‘There are no such roles’


In recent years, some of the top Hollywood stars have voiced their struggles within the industry. The “Time’s Up” movement, for example, helped shed light on the despicable actions that take place behind closed doors. And there are a lot more problems where that came from. Even a star as seemingly infallible as Viola Davis has faced many adversities in Hollywood.

Viola Davis at the premiere of 'Troop Zero'
Viola Davis at the premiere of ‘Troop Zero’ | Rodin Eckenroth / Getty Images

Viola Davis has struggled to get ahead in Hollywood

For many years, Davis tried to make a name for himself in the business. In the late 1990s and during the 2000s, he starred in opposite icons such as Denzel Washington and Meryl Streep. However, despite joining high-profile projects, Davis hasn’t really been in the limelight.

In 2008, he received his first Academy Award nomination for Doubt. But neither that movie nor the more conventional success of Aid led Davis to bigger roles. For the most part, she has been relegated to supporting parts in ensemble films like Prisoners, Get upand Suicide Squad.

Even his eventual Oscar win for 2016 Fences – co-starring and directed by Washington – recognized Davis’ performance as a supporting role. In the eyes of many industry experts, her role in the film is a major part. And the actor was so frustrated with his film work that he turned to television.

RELATED: Viola Davis Says ‘How To Escape The Murder’ Turned Her Brain Into ‘Mush’

The actor considers this 2018 movie to be the only exception.

After six seasons, Davis has completed his career in the ABC drama How to escape murder. And many wonder why he didn’t stick to the movies anyway. In a new Vanity Fair interview, Davis noted the only time her acting career led to a true lead role on the big screen.

“I always ask them, what movies? What were those movies? she said. “Listen, I have Widows, but if I relied on the Hollywood pipe … No, there are no such roles. “

In that 2018 thriller, Davis plays the leader of a group of women who plans to steal $ 5 million from a Chicago politician. Widows It also marked the highly anticipated follow-up to director Steve McQueen. 12 years of slavery. The film essentially broke even at the national box office. Additionally, it serves as Davis’ first and only unequivocal performance.

RELATED: ‘How To Escape The Murder’: Why Viola Davis Says She Was Practically Forced To Work On The Series

What does the Oscar winner have next?

Many people who have worked with Davis, including Washington and McQueen, testify both to his bold talent and how unappreciated he is in the business, especially compared to his peers. However, since Widows, she only appeared in a single movie, Amazon Studios’ Troop Zero.

Maybe now that How to escape murder Finished, Davis will be able to sink his teeth into some juicier movie roles. Looking to the future, she will repeat it Suicide Squad role for the sequel / reboot of James Gunn. And she will lead the drama Ma Rainey black background, based on the work of August Wilson.