Viola Davis: A Journey Through Her Life, Career, And Achievements

Viola Davis's Impressive Net Worth and Career Milestones

Let’s talk about Viola Davis—an actress whose talent has taken her from humble beginnings to the elite ranks of Hollywood. With a net worth of $25 million, she’s not just one of the most celebrated actresses in the world but also one of the most accomplished. In February 2023, Viola joined the exclusive "EGOT" club by winning a Grammy for the audiobook version of her memoir. She’s already claimed an Academy Award, an Emmy Award, and a Tony Award, making her a true triple threat in the entertainment industry. Her Oscar came in 2017 for her unforgettable role in "Fences," while her Emmy was awarded in 2015 for her groundbreaking performance in "How to Get Away With Murder." Oh, and let’s not forget those Tonys—she won one in 2001 for "King Hedley II" and another in 2010 for "Fences." Beyond acting, Viola is also a producer and an activist who’s passionate about issues like child hunger. She’s one of the highest-paid actresses in the world, pulling in roughly $15 million between September 2019 and September 2020.

Viola Davis's Early Life: From Humble Beginnings to Hollywood Stardom

Viola Davis was born on August 11, 1965, in St. Matthews, South Carolina. Her journey didn’t start in the glitz and glamour of Hollywood—it began on a farm. But when Viola was just two months old, her family moved to Rhode Island, where she spent most of her childhood. She has five siblings, though only two sisters accompanied her to Rhode Island; the rest stayed behind with her grandparents. Her father worked as a horse trainer, and her mother was a maid and an activist in the Civil Rights Movement. Growing up in Rhode Island wasn’t easy for Viola. Her family lived in poverty, often in dilapidated apartment buildings, but that didn’t stop her from dreaming big.

It was in high school that Viola discovered her passion for acting. She threw herself into extracurricular arts programs and academies, where her natural talent quickly caught the attention of teachers and mentors. After graduating, she attended Rhode Island College, where she majored in theater. Her education didn’t stop there. After college, Viola was accepted into the prestigious Juilliard School, where she spent four years honing her craft and preparing for the stage and screen.

Read also:

Online Vs Landbased Casinos A Modern Perspective

Viola Davis's Career: Breaking Barriers and Making History

Viola’s first paid acting job came in 1996 when she landed a small role in the film "The Substance of Fire." But it wasn’t until she played Tonya in the Broadway play "King Hedley II" that she truly made her mark. This role earned her a Tony Award in 2001, marking the beginning of her rise to fame. She followed it up with a role in the off-Broadway play "Intimate Apparel" in 2004. During this time, she also appeared in several films, including "Out of Sight," "Solaris," "Traffic," and "Syriana." While some roles were brief—like her appearances in "Ocean's Eleven," "Kate & Leopold," and "Antwone Fisher"—each role added depth to her resume.

One of her most memorable performances came in the 2002 film "Far From Heaven," where she delivered a powerful performance that left audiences talking. She also booked recurring roles in popular TV shows like "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," "Traveler," and "Century City." In addition, she made a guest appearance on "Law & Order: Criminal Intent." Her big breakthrough came in 2008 with the film "Doubt," where she delivered a stunning performance in just one scene, earning numerous award nominations. In 2010, she returned to the theater world and won another Tony Award for her leading role in "Fences." That same year, she played a major role in the film "It's Kind of a Funny Story." The following year, she starred in "The Help," a film that resonated deeply with her family heritage. Her performance earned her an Academy Award nomination and two Screen Actors Guild Awards.

In 2014, Viola worked with director Tate Taylor again on "Get On Up" and landed a lead role in the TV series "How to Get Away With Murder." Her performance on the series was nothing short of extraordinary, earning her an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series—making her the first woman of color to win this award. In 2015, she appeared in "Blackhat" alongside Chris Hemsworth and executive-produced the film "Lila & Eve," where she starred alongside Jennifer Lopez. The next year, she delivered a career-defining performance in the film adaptation of "Fences," earning her an Academy Award. That same year, she appeared in "Suicide Squad" and "Custody." In 2017, she received her own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a moment she describes as one of the proudest of her life.

Viola’s career didn’t stop there. In 2018, she starred in "Widows," directed by Steve McQueen, and debuted the documentary "Two-Sides." She followed up in 2020 with another documentary called "Giving Voice." During this period, it was announced that she would reprise her role in the upcoming sequel to "Suicide Squad" and star in "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom," a film that further cemented her legacy.

Viola Davis's Personal Life: Family and Relationships

Viola Davis found love in 2002 when she married fellow actor Julius Tennon. Together, they created a blended family, with Viola becoming the stepmother to Tennon’s two children from a previous marriage. In 2011, the couple expanded their family by adopting another child. Viola’s personal life is as inspiring as her professional one, showing that success and family can go hand in hand.

Viola Davis's Real Estate: Luxury Living in Toluca Lake

In 2016, Viola purchased a luxurious estate in Toluca Lake for $5.7 million. This regal, two-story property spans 7,500 square feet and is filled with sophisticated features. The formal dining room features a glass door that leads to a 600-bottle wine cellar—a must-have for any entertainer. In keeping with Viola’s profession, the property includes a private theater with a 4K projector, perfect for movie nights. The outdoor space is just as impressive, featuring fountains, a pool, a built-in BBQ, and a fire pit. A 3-car garage completes this stunning property.

Read also:

How Much Do Our Favorite Tv Actors Really Earn

Viola also sold a property in Los Angeles in 2017 for $1.15 million. Located in the Granada Hills neighborhood of San Fernando Valley, the home features five bedrooms and five bathrooms. Interestingly, Viola purchased the property back in 2005 for $1.7 million. While it’s unclear why she accepted such a significant loss on the sale, it’s likely she was ready to move into her much more luxurious Toluca Lake home and start a new chapter in her life.