Viola Davis Talks Colorism and Racism in Hollywood Ahead of New Memoir Release
Viola Davis discussed the devastating issues she has faced in Hollywood for being a Black woman in a lengthy New York Times interview. The actress detailed the overt discrimination Black women face in the industry.
It is a gross understatement to say that Viola Davis is one of the best actresses of this era. Despite the obstacles she has faced in her career, she has overcome them all with grace and poise. The Academy Award-winning actress is ready to tell her story, admitting that she was initially both “excited” and “terrified.”
Back in July, Davis announced her upcoming memoir, Finding Me. The memoir covers an array of subjects ranging from her early childhood in Rhode Island, her education at Julliard, her impressive acting career, co-founding JuVee Productions, activism, philanthropy, and family life.
A part of Davis’ career that cannot be ignored centers around the colorism she experienced in portraying her most legendary role to date: Annalise Keating. Her career exploded after being cast as the exceptional lawyer in the legal drama series, How To Get Away with Murder. Throughout the groundbreaking six-season series, Davis would go on to win a history-making Emmy in 2015, cementing herself as a force in the industry.
Despite Davis’ well-deserved recognition and fame, she reveals heartbreaking details about being scrutinized for her looks and darker skin tone. Davis recalls, “A friend had come to me after overhearing several actors and actresses — all of whom were Black — say that ‘she wasn’t pretty enough to pull it off’.” These comments felt impossible for the actress to shake, despite the various colorist, racist, and anti-Black slurs that have been hurled her way all her life.
Finding Me is another chance for Davis to use her platform to educate people on inclusivity and diversity in the entertainment industry. Viola Davis’ memoir, Finding Me, is available to order at select bookstores. You do not want to miss this honest, vulnerable journey.
Writer | Tweet me @court__giles
