Viola Davis Pt. 2 : From Broadway to Hollywood's Elite

3-22-24

Every character she portrays, making her a true force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry. However, behind every Hollywood success story lies a tale of incredible risk-taking and the support of key individuals who help shape the journey. Viola Davis is no exception. From her humble beginnings in Rhode Island to her rise to stardom, Viola faced numerous challenges and took significant risks to pursue her dreams.

SHE TOOK RISKS

One of the most significant risks Viola took was when she decided to leave her stable job as a civil servant to pursue acting full-time. It was a leap of faith that many would shy away from, but Viola's passion for storytelling and her unwavering determination propelled her forward. With the support of her family and mentors, Viola dove headfirst into the competitive world of acting, determined to carve out a place for herself on the stage and screen.

Throughout her journey, Viola encountered numerous individuals who played pivotal roles in shaping her career. From her early mentors in the theater world to the casting directors who took a chance on her, Viola was fortunate to have a network of supporters who believed in her talent and potential.

One such individual was her acting teacher at the Juilliard School, where Viola honed her craft and developed her unique approach to acting. Under the guidance of this mentor, Viola learned to embrace her vulnerabilities and channel them into powerful performances that resonate with audiences to this day.

Another key figure in Viola's journey was her agent, who tirelessly advocated for her and helped secure auditions for roles that would showcase her immense talent.

It was through the dedication and perseverance of her agent that Viola landed her breakout role in the film "Doubt," alongside Hollywood heavyweights Meryl Streep and Philip Seymour Hoffman.

In 2011, Davis donated funds to her hometown public library in Central Falls, Rhode Island, to assist in preventing its closure due to a lack of city funding.In 2018, Davis donated funds to her alma mater, Central Falls High School, for its theater program.

But perhaps the most influential person in Viola's life is her husband,

Julius Tennon, who has been her rock and biggest

supporter throughout her career.

Together, they founded their own production company, JuVee Productions, with a mission to tell diverse and authentic stories that often go untold in Hollywood. Through their partnership, Viola has been able to take on roles that challenge the status quo and push boundaries, cementing her legacy as a trailblazer in the industry.

Since 2014, Davis has collaborated with the Hunger Is campaign to help eradicate childhood hunger across America.Speaking on her work, Davis said that "seventeen million kids in this country, so one in five kids in this country, go to bed hungry. I was one of those kids, because I grew up in abject poverty; I did everything that you could possibly imagine to get food: I rummaged in the garbage cans, I stole from the local store constantly."As an honoree at the 2014 Variety Power of Women luncheon, Davis further commented that "the thing that made me join...was the word 'eradicate', 'get rid of' – not by thirty-percent not by twenty-percent not by fifty-percent, but to do away [with it]. Because everyone should be a child, and should grow up and have a chance at the American dream". In September 2017, Davis started the $30K in 30 Days Project with Hunger Is, awarding a $1,000 grant to the Rhode Island Community food bank in her home state.

With an emphasis onhealth and healing, Davis helps as best she can. As part of her partnership with Vaseline to promote the Vaseline Healing Project, Davis attended the groundbreaking of a free community health center in Central Falls, Rhode Island in October 2016 that was sponsored by the project.

The project provides dermatological care to help heal the skin of those affected by poverty around the world. She was also a speaker at the 2018 Women's March event in Los Angeles.

As we continue to celebrate the incredible career of Viola Davis, it's important to recognize the risks she's taken and the people who have helped her along the way. From her humble beginnings to her status as one of Hollywood's most revered talents, Viola's journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and the unwavering support of those who believe in you.