Viola Davis Career Retrospective | Legacy Collection | Conversations at the SAG-AFTRA Foundation

Viola Davis shares stories from her performances in 'The Help,' 'Doubt' and 'Fences' in this conversation about her acting career. She also speaks to her training at Juilliard, auditioning and her approach to emotionally demanding roles in this in depth discussion moderated by Jenelle Riley. The following interview was recorded on November 21, 2011.

This career retrospective is part of the SAG-AFTRA Foundation's Legacy Collection, a series of unique Conversations, recorded between 1979 and 2012, with influential actors and pioneering performers who explore the process and profession of acting. These interviews were captured on a variety of physical media formats and recently digitized in order to share with actors and the public at large.

Some of the language used may be considered dated, offensive and may be considered to perpetuate negative stereotypes. They do not represent the views of the SAG-AFTRA Foundation. Viewer discretion is advised.

Watch all of the episodes of the Legacy Collection:
   • Legacy Collection  

The views expressed in the presentation materials and films, and by the guests and moderators are solely those of the organization and/or individual providing them and do not reflect the opinions of the SAG-AFTRA Foundation, its staff or Board of Directors.

Watch Past Q&A's:
   / sagaftrafoundation  

Follow the SAG-AFTRA Foundation on social media:
Instagram:   / sagaftrafound  
TikTok   / sagaftrafound  
X:   / sagaftrafound  
Facebook:   / sagaftrafoundation  

The SAG-AFTRA Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing the most comprehensive, educational and state-of-the-art resources to SAG-AFTRA members. The Foundation believes that the contributions made to our culture by performing artists are not only valuable, but essential.

The SAG-AFTRA Foundation relies entirely on donations to provide emergency assistance and free educational programs to SAG-AFTRA artists. This conversation is made possible thanks to the generosity of our supporters.

Since 1985, the SAG-AFTRA Foundation has granted over $33 million in emergency financial assistance to SAG-AFTRA artists and families in urgent need. If you are a SAG-AFTRA artist and need help, please ask. And, if you can help, please give at: https://sagaftra.foundation/donate.

All donations are tax-deductible.