Viola Davis Net Worth
Viola Davis is one of the most esteemed and powerful actresses of her generation, known for her exceptional talent, groundbreaking performances, and advocacy for social change. From humble beginnings to becoming the first African-American woman to win the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, Davis has defied the odds and carved out a career that is both remarkable and inspiring. As of 2025, Viola Davis continues to captivate audiences across film, television, and the stage with her magnetic presence and unparalleled acting skills.
This article delves into Viola Davis’ impressive career, her journey to success, her current net worth, personal life, family, and more. Additionally, we will answer frequently asked questions to provide a comprehensive overview of this legendary actress.
Early Life and Background
Viola Davis was born on August 11, 1965, in St. Matthews, South Carolina, to Mary Alice and Dan Davis. She was the youngest of six children in a family that faced financial struggles and lived in poverty for much of her early life. Despite these challenges, Davis showed a passion for acting early on and took part in local theater productions. Her family moved to Rhode Island, where she attended Central Falls High School.
Davis later attended Rhode Island College, where she received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theater. After graduation, she went on to pursue an MFA at the prestigious Juilliard School in New York City. Her academic background in theater set the foundation for a future that would involve becoming one of the most celebrated actresses of her time.
Career Beginnings and Breakthrough
Viola Davis started her acting career on the stage, performing in various productions. She made her Broadway debut in 1996 in the play Seven Guitars, which earned her praise for her performance. However, her breakthrough came with her role in August Wilson’s “King Hedley II”, for which she won critical acclaim and her first Tony Award nomination.
In the early 2000s, Viola made the transition from stage to screen. She appeared in numerous television shows, including Law & Order, The West Wing, and The Practice. Davis’ television work helped establish her as a talented character actress. Her big-screen breakthrough came in Doubt (2008), where she starred alongside Meryl Streep and Philip Seymour Hoffman. Her performance as Mrs. Miller, a mother whose child’s well-being is at stake, earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
Viola Davis’ breakout role came in The Help (2011), a film based on Kathryn Stockett’s novel. Davis portrayed Aibileen, an African-American maid in the 1960s South. Her role earned her numerous accolades, including the Screen Actors Guild Award, and she was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress. This role solidified her as one of Hollywood’s leading actresses.
In 2015, Davis made history by becoming the first African-American woman to win the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her role as Annalise Keating in How to Get Away with Murder. This historic win underscored her impact not only in film but also in television, where she was already a pioneering figure.
Viola Davis’ Net Worth in 2025
As of 2025, Viola Davis has an estimated net worth of $25 million. Her wealth comes from her successful acting career, both on screen and stage, as well as her work as a producer. Throughout her career, Davis has commanded high salaries for her work in film, television, and stage performances. She has also found financial success as an executive producer, with projects such as How to Get Away with Murder and The Woman King (2022).
Key Sources of Income:
- Film Roles: Davis has starred in a number of successful films that have contributed significantly to her wealth. These include Fences (2016), where she played Rose Maxson and won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, Widows (2018), and The Suicide Squad (2021).
- Television Success: Viola Davis’ work in television, especially How to Get Away with Murder, has earned her critical acclaim and substantial compensation. In 2021, she was reported to earn over $1 million per episode of the show.
- Production: Viola Davis is also a successful producer, particularly through her production company JuVee Productions, which she co-founded with her husband, actor Julius Tennon. Through JuVee, Davis has helped bring compelling stories, particularly those of underrepresented voices, to both film and television.
- Endorsements and Deals: As a public figure and philanthropist, Davis has also secured endorsement deals and worked with brands like L’Oréal and Harper’s Bazaar. These endorsement deals further contribute to her growing fortune.
- Real Estate Investments: Viola Davis has invested in several properties, including a sprawling estate in Los Angeles and a vacation home in Rhode Island. These real estate assets add to her overall net worth.
Physical Attributes: Age, Height, Weight
- Age: Viola Davis is 59 years old as of 2025. Her birthday is August 11, 1965.
- Height: Davis stands at 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm), and her stature is often described as elegant and commanding, befitting her powerful roles on screen and stage.
- Weight: Viola Davis maintains a healthy weight of around 154 pounds (70 kg), and she is known for her advocacy of self-acceptance and body positivity. She regularly speaks about the importance of loving oneself and embracing all aspects of life.
Viola Davis continues to be an inspiration for women of all ages, showing that age and body type should never be obstacles to success.
Personal Life: Relationships and Family
Viola Davis’ personal life is marked by her strong relationship with her family and her unwavering support for social change. She married actor and producer Julius Tennon in 2003, and the couple has one daughter, Genesis Tennon, whom they adopted in 2011. The family maintains a relatively private life, but Davis often shares her deep love and gratitude for her husband and daughter on social media.
Viola has been open about the challenges she faced in her personal and professional life. She has spoken candidly about her struggles with self-esteem, race, and gender in Hollywood, using her platform to advocate for greater representation of Black women both on screen and behind the camera.
In addition to her immediate family, Viola is incredibly close with her extended family, and she often mentions her upbringing in South Carolina as a source of strength and motivation. Davis has used her public position to speak out about racial inequality, especially in Hollywood, and continues to push for greater representation of marginalized groups.
Philanthropy and Advocacy
Viola Davis has long been a passionate advocate for social change. She uses her platform and wealth to support a variety of causes, particularly those related to race, education, and women’s rights.
- Education: Davis and her husband co-founded the Viola Davis Scholarship to help students from underprivileged backgrounds attend college. The scholarship provides financial support for African-American students pursuing higher education, ensuring that they have the opportunity to succeed.
- Racial Equality: Throughout her career, Viola Davis has been vocal about the lack of representation of Black women in Hollywood. She has used her role in projects like How to Get Away with Murder and The Woman King (2022) to highlight the importance of Black voices in the entertainment industry.
- Children’s Causes: Davis is a strong supporter of organizations that advocate for children’s rights, including the Boys & Girls Club of America. She is also involved in efforts to combat child poverty and improve education for children in need.
Davis’ advocacy for social justice has earned her admiration and respect not only in Hollywood but across various sectors of society.
Legacy and Influence
Viola Davis’ legacy in Hollywood is undeniable. She has become a trailblazer, breaking barriers for African-American women and redefining what is possible in an industry that has often overlooked or underestimated the talent and potential of women of color.
As the first African-American woman to win the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, Davis’ win for Fences in 2017 was a moment of historic significance, not just for her, but for all of Hollywood. Her success, both on the big and small screen, has made her a role model for countless aspiring actors and actresses.
Beyond acting, Davis’ work as a producer, advocate, and philanthropist will ensure that her influence is felt for generations to come. Her powerful voice continues to shape the entertainment industry and will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on Hollywood’s future.
FAQs About Viola Davis
1. What is Viola Davis’ net worth in 2025?
As of 2025, Viola Davis’ net worth is estimated to be around $25 million, stemming from her successful acting career, production company, endorsement deals, and other business ventures.
2. How old is Viola Davis in 2025?
Viola Davis is 59 years old in 2025. She was born on August 11, 1965.
3. What is Viola Davis’ height?
Viola Davis stands at 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm).
4. Who is Viola Davis married to?
Viola Davis is married to actor and producer Julius Tennon, and they have one adopted daughter, Genesis Tennon.
5. What are some of Viola Davis’ most famous roles?
Viola Davis is best known for her roles in Fences (2016), The Help (2011), How to Get Away with Murder (2014–2020), and The Woman King (2022).
Conclusion
Viola Davis is an exceptional actress whose career is a testament to talent, resilience, and advocacy for underrepresented voices. With a net worth of $25 million in 2025, Davis has earned her place as one of Hollywood’s most respected and influential figures. Her remarkable performances on screen, her work as a producer, and her commitment to social justice continue to inspire audiences around the world. As she continues to break barriers and make her mark on the entertainment industry, Viola Davis’ legacy is sure to last for generations.