Viola
The nominations for film work keep coming, but for actor, producer, mentor and new mom Viola Davis, it all started with a love of the theater by LESLIE GORNSTEIN / photographs by RUVEN AFANADOR / styling by HAYLEY ATKIN / produced by HANNAH HARTE
Viola Davis is wearing a pair of slipper socks striped in DayGlo pink and purple. They whisper across the floor of her Granada Hills living room as she sings to her newly adopted 19-month-old daughter. Genesis has just woken from her nap, has milk on her face and is still cute enough to be on a baby-food jar. “Heeeeeey, Mama,” Davis coos.
In a voice barely over a whisper, she encourages little Genesis to dance. The baby sways in time to her mother’s singing, grinning widely. If this kid does decide to make her life in the Biz, she won’t be the first to count Davis as a career counselor.
“I have so many young people that come to the house I can’t even count,” Davis says. “They come to L.A. feeling lost. Some want to be actors, some don’t. They just want to be somebody.”
Those lucky souls could do far worse in the mentor department. Davis is one of the most electrifying actresses of her generation. Her 2010 role as Rose, opposite Denzel Washington, in the Broadway hit Fences burned up the boards with such intensity it earned Davis a Lead Actress Tony. As a conflicted mother in 2008’s Doubt, she built a character as nuanced as costar Meryl Streep’s prickly, compassionate nun. Streep had a whole movie to shine; Davis worked her magic in one eight-minute scene, and the performance earned her a Supporting Actress Oscar nom.
Doing more with less—that’s quintessential Davis. In The Help, Davis breathed three dimensions into circumspect housemaid Aibileen Clark, a role that required the actress to deadpan and repress her way through the Jim Crow–era South. It was an understated performance that has managed to garner as much awards-season buzz as your more gaily painted characters, à la Rooney and Michelle. The Hollywood Foreign Press and Screen Actors Guild honored her in The Help with best-performance nominations, and as we close this issue, Davis has just locked an Oscar nom. And it’s not hard to see why.
Rewatch the scene where Emma Stone says she wants her input about “what it’s like to work as a maid.” It takes less than two seconds—no words spoken, just eyes and shoulders—to see Aibileen’s day has just gone from bad to Mississippi awful. “She can rip your soul out with a look,” says costar Octavia Spencer.
Davis prefers characters like that: underrated, slow burners, still waters that run deep. “Human life is about a culmination of moments, and 99 percent of those are quiet but powerful,” she insists. “I am always interested and intrigued with watching that.” She likes to cite an acting tip credited to David Mamet: “If you’re looking at an actor onstage with a cat, who are you going to look at, the actor or the cat? The cat, because the cat is just being a cat.”
Indeed, Davis does make any scene look as easy as a tabby stretching in a sun patch. Her latest role is in the Tom Hanks starrer—and Best Picture nominee—Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, which she took to work with actors Max von Sydow and Jeffrey Wright.
But Davis’ rise has not been an easy one. She “came from nothing, came from poverty”—one of six children of a horse groom and a maid raised in the hardscrabble town of Central Falls, Rhode Island. “I never had a phone,” she recalls. She once told Charlie Rose that her shoes “always had holes in them.” Central Falls is still so poor it recently filed for bankruptcy. Its struggling library received a $1,000 cash infusion in November. It came from Viola Davis.
Davis prefers characters like that: underrated, slow burners, still waters that run deep. “Human life is about a culmination of moments, and 99 percent of those are quiet but powerful,” she insists.
Despite that background, or because of it, Davis nursed her acting ambitions early and often. “Even back when I was 11, I knew that Isabel Sanford from The Jeffersons came from the stage,” Davis says. “I never watched the Oscars, but I watched the Tonys every year. I wanted to be onstage. I wanted to be like Colleen Dewhurst or Jane Alexander—one of those great ladies of the theater, doing Ibsen and Shakespeare.”
As a teen, Davis got her own mentor. At a drama festival, she caught the attention of Bernard Masterson, then the director of the theater program at Salve Regina University in Rhode Island. He called Davis’ high school and awarded her a scholarship. She eventually landed at the famed Juilliard School, where she studied for four years.
Over the next two decades, Davis wowed Broadway and impressed big-name film directors. Steven Soderbergh cast her in Out of Sight and has worked with her two times since then. She won her first Tony in 2001, for her work in King Hedley II as a mother fighting for her own abortion rights. But superstar status never materialized. For an actress, a complex, meaty role is like a ladder—you use it to climb up the Hollywood ranks and get yourself A-listed.
But early on for Davis, those opportunities were few. “That really is our plight, especially as women of color,” she says. “You can have all the training in the world, come from a respectable background and yet never get that big opportunity that breaks you out—never.”
Instead she found herself appearing in prime-time procedurals. With a docket full of credits on NYPD Blue, CSI, Law & Order (Criminal Intent and Special Victims Unit), The Practice, The Division ad infinitum, she could likely cite criminal law like a beat cop.
“You can be in the business for 23 years, which I have been, and suddenly something happens that wakes people up. For me, that was being in a movie with Meryl Streep, Amy Adams and Philip Seymour Hoffman,” Davis says of Doubt. “It makes people realize you’re there. Otherwise you’re that black girl who had a guest or costar role in a TV show here or there.”
It’s not that Davis isn’t grateful. “I don’t feel bitterness,” she insists. But even as a second Oscar campaign awaits for her part in The Help, Davis is not afraid to point out the weaknesses in her industry. Her next target isn’t another lead role. It’s producing, a task she feels she must undertake if she and other black actresses are to get more fulfilling work. Young people need to be mentored to aspire to something fulfilling.
“I am doing this out of necessity,” she says. “If I am not the instrument of change, I can meander through this business and be the black woman who always has two or three scenes but with fabulous actors around me.”
To that end, she has optioned The Personal History of Rachel DuPree, a sweeping novel about an African-American woman struggling to farm the Badlands in 1917. She is developing a new picture—a thriller with Spencer as a coproducer—but is always on the lookout. “I have a stack of books in mind,” she says.
It includes a bit of everything—historical dramas, which Davis loves, but also just plain, good literature. “There are great characters in history whose stories need to be told,” she says. “But also, look at this year’s line-up: Melancholia, Young Adult...Someone just had imagination, put pen to paper and created a [whole] human being. That is what I hope for myself...for a number of black actresses.”
Davis insists she’ll still make the time for aspiring actors who need her encouragement. But as a new producer, she realizes she herself may need a fresh benefactor or two. “We’ll see,” she says with a smile. “I’m hoping there are enough people out there who will have my back.”
MAKEUP: Francesca Tolot / Cloutier Remix
HAIR: Jamika Wilson / Epiphany Agency
MANICURE: Lisa Jachno / Aim Artists
Categories: Celebrities / Conversations / Fashion / Feature Story / Film / Photos / Pictorials
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Viola Davis is such an inspiration to me...
Posted by: C. Swanson | 02/02/2012 at 08:37 PM
viola looks amazing! so refreshing to see her with her natural hair.
this is a beautiful shoot and an awesome cover.
Posted by: mt | 02/02/2012 at 10:43 PM
Beauty at it's finest.
Posted by: ProducingRules | 02/04/2012 at 06:52 AM
Beautiful!!!
Posted by: Sharon J | 02/04/2012 at 07:08 PM
Stunning photos
Posted by: lovely | 02/05/2012 at 07:55 AM
Beautifully written.
I love the photo shoot as well as Viola's insight about working in Hollywood. I wish her well. But with her willingness is reach back to help others and forward to help herself, she probably doesn't need my wishes.
Posted by: LaQueshia | 02/05/2012 at 11:25 AM
W.O.W. Stunning!!!
Posted by: TraceyW | 02/05/2012 at 11:35 AM
She is so inspirational!
Posted by: Mads | 02/05/2012 at 03:24 PM
Viola looks amazing. She looks younger with her Natural Hair. Love all the outfits she is wearing.
Posted by: Michi | 02/05/2012 at 05:32 PM
Loving Viola's TWA natural! The pics are gorgeous.
Posted by: deep.honey | 02/05/2012 at 10:09 PM
One word. FIERCE!!!!
Posted by: Tania | 02/06/2012 at 01:52 PM
She is truly stunning.
Posted by: LOR | 02/06/2012 at 03:51 PM
Absolutely Beautiful!
Posted by: Thecrem | 02/06/2012 at 05:14 PM
Viola is stunning! I have known her since High School. We both attended Central Falls High graduating int he class of 1983. I still have the yearbook to prove it! She has done well for herself and followed her dream. What she does not know is that I too live in the Los Angeles area and would love to get in touch. Not sure how she can be reached as she is famous and I am not! :-) I am proud of what she has become though!
Posted by: Daryl | 02/06/2012 at 05:27 PM
I love the profile of Ms. Davis, and loved the photos, too--until I saw the one with the fox fur. I'm very disappointed you chose to include it in your photo shoot. There are no laws governing the treatment of fur-bearing animals, and foxes are usually killed by anal electrocution--that is, if they're not skinned alive and left to die in the snow. Fur=torture. Don't promote it!
Posted by: Julia Spencer | 02/06/2012 at 06:02 PM
Stunning!!! I love all the dresses too!
Posted by: Rochelle Warren | 02/07/2012 at 05:57 AM
Stunning pictures! Viola is just gorgeous. Until now she always looked like "Aunt Viola". Her natural hair enhances her beautiful features and restores her youth.
Posted by: Rose K | 02/07/2012 at 08:10 AM
Somtimes...a woman just has to mix it up (in answer to the wig wearing for Hollywood events)..I understand...but oh how really really B.E.A.U.T.I.F.U.L.!!!! the garments, the style, makeup oh and the H.A.I.R..and of course it was not for Ms Viola Davis it would not even be possible! the acting is S.U.P.E.R.B!! thank you Viola for keeping it R.E.A.L. your Fan!!1
Posted by: D Johnson in So Cal | 02/07/2012 at 10:19 AM
Gorgeous Photos. Honest Interview. Loves it!
Posted by: Tania | 02/07/2012 at 01:32 PM
Love the fact that she's stepping up and producing new works. This is just what it's going to take to bring more substantial roles for actors of color in film. Kudos Viola D! Love the images!
Posted by: Edwina@FASHION+ART | 02/07/2012 at 03:10 PM
Absolutely gorgeous; Effortless nautural beauty......
Posted by: Cmills | 02/07/2012 at 07:35 PM
A work of art......, designed by God.
Posted by: Cmills | 02/07/2012 at 07:38 PM
I've never seen Viola looking more beautiful... Simply Stunning!
Posted by: Hal | 02/07/2012 at 11:36 PM
Viola should NEVER look at another wig again!!!! This look is FABULOUS for her.
Posted by: GiGi | 02/08/2012 at 06:53 AM
Every so often someone inspirational comes along and the inspiration comes from the truth of their existence. Viola Davis is that kind of person, living honestly.
Posted by: Israel Segal | 02/08/2012 at 10:37 AM
She is absolutely stunning and inspirational women! I wished more of my peers looked up to women like her! Thank you for these love photos!
Posted by: 17again | 02/08/2012 at 05:03 PM
...thanks so much for mentioning you have recently adopted a 19month old child...African proverb...there may never be a more perfect time to become a parent and TEACH...so why not!! B.E.L.I.E.V.E again in one's self...how C.O.N.F.I.D.E.N.T.!..all the best to mother and child.
Posted by: D Johnson in So Cal | 02/08/2012 at 10:00 PM
Viola-sooo beautiful and talented.
Posted by: Olyvia | 02/09/2012 at 08:36 AM
Viola embrace the authentic you!!! Those pictures are stunning!
Posted by: barb | 02/09/2012 at 10:38 AM
Embracing the true you and I am loving it. Great job !
Posted by: Butterfly | 02/09/2012 at 10:49 AM
Viola looks absolutely like an african queen!!! She's beautful..My wish is that Hollywood recognizes her beauty and talent as one.
We are talented and beautiful no matter what the texture of our hair or shade of skin ..
Viola congrats and God bless!!
toni~
Posted by: L mosley | 02/09/2012 at 08:07 PM
GO HEAD VIOLA!!!!!!! You look wonderful!!! I have been a fan for years.....
Posted by: RaeLachelle | 02/10/2012 at 02:21 PM
my new girl crush. i am so inspired by her. so blessed to have her represent me! GOD BLESS VIOLA and her family!
Posted by: teresa | 02/15/2012 at 08:06 PM
I just finished watching Viola on the OWN network in an interview with Oprah. She is absolutely beautiful both inside and out. Love the new look! I also loved hearing about her struggles to her triumphs! Thanks for keeping it real. May God continue to bless you in each and every endeavor!
Posted by: Cynde | 02/15/2012 at 11:15 PM
Beautiful!
Posted by: Daniel Redd | 02/16/2012 at 08:35 AM
I love this article about Viola Davis. She is a triple threat, brilliantly creative, beautiful and awe inspiring. What's not to love. I can't wait to hear about what books she wants to make into movies!
Posted by: Erika J. | 02/16/2012 at 08:35 AM
Viola, go on with your bad self!!!!
Posted by: Doris Rogers | 02/16/2012 at 01:54 PM
Antwone Fisher was Viola Davis' breakout film role for me. Just thinking of her portrayal of Fisher's mother nearly brings me to tears. I'm so happy to see such a deserving (and beautiful) actress get the recognition she deserves. Oh, and I LOVE the hair.
Posted by: A Price | 02/16/2012 at 09:49 PM
Wow! Gorgeous!
Posted by: Double Stitch Twins | 02/18/2012 at 04:44 PM
Thank you for encouraging Viola to show us her true beauty. When we say " black is beautiful", I say, don't you look no further.
Posted by: Rene' Tillotson | 02/21/2012 at 01:38 PM
Viola would have looked better if she had her hair colour was black. She looked very good in the green dress at the Oscars but a black hair would have looked better.
Posted by: Simone | 02/27/2012 at 02:56 PM
Viola is just awesome. Lovely in body, mind and spirit. And pretty too!
Posted by: bettykay | 02/28/2012 at 11:02 AM
Viola is what African American women are: beautiful within and without, determined, courageous, and full of love and spreading that love in ways only we, as uniquely created as we are...can.
Thank you Viola. Celebrating your journey and the path you are driving for our young ones. We all have our work to do...you have engoured me in mine.
Oh and always been a fan!
Posted by: WalkingByFaith | 03/15/2012 at 10:09 AM