Viola Davis: A Life Beyond the Spotlight
On a bright winter day in Southern California, Viola Davis finds joy in the simple act of being home. A self-described “homebody” and “total introvert,” Davis cherishes the quiet moments away from the public eye. “I like just being,” she shares. “I just like to be regular. I don’t want to put on makeup. I don’t want to try to be anyone else, other than myself.” But when she *does* step into the world, Viola Davis consistently delivers magic.
From Red Carpets to Riveting Roles
Davis effortlessly captivates audiences, whether gracing a red carpet, transforming villains into compelling characters, or even convincing us she negotiated Michael Jordan’s iconic shoe deal in “Air.” Now, she’s adding another dimension to her artistry with her debut novel, “Judge Stone,” co-written with prolific author James Patterson. Patterson, known for his successful collaborations (including projects with President Bill Clinton and Dolly Parton), found a unique connection with Davis.
“And yet, meeting, writing this book, I just liked him. We just connected,” Davis explains. The collaboration sparked something special, a synergy that both authors recognize. “I think magic can happen a lot, if people would just stay open,” Patterson adds.
“Judge Stone”: Tackling Difficult Conversations
“Judge Stone” is a gripping legal thriller centered around a respected Black female circuit judge in Alabama who presides over a deeply controversial case involving a teenage girl, Nova, who is a victim of rape and undergoes an illegal abortion. The novel fearlessly addresses the sensitive topic of abortion, a deliberate choice by the authors.
“That’s why. That’s exactly why,” Patterson states. “To make it so it’s not a lightning rod. And I think that’s why this story is so good, why it’s so powerful, because we’re going into areas that people aren’t [talking about]. We need to talk about it.”
Drawing From Personal Experience
To authentically portray the victim’s experience, Davis drew upon her own personal trauma. “I felt a responsibility to women who have been sexually assaulted and raped, especially children, as I am one of them,” she reveals. “And what they also deserve is the truth of how it made them feel.”
A Legacy of Powerful Performances
Davis’s commitment to truth and vulnerability is evident in her entire body of work. Her portrayal of an agonized mother in the 2008 film “Doubt,” alongside Meryl Streep, earned her an Oscar nomination despite limited screen time. She credits her meticulous preparation, including writing detailed biographies for her characters, for her success. “We’re trying to figure out who they are,” she says. “And so, you write, and you write, and you write, and you write. And somewhere in there, something clicks.”
From Childhood Dreams to Literary Pursuits
Interestingly, Davis harbored a passion for writing long before acting. Growing up in Central Falls, Rhode Island, she dreamed of becoming an author. “I wanted to be a writer when I was nine years old; it was my fantasy,” she recalls. “I don’t know why, maybe because I loved the Bobbsey Twins books. I was like, ‘Oh. I could make a life of that.’”.
Honoring Her Past, Shaping Her Future
The themes in “Judge Stone” resonate deeply with Davis’s own life story. She believes her experiences have profoundly shaped her characters. “All of it. Every single bit of my story influenced all of these characters. I feel that it is my duty to honor six-year-old Viola. I can’t sort of think about her dimples without thinking about the fact that she always felt ugly.”
Davis seamlessly integrates her personal pain into her performances, transforming insecurity into dramatic power, culminating in an Oscar win. She even delivered a moving acceptance speech, acknowledging her husband and daughter as the foundation of her life.
A Life Beyond the Awards
Despite her EGOT status (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award winner), Davis remains grounded, sharing her home with her family and a pampered pup named Bailey. When asked if “Judge Stone” marks the beginning of a new career, she remains open to possibilities. “Perhaps. I don’t know. I don’t know what this chapter in my life is about, you know? Maybe a little bit more writing, or maybe travel, you know? Maybe just being a regular person. I think I’ve earned that, you know? EGOT is not gonna be on my gravestone, just put it that way. I don’t think there’s enough space, but ‘Beloved,’ there’s enough space for ‘Beloved,’ you know?”
Further Exploration:
James Patterson’s Website – Explore more of James Patterson’s work.
Viola Davis Official Website – Stay updated on Viola Davis’s latest projects.
