Ms Davis is to me the essence of the Black Female. She seems to radiate in her acting all the beauty, toughness and sorrow black women have and will experience.
Black actresses have rarely been given the opportunity to play "bad" people or characters who behave in a way that does harm to others, however white actresses have played evil characters for a very long time. Are you interested in playing a character who does bad things?
I have a question and a suggestion.
Question. When are you going to play Hedda Gabler? I would be happy with a Long Day's Journey or even a Cherry Orchard.
Suggestion: There is an amazing real crime story that would make a perfect vehicle for you. Oak, FL, 1952 Black women, her husband, and her white Doctor lover whom she kills.
https://www.investigationdiscovery.com/tv-shows/a-crime-to-remember/vide... …
P.S. Thank you for your extraordinary body of work. P.S.S. Widows can't open soon enough. Hugs!
The story you're talking about was made into a play that Viola starred in titled Everybody's Ruby, and I believe Viola got an Obie Award for that role. The actual cases does not involve the woman's lover but a white doctor who forced her into a sexual relationship, which was common at that time because white men still had sexual rights to black women's bodies. This was a carryover from slavery and continued in the South into the 1960's.
Despite all the raved-about roles you've played since, I can never help but think about your character Dr. Gordon in Steven Soderbergh's SOLARIS. Please tell us... what was it that Dr. Gordon had seen or experienced that left her so unwilling to interface with the alien planet in any way? A hint, if nothing else?
Can you share either your top 3 personal and/or professional challenges that have greatly influenced your career and life?
I am desperate to see Ms. Davis in a comedic role. I know she can do funny because I saw her do a very funny promo for a Jim Gaffigan show. She killed! Can we look forward to her in something that tickles the funny bone?
What was the first day of filming with Meryl Streep like?
Your performance in Fences was amazing. Do you see yourself going back to Broadway in the future?
I am interested in Viola Davis' thoughts on the recemt "Me too" case revelations involving Asia Argento, indicating that she sexually abused an underage male actor. Although I believe they are yet unsubstantiated, these accusations have certainly marred Argento's image, even though she denied them strongly, but the other person who could back her, is dead. As a woman, and an African American woman, has Viola experienced sexual harrassment in the movie industry, and what about the other side of the picture, powerful females in entertainment wielding power also abusing others?
I am studying a drama degree and currently in my final semester of university. Whilst in university, our lecturers, and tutors, bombard us with saying that we all need to see as much theatre as possible. As a broke college student, how did you manage seeing as much theatre as possible? Is this really an essential part of individual growth and learning for young actors?
What character/role has been the toughest to portray? Also, which has been the most fun to take on?
Your work has always been a huge inspiration to me! What advice would you give to young females, such as myself, who are pursuing careers in producing and directing?
I have a question for her. Has she ever considered learning to play the viola? :)