Davis, Viola
1965- · Contribution: 2001-present
Actress & Producer
Award-winning actress and producer who became the first Black performer to achieve the 'Triple Crown of Acting' (competitive Oscar, Emmy, and Tony) and the first African American woman to win the Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series; later an EGOT winner.

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Quick facts
- Born
- 1965
- Active since
- 2001
- Category
- Arts, Music & Entertainment Tech
- Best known for
- First Black "Triple Crown of Acting"EGOT winnerEmmy for lead drama actress
Impact on the world
Davis broke through ceilings across every major performance award, insisting on complex leading roles for Black women. Her Emmy speech about opportunity became a rallying cry.
Sources
- Britannica (Viola Davis)
3 more sources and references are available to members.
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