Juilliard Years: Growth and Challenges
Earning a place at Juilliard was a dream come true for Viola Davis, but her time at the prestigious institution was not without its challenges. The contrast between her background and the world she was entering became immediately apparent when she arrived in New York to start her studies. The apartment she was subletting was a far cry from the glamorous New York life she had imagined – it was a squalid studio that reminded her all too much of her childhood home in Central Falls.
Despite these initial disappointments, Davis threw herself into her studies at Juilliard. She appreciated the rigorous training the school provided, which helped her hone her craft and develop as an actor. However, she also found aspects of the curriculum challenging, particularly its Eurocentric approach to theater and performance.
As a Black woman, Davis often felt that the training at Juilliard didn't always allow room for her to fully express her identity or explore performances that resonated with her cultural background. She began to feel her light dimming and her voice becoming smaller, rather than shining brighter and speaking louder as she had hoped. This tension between the valuable training she was receiving and the feeling of being somewhat stifled in her full expression as a Black performer would be a recurring theme throughout her career.
A turning point came when Davis won a place on a cultural tour of Africa. This experience proved transformative for her, both personally and artistically. As she traveled from Banjul to Bakau, from the Gambia to West Africa, she immersed herself in the living traditions of song and dance. She shared meals on the floors of village huts, learned and sang traditional songs, and joined in dances that celebrated joy and helped process pain and suffering.
The further she traveled and the more she engaged with these cultural practices, the freer and happier she felt. In Africa, Davis reconnected with her essence as a Black woman. She experienced a sense of belonging and cultural pride that had been missing from her training at Juilliard. The rhythms of the Djembe drums and the movements of the Mandinka women's dances resonated with her on a deep, ancestral level.
When she returned to New York to continue her studies, Davis carried with her the power and magic she had felt in her ancestral homeland. She was no longer just a promising young student at Juilliard, diligently following the prescribed curriculum. She was a Black woman with a rich cultural heritage, one who had danced to the beat of African drums and shared in the traditions of her ancestors.
This experience in Africa helped Davis reconcile the seeming conflict between her formal training and her identity as a Black performer. She realized that she didn't have to choose between technical proficiency and cultural authenticity – she could embody both. This understanding would prove crucial as she moved forward in her career, allowing her to bring depth and nuance to her performances that drew both from her rigorous training and her lived experience as a Black woman.
The Juilliard years were a time of significant growth for Davis, both as an actor and as a person. She gained valuable skills and knowledge that would serve her well in her future career. At the same time, she grappled with questions of identity and representation that would continue to shape her approach to her craft. The challenges she faced during this time helped her develop resilience and a clearer sense of who she was as an artist.
As she neared graduation, Davis was poised to enter the professional world of acting. She had the technical skills honed at one of the best drama schools in the world, combined with a deep connection to her cultural roots and a growing understanding of how to bring her full self to her performances. This unique combination would prove to be a powerful asset as she embarked on the next phase of her journey in the competitive world of professional acting.
Breaking Into the Industry: Early Successes and Ongoing Struggles
After graduating from Juilliard, Viola Davis began the challenging process of establishing herself in the professional acting world. Her talent and training opened doors, but she quickly learned that success in the industry involved much more than just skill on stage or in front of a camera.
One of Davis's early breakthroughs came in 1996 when she landed the lead role of Vera in August Wilson's play "Seven Guitars" on Broadway. The opening night was a dream come true for Davis. As the curtain fell and the audience erupted in thunderous applause, she saw her parents in the front row – her mother in a gown, her father in a tux, both beaming with pride. It was a moment that echoed the childhood fantasy she'd had of standing on stage while people clapped and threw flowers at her feet.
This role earned Davis her first Tony Award nomination, a significant achievement for a relatively new face on Broadway. It was a validation of her talent and a sign that she was on the right path. However, even as she celebrated this success, Davis was acutely aware of the challenges that lay ahead, particularly as a dark-skinned Black woman in an industry known for its limited representation and often narrow beauty standards.
Davis's next big break came when she was cast as Mrs. Miller in the film "Doubt," starring alongside acting giants Meryl Streep and Philip Seymour Hoffman. Despite her theater success, Davis was plagued with insecurity about her ability to hold her own in a film with such established stars. However, her performance was so powerful that it earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress, even though she appeared on screen for only eight minutes.
This nomination was a pivotal moment in Davis's career. It signaled to the industry that she was a force to be reckoned with, capable of delivering impactful performances that could stand alongside those of the most respected actors in the business. It also opened doors to more film roles and further award nominations.
However, despite these successes, Davis continued to face significant challenges in the industry. As a dark-skinned Black woman, she found that the roles available to her were often limited and stereotypical. She frequently found herself cast as drug-addicted mothers or other characters that reinforced negative stereotypes about Black women. While she brought depth and humanity to these roles, she longed for the opportunity to portray a wider range of characters.
The issue of colorism in Hollywood became increasingly apparent to Davis as her career progressed. She noticed that Black women who landed leading roles, particularly those portrayed as conventionally attractive or romantic leads, were typically light-skinned with features that aligned more closely with European beauty standards. When Davis auditioned for such roles, she was often rebuffed, reinforcing the painful message that her dark skin and African features were seen as less desirable or marketable.
These experiences were a stark reminder that success and critical acclaim did not shield her from the prejudices deeply ingrained in the entertainment industry and society at large. Davis found herself continually having to prove her worth and fight for roles that would allow her to showcase the full range of her talent.
Despite these obstacles, Davis persevered. She continued to deliver powerful performances in the roles she was offered, always striving to bring depth and authenticity to her characters. She also began to use her growing platform to speak out about issues of representation and diversity in Hollywood, becoming an advocate for change within the industry.
Throughout this period, Davis's success was tempered by an ongoing internal struggle. Even as she achieved milestones that would be the envy of many actors, she often found herself grappling with feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. The traumas of her childhood and the constant reminders of society's prejudices against dark-skinned Black women continued to affect her sense of self-worth.
In many ways, Davis's early career was characterized by a series of contrasts: critical acclaim alongside typecasting, industry recognition alongside limited opportunities, and external success alongside internal struggles. These experiences would shape not only her career choices going forward but also her commitment to pushing for greater representation and diversity in Hollywood.
As Davis navigated these complex dynamics, she was laying the groundwork for what would become a transformative period in her career – one that would see her take on roles that would challenge industry norms and cement her status as one of the most respected actors of her generation.
Breakthrough and Transformation: How to Get Away with Murder
The turning point in Viola Davis's career came with her role as Annalise Keating in the television series "How to Get Away with Murder." This part not only showcased Davis's immense talent but also challenged Hollywood's narrow perceptions of leading ladies, particularly Black women.
The opportunity came through Shonda Rhimes, the acclaimed showrunner known for creating diverse and complex characters. Rhimes had a new project, "How to Get Away with Murder," and she wanted Davis for the lead role of Annalise Keating, a brilliant, sexy, and ruthless criminal defense attorney. This was a groundbreaking role – a complex, multifaceted Black woman as the lead in a prime-time drama series.
For Davis, the offer was both exciting and daunting. She recognized the historical significance of the role and its potential to break molds and challenge colorism in Hollywood. However, she also grappled with self-doubt. The insecure eight-year-old girl inside her, the one who had been bullied and made to feel ugly, questioned whether she could truly embody this powerful, sensual character.
Shonda Rhimes played a crucial role in helping Davis overcome these doubts. She coached Davis through the process, helping her find her voice and embrace the full scope of the character. Rhimes's belief in Davis and her vision for the character were instrumental in bringing Annalise Keating to life.
One of the most powerful moments in the series came in the first season's finale. In a confrontation with her nemesis, Ophelia Harkness (played by none other than Cicely Tyson, the very actress who had inspired Davis to become an actor), Annalise removes her wig, revealing her natural hair. This scene was more than just a dramatic moment in the show – it was a statement about Black women's beauty and a challenge to Hollywood's narrow beauty standards.
For Davis, this scene was transformative. She recalls feeling unapologetically beautiful and powerful in that moment. It was a public embrace of her natural self, a rejection of the idea that she needed to conform to Eurocentric beauty standards to be considered attractive or worthy of a leading role.
The impact of "How to Get Away with Murder" on Davis's career and on the television landscape cannot be overstated. The show was a hit, running for six seasons and earning critical acclaim. Davis's portrayal of Annalise Keating won her an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series in 2015, making her the first Black woman to win the award.
This role allowed Davis to showcase the full range of her talent, playing a character who was brilliant, flawed, vulnerable, and strong. Annalise Keating was not a stereotype or a token character – she was a fully realized human being with depth and complexity. Through this role, Davis was able to challenge and expand the public's perception of what a leading lady could look like and be.
Moreover, the success of "How to Get Away with Murder" opened doors for more diverse storytelling in television. It proved that audiences were hungry for complex, nuanced portrayals of characters from various backgrounds, challenging the long-held industry belief that shows centered on minorities wouldn't appeal to a broad audience.
For Davis personally, the role of Annalise Keating was healing. It allowed her to embrace aspects of herself that she had long felt compelled to hide or downplay. The confidence she gained from this role spilled over into her personal life, helping her to more fully accept and love herself.
The success of "How to Get Away with Murder" also gave Davis a larger platform from which to advocate for change in the entertainment industry. She became an outspoken advocate for diversity and representation, using her acceptance speeches and interviews to highlight the need for more opportunities for actors of color, particularly dark-skinned Black women.
Through this transformative role, Davis not only reached new heights in her career but also found a new level of self-acceptance and empowerment. The journey from the insecure girl running from bullies to the confident woman proudly showing her natural hair on national television was long and challenging, but it was a journey that ultimately led Davis to a place of strength, authenticity, and influence.
Personal Growth and Healing
While Viola Davis's professional life was reaching new heights, she was also undergoing significant personal growth and healing. The traumas of her childhood and the ongoing struggles with self-doubt didn't magically disappear with success and fame. Instead, Davis had to actively work on healing and self-acceptance.
One of the most significant aspects of Davis's personal journey was her relationship with producer Julius Tennon. Their love story is a testament to the power of genuine connection and mutual support. Davis and Tennon have been together for years, and their bond is so strong that they've celebrated their love with three separate wedding ceremonies.
Tennon provided Davis with the kind of stable, loving relationship she had never experienced before. His support and encouragement helped her navigate the challenges of her career and personal life. Together, they created a home environment that was warm, loving, and secure – the kind of home Davis had always dreamed of as a child.
In 2011, Davis and Tennon completed their family by adopting their daughter, Genesis. Becoming a mother was a transformative experience for Davis. It allowed her to give the kind of love and security she had often lacked in her own childhood. At the same time, it brought up many of her own unresolved issues, pushing her to confront and heal from her past traumas for the sake of her daughter.
Throughout her adult life, Davis has worked with therapists to process her childhood experiences and overcome the negative self-image she had internalized. One particularly insightful moment came when a therapist told her that the eight-year-old girl running through the snow – the one who had been chased and beaten by bullies – wasn't a victim, but a survivor. The therapist suggested that Davis's success wasn't in spite of that girl, but because of her. She advised Davis to embrace that part of herself rather than trying to push it away.
At the time, Davis understood the wisdom in the therapist's words, but she wasn't ready to fully embrace that vulnerable part of herself. It would take years of work, success, and personal growth before she could truly turn to that little girl inside her and thank her for her strength and courage.
The process of writing her memoir, "Finding Me," was itself a part of Davis's healing journey. By revisiting her past and putting her experiences into words, she was able to gain new perspectives on her life story. She came to see how the hardships she had faced had shaped her into the strong, resilient woman she had become.
Davis's journey of personal growth also involved reconnecting with her family and healing those relationships. As an adult, she was able to forge a deeper understanding with her parents, particularly her father. She saw how his own traumas and struggles had contributed to his behavior, and while this didn't excuse the pain he had caused, it allowed for a degree of forgiveness and reconciliation.
With her siblings, Davis maintained the close bonds forged in childhood, now strengthened by their shared experiences and mutual support as adults. These relationships provided a sense of continuity and belonging that was crucial to her emotional well-being.
As Davis worked through her personal issues and found healing, she also became more comfortable with her public image. She began to speak more openly about her background and the challenges she had faced, using her platform to advocate for others who had experienced similar hardships.
This openness extended to her professional life as well. Davis became increasingly vocal about the need for better representation in Hollywood, particularly for dark-skinned Black women. She used her success and influence to push for change, challenging industry norms and advocating for more diverse and nuanced roles for actors of color.
Through all of this personal growth and healing, Davis came to a profound realization: she was still, in many ways, that determined, persistent, scrappy little girl from Central Falls. But now, instead of running away from trauma and prejudice, she was running toward joy, authenticity, and self-acceptance.
This journey of personal growth and healing is ongoing for Davis. She continues to work on herself, to challenge her own limitations, and to strive for greater authenticity in all aspects of her life. Her story serves as a powerful reminder that healing is a process, that success doesn't erase past traumas, and that true self-acceptance requires ongoing work and reflection.
Conclusion: Embracing the Whole Self
Viola Davis's journey, as recounted in "Finding Me," is a testament to the power of perseverance, self-reflection, and the courage to embrace one's authentic self. From the poverty-stricken child in Central Falls to the acclaimed actor on Hollywood's biggest stages, Davis's path has been marked by tremendous challenges and equally impressive triumphs.
Throughout her life, Davis has had to confront and overcome numerous obstacles. The trauma of her childhood, marked by poverty, violence, and racial discrimination, left deep scars that she has had to work hard to heal. The prejudices and limitations imposed by society and the entertainment industry presented ongoing challenges, even as she achieved professional success.
Yet, through it all, Davis has demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination. Her passion for acting, ignited by seeing Cicely Tyson on television as a child, provided her with a goal to strive for and a means of escape from her difficult circumstances. This passion, combined with her innate talent and relentless work ethic, propelled her from community theater to Juilliard, and eventually to the pinnacle of her profession.
Davis's story is not just one of professional achievement, however. It's also a deeply personal account of self-discovery and healing. Her journey involved not only overcoming external obstacles but also confronting her own internalized doubts and insecurities. The process of learning to love and accept herself – her dark skin, her natural hair, her background – was just as challenging as any role she's played on stage or screen.
One of the most powerful messages in Davis's memoir is the importance of embracing all parts of oneself, including the painful or difficult aspects. The realization that the scared, bullied eight-year-old girl was not a source of shame but a wellspring of strength was transformative for Davis. It allowed her to integrate her past experiences into her present identity, creating a more whole and authentic sense of self.
This journey of self-acceptance has had profound implications for Davis's work as an actor and her role as a public figure. By fully embracing her identity as a dark-skinned Black woman from a working-class background, she has been able to bring depth, authenticity, and power to her performances. Moreover, she has used her platform to advocate for greater representation and opportunities for others who have been marginalized by the entertainment industry.
Davis's story also highlights the ongoing nature of personal growth and healing. Success and acclaim didn't automatically resolve her past traumas or erase her insecurities. Instead, she has had to continually work on herself, facing her fears, challenging her limitations, and striving for greater self-acceptance. This ongoing process serves as a reminder that personal growth is a lifelong journey, not a destination.
The love and support Davis has found in her personal life, particularly through her relationship with her husband Julius Tennon and their daughter Genesis, has played a crucial role in her journey. These relationships have provided her with the stability, acceptance, and love that were often lacking in her childhood, allowing her to heal and grow.
As Davis continues to evolve as an actor, advocate, and person, she serves as an inspiration to many. Her story demonstrates that it's possible to overcome even the most challenging circumstances, to heal from deep-seated traumas, and to achieve one's dreams without compromising one's authentic self.
"Finding Me" is more than just a celebrity memoir. It's a powerful testament to the human spirit's capacity for resilience and growth. It's a call to embrace our whole selves – including the parts we might want to hide or change – and to use our experiences, both positive and negative, as fuel for our journey forward.
For aspiring actors, Davis offers practical advice: don't be afraid to take jobs that pay the bills, even if they're not your dream roles. She encourages young actors to book that commercial or take that small part – it won't compromise their talent, and it will help them survive in a challenging industry.
But perhaps the most important lesson from Davis's story is the power of authenticity. By fully embracing who she is – her background, her experiences, her appearance – Davis has not only achieved remarkable success but has also become a force for change in her industry and beyond.
In the end, "Finding Me" is about exactly that – finding oneself. It's about the ongoing journey of self-discovery, acceptance, and growth. Viola Davis's story reminds us that this journey, while often difficult, is ultimately rewarding. It challenges us to look within ourselves, to confront our fears and insecurities, and to embrace all aspects of who we are. In doing so, we too can find the strength, resilience, and authenticity that have made Viola Davis not just a successful actor, but a powerful voice for change and a beacon of inspiration for many.