Viola Davis: A long drive to meet an amazing EGOT winner and human

Viola Davis is a renowned American actress known for her powerful performances in film, television, and theater. She has achieved significant success throughout her career, culminating in winning the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the 2016 film Fences. Davis's career has been marked by her ability to portray complex and multifaceted characters, often facing challenges and adversity. Her performances have garnered critical acclaim and numerous awards, including a Primetime Emmy Award for her lead role in the television series "How to Get Away with Murder." Beyond her acting achievements, Davis is also a vocal advocate for social justice and representation in the entertainment industry. Her talent, dedication, and commitment to meaningful storytelling have solidified her status as one of the most respected and influential actresses of her generation.

I had reached out to Viola Davis about autographing the paintings I had done of her by sending her a video mailer. In the video I told her how much I admired her acting abilities and how she uses her platform to speak positively about mental health issues. In the background were the portraits, which I had painted to be bright and joyous, a celebration of black female excellence and resilience. Not long after I sent the mailer, I received a call from her husband and business partner alerting me to the fact that Viola was willing to collaborate with me on the portraits I painted of her. He was excited for me to meet them and was so helpful in organizing the meeting. My wife, Alex, and I drove 36 hours from Wisconsin to California with the two paintings in tow. After almost running out of gas in the desert (a story for another time), we arrived at JuVee Productions in Los Angeles. But…in the midst of all of the acting, producing, meetings, travel, and family life, they had forgotten we were coming. As a last minute change, Julius and Viola were gracious enough to have us to their house instead, where they could fit our meeting into their day. (And yes, their house is gorgeous. You can get a sneak peak of it from when they were in Architectural Digest!)

Viola was so kind and complimentary, And her voice, my goodness, hearing it in person is like slipping into a warm bath. Uber talented, kind, gracious, and giving—-what more could you ask for!?