Viola Davis, an EGOT-winning actor and producer, shares her journey from a challenging childhood in Rhode Island to her groundbreaking work in film and theater. She discusses her transformative roles in projects like The Woman King and the impact of her memoir, Finding Me. Viola reveals insights from her Juilliard experience and the struggles of being a Black actress in Hollywood. With reflections on legacy and authenticity, she emphasizes the importance of representation in storytelling and connects deeply with the audience through her artistic process.
Viola Davis's early life experiences shaped her artistic expression, igniting her passion for storytelling as a means to mirror humanity.
Her role in 'The Woman King' allowed Davis to embrace her authentic self, highlighting the power of strong female representation in media.
Davis emphasizes the importance of self-love and mental health, advocating for fulfillment beyond professional accolades and societal validation.
Deep dives
Viola Davis's Journey to Becoming an EGOT Winner
Viola Davis's path to becoming an EGOT winner is marked by her humble beginnings and the rich, multifaceted experiences that shaped her artistry. Growing up as the first black family in Central Falls, Rhode Island, she encountered a world filled with complexities such as poverty, love, and abuse, all of which have informed her creative expression. Davis's introduction to acting was not merely as a profession but emerged from a deep-seated desire to convey the human experience through her work. Her early observations of life made her realize the power of storytelling, laying the foundation for her skills that would eventually earn her an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony.
The Impact of Family and Early Life
Davis's experiences with her family dynamics were deeply impactful, illustrating the struggles and resilience within her household. Her relationship with her older sister, who first prompted her to envision who she wanted to be, served as a catalyst for Davis's journey of self-discovery. The traumatic experiences of her childhood forged a path of curiosity, which Davis believes is a vital aspect of personal growth and healing. In acknowledging her family's struggles, particularly her parents' unresolved traumas, Davis highlights how these early life lessons have shaped her understanding of identity and belonging in her later career.
Finding Liberation Through Creative Expression
In discussing her role in 'The Woman King', Davis expresses how portraying a strong female character liberated her from societal limitations on femininity. This role, among others, allowed her to embrace her authentic self and define her identity beyond external expectations. The conversation extends to her belief that not every film must carry a significant message; sometimes, pure entertainment fulfills an essential purpose. Davis advocates for actors to relish their individuality and reject pressure to conform, emphasizing the importance of self-expression in artistic work.
Navigating Crisis and Meaning in Her Career
Davis reflects on personal crises after achieving professional acclaim, noting that the emptiness felt post-success reveals the need for deeper fulfillment beyond accolades. Her journey led her to realize that an artist's purpose should focus on the impact their work has on the audience rather than solely chasing recognition. She shares the importance of mental health, stressing that individuals must learn to sit with themselves and find worth independent of their accomplishments. By re-evaluating her goals and understanding that self-love is essential, Davis emphasizes the necessity of authentic connection over societal validation.
The Role of Authenticity in Storytelling
Throughout her career, Davis has focused on the importance of authentic storytelling that reflects diverse human experiences. She points out that traditional narratives often fail to represent individuals outside of mainstream standards, with many stories glossing over the complexities of black characters. Davis's commitment to changing the landscape of representation is evident through her production company, which aims to create works that reflect the true mosaic of society. By taking on roles that honor the full spectrum of individuality and vulnerability, she aims to challenge stereotypes and foster deeper understanding among audiences.
Before Viola Davis (How to Get Away with Murder) became an EGOT-winning actor, she was an observer. Her work takes the human experience and transmutes it, offering a mirror and a window into ourselves.
Today, we sit to unpack her recent, liberating projects in The Woman King (4:24) and G20 (4:50), the formative years she spent growing up in Rhode Island (13:52), and how she captured those familial memories in her 2022 memoir Finding Me (17:12). Then, we talk about Viola’s start as a performer (23:40), what she learned attending Juilliard (31:57), and the quagmire she faced as a Black actor emerging on Broadway and in Hollywood post-graduation (35:10).
On the back-half, Davis reflects on a scene from August Wilson’s play Seven Guitars (37:50), her singular experience acting alongside Meryl Streep in Doubt (47:25), and the ways her life transformed during Shonda Rhymes’ How to Get Away with Murder and Steve McQueen’s Widows (53:00). To close, Viola shares her views on legacy (1:01:05) and how she finds her way back home, each and every day (1:05:20).
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