Let’s talk about Viola Davis, folks. This powerhouse actress isn’t just a trailblazer in Hollywood—she’s also an inspiration when it comes to embracing your body and working toward your goals. You might remember how stunning she looked at the 2018 Oscars in a Barbie-pink, skin-tight gown that had everyone talking. But what really caught my attention was her openness about her personal struggles with weight. Viola isn’t just someone who flaunts her success; she shares her journey in a way that makes us all feel connected. Keep reading to dive deeper into how she transformed her life and maintained her confidence along the way.
Viola Davis radiating confidence at the 2018 Oscars.
From Humble Beginnings to Hollywood Icon
Viola’s journey hasn’t been easy. Growing up in extreme poverty, she faced challenges that many of us can’t even imagine. “I didn’t have a lot of friends. I didn’t date or do any of that stuff. I was overweight and very, very shy,” she candidly shared with People magazine. But here’s the thing about Viola—she didn’t let those struggles define her. Instead, she channeled them into her passion for acting, which became her escape and her path to self-discovery.
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Breaking Through in Hollywood
Viola didn’t just stumble into success. Her acting career began in the mid-1990s, but it wasn’t until her role in the 2008 film Doubt that she truly broke out. In Hollywood, actresses are often asked to lose weight for roles, but Viola faced the opposite challenge when she was cast in 2011’s The Help. “It was absolutely wonderful having a practically all-female cast, there was just wonderful female energy,” she reminisced. “There were no egos, no one wanted to be the star. And we got to gain weight!”
(Photo Credit: Getty Images)
Shedding Pounds for a Role
When Viola took on the role of Susie Brown, the mother of R&B legend James Brown, in the biographical film Get on Up, she had to lose some weight. To do this, she turned to Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine diet. This intense regimen involved eating only within an eight-hour window each day and fasting for the remaining 16 hours. “For eight hours in that day, you eat anything you want. They tell you not to binge, but you choose those eight hours,” she explained to People magazine. It wasn’t easy, but Viola was determined to bring authenticity to her character.
Maintaining Her Healthy Lifestyle
Fast forward to today, and Viola is all about balance. She’s found her happy weight and credits her consistent workout routine for keeping her in shape. “You know they say 80 percent of losing weight is what you eat, and 20 percent is exercise? I got the 20 percent covered,” she told Self magazine. Whether she’s running, lifting weights, or hitting the gym at 3 a.m., Viola’s dedication is unmatched. “I’m very toned. I’m like every other woman. I’d love to be 10 pounds or 20 pounds lighter. If I’m not, I’m OK with that, too. I’m good as long as I’m healthy.”
