Viola Davis

Emmy Award-winning Inside the Actors Studio, hosted by James Lipton welcomes influential thespian Viola Davis to the stage. In anticipation of the revival of Rose Maxson in Fences, the stage and screen actress and producer discusses her greatest performances and achievements. From impoverished beginnings living on welfare to attending Juilliard and ultimately receiving her first Tony for her portrayal of Tonya in King Hedley II, Davis is one of the most celebrated actresses of her generation. Since then, Davis has reached several career milestones including Oscar nominations for her performances in Doubt and The Help. Her groundbreaking Emmy Award win for her portrayal of the iconic Annalise Keating in the television series How to Get Away with Murder marked the first time an African American woman won in the category for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series. In the episode, viewers will learn how Davis challenges herself with each character that she embodies, many that escape and counter Hollywood casting stereotypes. Davis also reveals inspirations throughout her career, and how the casting of Cicely Tyson as her mother in How to Get Away with Murder brought her acting dreams full circle.