Viola Davis’s journey from abject poverty to becoming a celebrated actress is a testament to her resilience and determination. Born on August 11, 1965, in St. Matthews, South Carolina, she was the second youngest of six children. Her early years were marked by extreme hardship, living in a one-room shack on her grandmother’s farm—a property that had once been a plantation. Seeking better opportunities, her family relocated to Central Falls, Rhode Island, but their struggles persisted. They resided in a condemned building without functioning plumbing or heating, and rats were a constant menace, often chewing through their belongings and even leaping onto beds at night. Food insecurity was a daily reality; after their food stamps were depleted, Davis and her siblings would scavenge in garbage bins or resort to stealing from stores. At nine years old, she was caught stealing, an experience that left a lasting mark of shame. School lunches often provided her only reliable meals. ([news.amomama.com](https://news.amomama.com/447424-this-girl-grew-up-in-poverty-with-5.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
Despite these adversities, Davis found solace and purpose in the performing arts. She discovered acting during her time at Central Falls High School, recognizing it as a means to escape her circumstances. Her talent earned her a scholarship to the Young People’s School for the Performing Arts in West Warwick, Rhode Island. She later attended Rhode Island College, graduating in 1988, and subsequently honed her craft at the prestigious Juilliard School in New York City.
Davis’s career began on the stage, where she garnered critical acclaim and won a Tony Award for her role in “King Hedley II” in 2001. Transitioning to film and television, she delivered powerful performances in movies like “Doubt” (2008) and “The Help” (2011). Her portrayal of Annalise Keating in the television series “How to Get Away with Murder” (2014–2020) further cemented her status as a leading actress. In 2016, she starred in “Fences,” a role that earned her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.
Throughout her ascent to stardom, Davis has remained candid about her impoverished upbringing. In her memoir, “Finding Me,” she delves into the shame and trauma of her early years, stating, “What I felt was a complete absence of love.” She emphasizes the importance of confronting and discussing these painful experiences to heal and move forward. ([news.amomama.com](https://news.amomama.com/447424-this-girl-grew-up-in-poverty-with-5.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
Her personal history has fueled her advocacy against childhood hunger and poverty. Through her involvement with the Hunger Is campaign, Davis has helped raise over $4.5 million to provide nutritious meals to children in need. She passionately believes that in a wealthy nation like the United States, no child should go hungry. Reflecting on her journey, Davis contrasts her past with her present life, acknowledging the profound transformation from “living in a condemned building with rats” to enjoying the comforts of her current success. ([news.amomama.com](https://news.amomama.com/447424-this-girl-grew-up-in-poverty-with-5.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
Viola Davis’s story is not just one of personal triumph but also a beacon of hope and inspiration. Her unwavering commitment to her craft and her dedication to advocacy work exemplify how one can rise above dire circumstances to make a significant impact on the world.
