Viola Davis Says Juilliard Trained Her To Be ‘The Perfect White Actress,’ Reveals No Classics From Black Writers Were Taught

Viola Davis Says Juilliard Trained Her To Be ‘The Perfect White Actress,’ Reveals No Classics From Black Writers Were Taught

Viola Davis is speaking candidly about her complex experience at one of the most prestigious arts institutions in the world.

During her appearance on the Talk Easy podcast, the 59-year-old EGOT winner reflected on her time at Juilliard, admitting that while she received technical training, she often felt it was rooted in white cultural standards.

When asked if the school was shaping her into a “good actress or a perfect white actress,” Viola responded:

“Definitely a perfect white actress…What it looks like…it’s technical training in order to deal with the classics—the Strindbergs, and the O’Neills, and the Chekhovs, and the Shakespeares. I totally understand that. … But what it denies is the human being behind all of that.”

 

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Viola shared that as a Black actress, she often felt her range was measured by how well she could perform “white work.” She explained that there were “parameters” placed on her that weren’t placed on her white classmates, and she was only ever taught the classics by white writers.

“So for those four years at Juilliard, all those white actors have to do is play all white characters. That’s not me…Me, I’m tasked to only do the classics, and no Black writer is included in those classics.”

Despite early doubts about being perceived as “Black enough,” Viola eventually came into her own, embracing her identity and using herself as a “canvas” to bring powerful stories to life.

Now regarded as one of the most accomplished actors of her generation, Viola Davis has delivered unforgettable performances in iconic roles, like her Emmy-winning turn as Annalise Keating in How to Get Away with Murder and her Oscar-winning performance in Fences.

Are you surprised by Viola Davis’ experience at Juilliard? Drop your thoughts below.