We frequently turn to photographs to reminisce about our younger days and recall memories from our childhood. In this article, we focus on Viola Davis, who has just one childhood photo—a picture from her kindergarten days.
Viola Davis grew up facing significant challenges and poverty. Although her parents held steady jobs in a factory, their income was insufficient. They depended on food stamps, which often ran out before the next supply arrived.
As a result of the limited food at home, Davis frequently experienced intense hunger. The only reliable meal she received each day was her school lunch.
- Life at home was filled with various challenges. The brutal winters were tough to endure, and at night, rats would often invade the house.
Despite facing such hardships, Davis remained hopeful about her future. She had always aspired to make something of herself, so she utilized her education and creativity to pursue her dreams.
Davis was born in a small one-room shack on her grandmother’s farm in South Carolina, which had once been a plantation. Eventually, the family relocated to Rhode Island in search of a better life, but they were never free from the grip of poverty.
When Davis was just nine years old, she was caught stealing, an incident that left a lasting impact on her. She recalled, “The store owner yelled at me to leave, looking at me as if I were worthless.”
- After fully embracing her education and engaging in numerous extracurricular activities, she recognized a chance to break free. This included her passion for writing skits with her siblings, and eventually, she became a part of the Upward Bound Program, which supports students from low-income families.
A scholarship from Rhode Island College played a significant role in her journey. She pursued a major in theater, where one of her professors recognized her immense potential.
Upon graduating, she auditioned for Juilliard and secured one of the 14 coveted spots available. Gaining admission to Juilliard marked a pivotal moment in her life.
At just 29, she starred in August Wilson’s play, Seven Guitars, earning a Tony Award nomination. She recalled that her parents were in the audience on opening night, and her father was moved to tears. In that moment, she felt reassured that she had made the right decision.
In 2008, she received an Oscar nomination for her performance in Doubt, quickly becoming a well-known name.
Three years later, she appeared in The Help, earning another Oscar nomination. Additionally, she won an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her role in “How to Get Away with Murder.”
In 2016, she starred in Fences, winning an Oscar and establishing herself as one of the most respected actresses of her generation. Beyond her acting career, she has also dedicated herself to helping those in need.
Looking back on her childhood, she became a strong advocate for those facing hunger and poverty, collaborating with the Hunger Is campaign. This initiative raised over $4.5 million to ensure children have access to nutritious meals.
Davis tied the knot with Julius Tennon, an actor and producer, and together they adopted a daughter named Genesis. She shared her thoughts on motherhood, stating, “You might be a poor actor, but you can never be a poor mother.”
In 2020, she purchased the rundown house in South Carolina where she was born. She expressed, “This is the house where I came into the world on August 11, 1965. It marks the beginning of my journey. Today, as I celebrate my 55th birthday… I own it… every bit of it.”
Starting from modest origins, Davis achieved fame and demonstrated that with dedication, anything can be accomplished.
