Viola Davis

"The more Im pushed in a position of leadership and I know I have to be the mouthpiece for so many other people who cant speak for themselves, the more confidence Im gaining."

"The one thing I feel is lacking in Hollywood today is an understanding of the beauty, the power, the sexuality, the uniqueness, the humor of being a regular Black woman."

"I will not be a mystery to my daughter. She will know me and I will share my stories with her—the stories of failure, shame and accomplishment. She will know shes not alone in that wilderness."

"“They say to serve is to love. I think to serve is to heal, too.”"

"“You find people in your life who love you, They give you permission to be able to love yourself. That permission was life-changing for Davis. When you are in the face of compassion and empathy, it’s amazing how it kills shame, Because you’re seen for something way for valuable than your circumstance.”"

"“I’m living for my peace and my joy,”"

"‘You can either leave something for people or you can leave something in people’"

"Critics absolutely serve no purpose."

"It’s only been recently that I can admit that I would jump in trash bins looking for food and I would steal from the corner store because I was hungry. I would fall asleep in school on a daily basis because we had nothing."

"They say the two most important days in a persons life were the day you were born and the day you discover why you were born."

"Whats released me most from the fear of aging is self-awareness. Ive never determined my value based on my looks or anything physical. Ive been through a lot in life, and what has gotten me through is strength of character and faith."

"Artists and actors of color have to alter and water ourselves down for Hollywood, but I refuse to be pacified."