Viola Davis, born on August 11, 1965, in St. Matthews, South Carolina, emerged from humble beginnings to become one of the most acclaimed actresses of her generation. Raised in a large family facing financial hardship, she discovered her passion for acting during her teenage years and went on to earn a scholarship to the prestigious Juilliard School, graduating in 1993. Early in her career, Davis worked extensively in theater, honing her craft with performances that demonstrated both intensity a