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VIOLA DAVIS FEATURE

Viola Davis grew up poor but she was determined to succeed.

And that determination paid off. She's now a successful actress. Viola has starred in films, such as the Academy Award nominated Traffic and television movies including Amy and Isabel. She has also appeared in the television series "NYPD Blue" and "Judging Amy" and played Lynette Peeler in "City of Angels."

Viola had one advantage. "My parents were not educated, but they believed in education." So, her older sister tutored Viola, and she took classes on Saturdays and during summers.

Viola uses reading and writing every day in her profession. "I read the script over and over again." She looks for details and memorizes her lines.

She also researches her character. "I write a bio for every character I play. I write out all the facts." The writing helps her understand her character. Then she writes a list of feelings the character has about herself, others and the world.

When not working, Viola likes reading for pleasure. "Some of my favorite books are about African Americans who have beat the odds."

Books on Viola's reading list:
Manchild in the Promised Land by Claude Brown
Black Boy by Richard Wright
Respect for Acting by Uta Hagen