Inside the Actors Studio Season 21 Episode 1 Viola Davis
- January 5, 2017
Inside the Actors Studio season 21 episode 1 features the award-winning actress Viola Davis. This episode is an in-depth look at her life, career, and the experiences that shaped her into the exceptional actress she is today.
The episode opens with the host, James Lipton, introducing Viola Davis as "one of the most esteemed actresses of our time." The audience cheers as Viola walks onto the stage, looking beautiful in a black dress. The set is simple, with just two armchairs and a small coffee table, creating an intimate atmosphere.
James Lipton starts the interview by asking Viola Davis about her early life growing up in poverty in South Carolina, and how her difficult childhood shaped her into the person she is today. Viola talks about her struggles with poverty and racism, and how she found solace in acting. She recalls her days in college where she originally studied theatre, and how it felt like a safe space where she could express herself.
The conversation then moves onto Viola's acting career. She talks about her early days in Hollywood, where she struggled to get roles that were not confined to racial stereotypes. She speaks about the importance of representation and creating dynamic, complex roles for actors of color. James Lipton asks her about her method of preparing for a role, and Viola answers that she approaches each character from a place of empathy, trying to understand them as fully as possible in order to bring them to life on screen.
During the episode, viewers get a behind-the-scenes look at some of Viola's most iconic performances, including her role as Aibileen Clark in "The Help," and her Emmy-winning role as Annalise Keating in "How to Get Away with Murder." Viola discusses her approach to these characters, how she approached their emotional arc and how she navigated intense scenes.
In one of the most emotional moments of the episode, Viola talks about the impact of her Oscar-nominated performance in the film "Doubt." She reveals that her mother was a victim of sexual assault, and that playing the role of a woman who is accused of molesting a child was deeply personal for her. She speaks about how this role gave her a chance to explore the ways in which trauma can shape a person, and how difficult it can be to find redemption in the face of such accusations.
Throughout the episode, Viola is warm, engaging, and candid about her life and career. She shares stories about working with fellow actors, directors, and writers, and discusses what she has learned about the art of acting over her decades-long career. The conversation is a testament to her talent and dedication, and viewers will come away with a deeper understanding of what it takes to become one of Hollywood's leading actresses.
Overall, Inside the Actors Studio season 21 episode 1 featuring Viola Davis is a must-watch for anyone interested in acting, film, or television. James Lipton and Viola Davis have a natural rapport, and viewers will feel like they are sitting in on a conversation between two old friends. Whether you are a longtime fan of Viola Davis or are just discovering her work, this episode is sure to leave a lasting impression.
