On her 58th birthday, L'OFFICIEL looks back at Viola Davis' best roles from The Help to How to Get Away with Murder.

<a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/film-tv/viola-davis-cover-winter-2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Viola Davis</a> has been acting for over two decades and her filmography is one of the most impressive in Hollywood. From her Oscar-winning role in Fences to her <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/film-tv/2022-emmy-nominations-television-entertainment" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Emmy</a>-winning portrayal of Annalise Keating in How to Get Away with Murder, it's easy to see why she's one of the best actresses of our time.&nbsp;
Davis' love of acting started in high school and she continued mastering her craft in college when she studied at Julliard. She began her professional acting career on <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/film-tv/stars-started-on-broadway-ariana-grande-nick-jonas-meryl-streep" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Broadway</a>, before transitioning to taking minor roles in movies and TV shows. With an Emmy, an <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/film-tv/academy-award-2022-oscar-snubs-nominations-lady-gaga-house-of-gucci" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Oscar</a>, and a Tony, Davis was only missing a Grammy before she could claim the coveted title of <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/film-tv/female-celebrities-egot-winners-emmy-grammy-oscar-tony" target="_blank" rel="noopener">EGOT</a> winner. In 2023 she reached that status, securing a Grammy win for narrating the audiobook of her memoir Finding Me. In honor of her 58th birthday, let's take a look at her best and most iconic roles.&nbsp;

Davis' first role in a major film came from Denzel Washington's directorial debut, Antwone Fisher. The role is small, and Davis hardly says anything, but her performance was so incredible it earned her an Independent Spirit Award nomination.&nbsp;

'Antwone Fisher'

In Doubt, Davis plays the mother of the only Black student at a Catholic school. Again, though her role isn't huge, she received praise from critics and even got her first <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/beauty/best-beauty-makeup-looks-from-the-2022-oscars" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Oscar</a> nomination.&nbsp;

'Doubt'

This <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/film-tv/best-book-to-movie-adaptations-2010s" target="_blank" rel="noopener">book-to-film adaptation</a> is one of Davis's most well-known roles. Playing a maid during the civil rights movement, Davis earned herself a Best Actress Oscar nomination, though she has expressed regrets about being a part of the movie.

'The Help'

Once again proving that no role is too small, Davis plays the mother of a missing daughter in the thriller Prisoners. Even though her scenes are limited, her range is not.

'Prisoners'

In a James Brown biopic, Davis plays the singer's mother. Starring alongside the late <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/film-tv/chadwick-boseman-daniel-kaluuya-viola-davis-dedicate-sag-award-wins-late-actor" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chadwick Boseman</a>, she shines in another emotional role.&nbsp;

'Get On Up'

In her first leading role on TV, Davis takes on the character of Annalise Keating, a criminal defense attorney and professor who finds herself in the center of a murder plot. The thriller series earned her an <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/film-tv/8-shocking-emmy-nomination-snubs-stranger-things-television" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Emmy</a>, making her the first Black woman to win for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series.&nbsp;

'How to Get Away with Murder'

Earning Davis her third <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/film-tv/actors-who-have-never-won-an-oscar-surprising-nomination-snubs-wins-celebrities-films" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Oscar</a> nomination and first win, Fences is arguably her best role. The raw emotion and intensity she pours into this character fully cemented her as one of the best actors of our time.&nbsp;

'Fences'

Following four Chicago women who attempt a <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/art/art-world-scandals-mona-lisa-banksy-anna-delvey" target="_blank" rel="noopener">heist</a>, Widows has a star-studded cast and Davis is a force to be reckoned with.&nbsp;

'Widows'

Playing the titular character, <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/film-tv/taylour-paige-ma-raineys-black-bottom-netflix-chadwick-boseman" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ma Rainey</a>, Davis expertly draws from history and still manages to make the role her own, earning her another Oscar nomination.&nbsp;

'Ma Rainey's Black Bottom' 

For one of her more recent roles, Davis takes on <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/michelle-obama-fashion-independent-american-designers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Michelle Obama</a> in <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/film-tv/viola-davis-responds-to-criticism-michelle-obama-performance-the-first-lady-miniseries-2022" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The First Lady</a>. While she received criticism for her portrayal, many were stunned by her ability to make bold choices and take on such a beloved figure.&nbsp;

Viola Davis' Most Iconic Roles

Tags

Related Articles

Film & TV

Sandra Bullock's Most Iconic Roles

Film & TV

Gillian Anderson's Most Iconic Roles

Fashion

5 Style Tips to Steal from Viola Davis

Recommended posts for you

Fashion

Emma Chamberlain, the voice of Gen Z

Fashion

Every Time David Corenswet Stepped Out Looking Like Clark Kent

Fashion

See How Fendi Did This Year's Holiday Capsule

Fashion

Mariah Carey Signs off for the Holidays With Chic Aspen Look

Pop culture

How the Royals Are Spending Christmas 2024

Fashion

The 28 Best Dressed Actors and Musicians of 2024

Fashion

See the Most Iconic, Unforgettable Runway Shows From 2024

Pop culture

Holding Space for 2024's Best Viral Pop Culture Moments