Questions for Viola: After reading 'Finding Me'
By Ashley MozingoI watched Oprah interview Viola Davis after her memoir's release and was severely disappointed. Throughout the whole interview, it seemed that Oprah only wanted to highlight the poverty Viola experienced, and even though this is a part of her story, there was so much more in her memoir.
Oprah + Viola: A Netflix Special Event
Ruven Afanador for The New York Times
Viola Davis is an EGOT member & incredible speaker, philanthropist and author. (EGOT: Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony).
The skewed interview prompted me to absorb the book and formulate my questions about the incomparable, dynamic, fierce, and beautiful—Viola Davis.
How has the power of sisterhood shaped your view and relationship with other women?
Have you ever paused and acknowledged your bravery? How often do you bask in this compassion for yourself?
Would you explore the ways Juliard exposed you to yourself?
Your experience in Africa … chills. What were your expectations for this trip? What is your advice to Black Americans/African Americans wanting to explore that part of our lives?
You speak about how beautiful of a relationship you developed with Meryl Streep—what moments were most memorable to you with the creation of Doubt (2008)?
Describe the sister-ship developed between Octavia Spencer and yourself.
As it relates to love & career fulfillment, in Chapter 13, you spoke of “…Praying for your person and your career but not— “Wisdom, self-love, and it showed.” I had to put book down on that one because whew 😰😂!
The way Viola has manifested the type of love she knew she deserves serves as a testiment the sweetness of manifestation.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY DARIO CALMESE for Vanity Fair
Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer
My overarching lessons from your memoir surround grief and grace and how understanding how the two work in your life as you arrive at your personal definition of success.
I’ve learned from you that when you operate in your gift, the world gets better.
Your expression of the nature of the acting business is honest and straightforward. Unraveling your experiences with love, kindness, family, dream reassurance, motherhood, and self-exploration truly compelled me in a multitude of ways.
You illuminate the screen and you radiate red carpets.
Thank you Mrs. Viola for sharing your journey with us.
